It’s difficult not to feature the Smithsonian Institution yet again in our list of amazing museums for students, because they have so many facilities to choose from.  This one is a must-see attraction for Washington D.C. student tours.

This museum showcases an innate human desire – that of flight and discovery even as it extends to the far reaches of space.  The museum celebrates that desire by displaying and discussing the accomplishments we’ve made so far – from the Spirit of St. Louis (pictured here by Brian Finifter on Flickr) to the plane created by the Wright brothers and every innovative step beyond.

This museum captures beautifully the American spirit to explore and to invent even in the face of near impossibility and various difficulties along the way.  It is filled with air and space artifacts – a greater collection of them than any other in the world.  Students will love to see the Apollo 11 command module, actual moon rocks, and an entire exhibit devoted to the jet age.  Students today may not even realize the profound change on international travel and commerce since the invention of the jet engine.  Imagine what their own minds can create to change the future to that same degree.  The inspiration they’ll receive from this amazing museum is a brilliant place to start. 

Everyone loves a great success story – like that of the human invention of flight – and everyone appreciates the mysterious – like the limitless boundaries of space.  The Air and Space Museum celebrates them both, educating and inspiring as they go, and will therefore thrill each and every visitor who steps aboard.

I don’t know why the Smithsonian Institution makes the names of their museums such a mouthful.  It sort of sets them up as something no student would ever willingly enter.  Like a textbook between walls.  But that would be such a misconception.  The Smithsonian’s museum of natural  history is more like the universe between walls.  It is full of wonders – large and small – that make our planet amazing.  Things no one person could discover on their own.  The building is recognizable by its warm, green dome, and by the time you leave you’ll understand how the color of life so perfectly represents the spirit of our earth.

The fascination you feel from the moment you enter this beautiful museum might surprise you.  The exhibitions are filled with details about our earth and our natural history that you have not even imagined.  You’ll discover natural treasure from the land and the sea as well as our unique human connection to them throughout our history.  We all find ocean life to be somewhat of a mystery, and the museum has exhibits that shed some light on that expansive part of our globe.  But the land has mysteries as well – especially when you consider its full history.  You’ll be shocked and amazed by the curious gem stones gathered from our earth.  And surely you’ll join other visitors in finding the results of our combined research about dinosaurs one of the most fascinating in the museum.

But not all wonders are oversized.  The museum’s collection includes millions of insects and plants carefully preserved for you to discover their complexities for yourself.  The museum explores every aspect of our soil and helps us navigate the atmosphere, which protects our planet with its perfect, miraculous balance.

The temporary exhibitions in this museum uncover all kinds of mysteries.  You’ll find something new here every time you visit.  It’s a beautiful museum that will open your eyes to the wonders all around you, and it is perfect for Washington D.C. student tours.

(Photo of the Science on a Sphere exhibit by woodleywonderworks on flickr).