Drawing Classes

Come be a part of the museum community. Drawing classes offer kids the opportunity to learn drawing techniques and examine the museum's collections more closely. Classes are taught by educator and illustrator Erica Beade.

Registration: Class sizes are limited and advance registration is required.  Register online. For questions, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  or call 617.495.2341.

Cancellations: You may cancel up to two weeks before the class and receive a refund less a $15 fee. After that time, no refund can be made. A full refund is issued if the museum cancels the program.

Summer Science Weeks

Spend a week of your summer in the museum! Through activities, games, and study in the galleries, students will learn and have fun. Class sizes are limited and advance registration is required. Review the descriptions below and register online. For questions, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Investigating Animals

(entering grades 3–5)

July 8–12, 2013, 9:30–noon

Tap into your natural curiosity about animals through this class featuring live reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates from the teaching collection. Observe amazing animal colors and shapes and develop testable scientific questions about how and why animals do what they do.

Fees: $170 nonmembers/$150 members. Register online.

Earth Explorers

Students entering grades 1–3

July 15–19, 2013, 9:30–noon

This class is full. Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to be put on the wait list.

Our planet is an exciting place! Explore geology and paleontology using the museum’s collection and exhibits. Study rocks, fossils, volcanoes and earthquakes through experiments, specimens, stories and models.

Fees: $170 nonmembers/$150 members. Register online.

In the Forest

Students ages 4–5 with one adult

July 15–19, 2013, 9:30–noon

Explore the wonders of New England’s forests inside the museum! Investigate, explore, and learn through stories, songs, hands-on activities, crafts, observations of live animals, and gallery explorations. This program is designed for an adult/child team to work and learn together.

Fees: $170 nonmembers/$150 members. Register online.

Megalodon, Smilodon, Pteranodon

Students entering grades 5–7

July 22–26, 2013, 9:30–noon

Investigate ancient worlds revealed through fossils. From million-year-old saber tooth cats to 500 million year old trilobites, we will closely study ancient specimens in the galleries and classroom, visit Harvard’s fossil research collections and meet a university paleontologist.

Fees: $170 nonmembers/$150 members. Register online.

Amazing Animals

Students entering grades 1–3

July 22–26, 2013, 9:30–noon

This class is full. Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to be put on the wait list.

From slow-moving sloths to fast-swimming sharks, from tiny insects to giant whales, the world is full of amazing animals. Travel through the museum’s exhibits to learn about animals from around the world and your own backyard. Explore your questions by making crafts, playing games, and looking at live animals.

Fees: $170 nonmembers/$150 members.

Museum Explorers

Students entering grades 1–3

July 29–August 2, 2013, 9:30–noon

Explore the world without leaving the museums! Look inside a shark’s mouth. Play an ancient Sumerian game. Create a sundial. Handle a meteorite from space. Each day will feature a different topic explored through gallery exhibits, investigations, and projects to take home.

Fees: $170 nonmembers/$150 members. Register online.

Animal Naturalists

Two sections: Students entering grades 4–5 and grades 6–8

August 5–9, 2013, 9:30–noon

Combine your love for animals and drawing in this art and science program. With a museum educator, investigate the lives of birds, mammals, insects, reptiles, and amphibians. With artist Erica Beade, draw these animals from the exhibitions and classroom specimens while practicing various drawing techniques.

Fees: $180 nonmembers/$160 members (this class includes an additional $10 materials fee). Register online.

Out-of-School Programs

Looking for activities for your out-of-school program? Explore our offerings here.