National Children’s Museum Collaborates with Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage for DC STEAM Expo

80-100 fourth-grade students from across DC apply STEAM learning to real-world community challenges

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 30, 2026) – National Children’s Museum collaborates with the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage to present the DC STEAM Expo as part of the Culture of, by, and for the People initiative, marking 250th anniversary of the United States. The collaboration between the Center and National Children’s Museum invites approximately 80-100 fourth grade students from 10 schools across all eight wards of D.C. to participate in a nine-month program that empowers young problem-solvers to identify challenges and develop creative solutions within their own communities. The outcomes of their investigations will ultimately be celebrated and presented at the DC STEAM Expo in June 2026.

Kicking off in January, the students embarked on an exploration program consisting of monthly meetings and project development with support from school and Museum educators. Students received an open-ended prompt that challenged them to apply science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) concepts in developing creative solutions to issues affecting their neighborhoods. Their creative process is inspired by both exploration sessions at the Museum and virtual check-ins. Participating schools include:

• Marie Reed Elementary School - Ward 1
• Bruce-Monroe Elementary School at Park View - Ward 1
• Seaton Elementary School - Ward 2
• Hearst Elementary School - Ward 3
• Shepherd Elementary School - Ward 4
• Wheatley Education Campus - Ward 5
• J.O. Wilson Elementary School - Ward 6
• Burrville Elementary School - Ward 7
• J.C. Nalle Elementary School - Ward 7
• Lawrence E. Boone Elementary School - Ward 8

The program culminates with a Family Day at the Museum in late May, followed by the public DC STEAM Expo on June 6, at Coulter Plaza inside the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, where students will showcase their learnings and innovations. National Children's Museum provides project management, materials, presentation support, and student travel expenses to ensure all participants can fully engage in this transformative learning experience. Drawing upon the familiar structure of science fairs, the DC STEAM Expo applies STEAM concepts to real-world community impact, extending the Museum's mission to inspire a love of learning through hands-on play to students across the District.

“Collaborating with the Smithsonian at such a time—the 250th anniversary of our country—is a perfect opportunity to demonstrate to our city’s youngest learners that they can make a real impact in their community,” said Kiryn Hoffman, President and CEO of National Children’s Museum. “It’s the idea that science and engineering aren’t just things you hear about in the classroom, and art isn’t just something that fills up galleries; they can be real forces of change.”

"As we mark the 250th anniversary of the United States by bringing Smithsonian programming directly into communities across the country, the DC STEAM Expo is a powerful example of what that looks like in practice," said Clifford Murphy, Director of the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. "When young people apply their creativity and curiosity to the challenges in their own neighborhoods, they're doing exactly what folklife is about—understanding and sustaining the communities that shape everyday life. We're proud to be part of that work here in Washington."

This project received funding from the Smithsonian’s “Our Shared Future: 250,” a Smithsonian-wide initiative supported by private philanthropy and created to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary and advance the Smithsonian vision for the next 250 years.

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About National Children’s Museum

National Children’s Museum is a dynamic institution in the heart of Washington, D.C., that combines learning elements found in a science center with children’s museum experiences. Through play-based science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) exhibits and programs, the Museum sparks curiosity and ignites creativity for children under the age of twelve and their families. Founded in 1974, the Museum has served Washingtonians for five decades, and since reopening its new location in September 2021, the Museum has established itself as an international destination for play. The Museum welcomes more than 225,000 visitors every year across all eight wards, 50 states, and more than 75 countries. Learn more about how to visit the Museum and engage with virtual STEAM resources at nationalchildrensmuseum.org.

About the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage

The Smithsonian’s Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage connects communities across cultures—cultivating curiosity, understanding, and belonging for all people. The center is a research and educational unit of the Smithsonian that produces the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, the online Folklife Magazine, exhibitions, symposia, publications and educational materials. It also maintains the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections.