Educators & Schools

Photo: Charissa Soriano/Burke Museum
Photo: Charissa Soriano/Burke Museum

Give your students a museum experience unlike any other

Burke Education programs inspire learners of all ages to ask questions about the world around us. Using authentic materials and specimens, programs focus on using all of our senses to foster curiosity and create wonder.

Rooted in Burke research and collections, our programs emphasize the intersections of natural history and cultural heritage in Washington state and support 21st Century Skills. Burke education programs encourage empathy for diverse cultures and all life. Whether at the museum, in the classroom, or in the community, programs encourage imagination and play, and support a lifelong love of learning. 

Bring the Burke to You

lit sign says 45 boxes to rent
Photo: Burke Museum
Photo: Burke Museum

Burke Boxes

Burke Boxes are portable kits of museum-quality objects and artifacts, as well as activities that can be tailored to all ages and interests.

kids participate in a burke mobile program at their school
Photo: Rachel Ormiston/Burke Museum
Photo: Rachel Ormiston/Burke Museum

BurkeMobile

Our BurkeMobile programs send Burke educators and collections throughout Washington state, transforming your school or library into a museum.

Please note: BurkeMobile is currently only available to visit King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties.

Learn More

burke staff film a virtual education program
Photo: Rachel Ormiston/Burke Museum
Photo: Rachel Ormiston/Burke Museum

Virtual Education Programs

Let the Burke come to you—virtually!

We're excited to offer two new virtual learning experiences this year. Registration is now open—save your spot today!

At the Museum

students on a field trip look at the fossil whale on display
Photo: Nate Watters
Photo: Nate Watters

Field Trips

Exhibits and visible labs surround students during your field trip, giving learners a more holistic understanding of the subjects covered. Watching people work in the visible labs, workrooms, and collections is inspiration for students to see themselves as a researcher, collections manager, or artist.

Learn more

a boy plays with toy spiders

Financial Assistance

Our generous donors make it possible for Burke Education to offer financial assistance to eligible schools, programs and families to ensure no child is turned away because of financial limitations.

Professional Development

DIG Field School

Prepare to get your hands dirty and teach with a whole new perspective! Over the course of four days each summer, K–12 teachers can get hands-on experience in paleontology, geology, and evolution by participating in active field research sites located in Montana.

Have a Question? 

Burke Education is here to help.

Contact Us

a group of kids and two women watch as fossils are prepared

Educator News & Updates

Sign up for our Educator emails and be among the first to hear about new offerings, learning resources, events and more!

Photo: Cathy Morris/Burke Museum
Photo: Cathy Morris/Burke Museum