School Groups

SCHOOL PROGRAMS REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR THE SPRING SEMESTER
As a public health precaution due to COVID-19, Cooper Hewitt is temporarily closed to the public and we have not announced a reopening date. Registration is open for our virtual Design Field Trip programs only. At this time, we will not be facilitating on-site self-guided visits or school-based pre-visit programs facilitated by a museum educator.
Registration is open for the spring semester (January 4–June 11). Please note that all field trips are listed in Eastern Standard Time. For additional information, please visit our Design Field Trip FAQ page.
Overview
Cooper Hewitt offers free, dynamic educational programs for K–12 school groups. Our immersive learning experience is designed to align with city, state, and national learning standards. Drawing upon the museum’s exhibitions, design educators facilitate thoughtful discussions and activities focused on the process of design thinking. We empower students to view the world optimistically through the lens of design and to improve it by honing their design thinking abilities.
Learning Outcomes
Students will:
- Practice creative critical thinking
- Develop interdisciplinary problem-solving skills
- Collaborate with peers using verbal and visual strategies
- Define key design process terminology
- Build advocacy/empathy competencies
VIRTUAL DESIGN FIELD TRIP
The virtual Design Field Trip experience is a 60-minute program in which K-12 students explore the design process, build connections to Cooper Hewitt’s collection, and foster a deeper understanding of brainstorming techniques and inclusive design. Our interactive field trip inspires the next generation of designers to take action in their community, build self-confidence and self-esteem, and learn how to harness their superpowers to create change for the better.
Each DFT will expand students’ awareness of design and cultivate design-thinking competencies
- Design Explorers (K–3)
Younger students explore the impact of design on everyday life and gain new perspective on the types of challenges designers face. - Arts Integration (4–12)
Help students build creative confidence by exploring how and where designers find inspiration.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
Visit our Design Field Trip FAQ page
SPECIAL THANKS
Design Field Trips are made possible with generous support from The Hirsch Family Foundation. Additional funding is provided by Siegel Family Endowment and by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
DESIGN ONLiNE | TAKE YOUR DESIGN FIELD TRIP FURTHER
Whether learning from home or at school, our online arc of programming extends beyond the virtual Design Field Trip to ensure your students get the most out of their experience.
Our pre-recorded, Design at Home Pre-Visit video prepares students for the virtual Design Field Trip through an exploration of the design process, a warm-up activity and a quick brainstorming challenge to spark students’ creativity.
Our post-visit extension resources engage students in a hands-on design challenge that connects to the key design concepts explored during the virtual program. While we are unable to prototype during the virtual field trip, we hope your students will take their ideas further.
DESIGN FIELD TRIP: DESIGNING FOR IDENTITY AND INCLUSION IN YOUR COMMUNITY

DESIGN IT YOURSELF: PRACTICE DESIGN OBSERVATION

DESIGN IT YOURSELF: DESIGN A POSTER

ONLINE Self-guided Visits FOR GRADES K–12
Not able to join us for a virtual Design Field Trip? No problem. Our online self-guided Design Field Trips provide the perfect STEAM connection. Explore the effects of climate change and empower students to take action in their home, school or community.
SELF-GUIDED DESIGN FIELD TRIP: DESIGN + CLIMATE CHANGE

Design It Yourself: Design a Green Roof

Featured Image: Two students looking at a computer screen. One student is pointing at something they see on the screen.