Skip to main content
Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Educational Programs

The museums and galleries in the Illinois State Museum system offer school and group programs tailored to their exhibits, events, and communities. To learn more about these programs visit the following pages for ISM-Springfield, ISM-Dickson Mounds Museum, and the ISM-Lockport Gallery.

Illinois History Day


This year's Illinois History Day, an event where students create history projects such as exhibits, websites, documentaries, performances, and research papers on topics of their choice, was a great success. Over 65 young people advanced from the Illinois competition to National History Day held on June 9–13, 2024, at the University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland. 

The 2025 National History Day theme is Rights & Responsibilities in History. The following resources are available to start defining your topic and begin your research. Check out theme resources and start your research today! Check out the main Illinois History Day page for more information.

Have questions?  Contact us at DNR.IllinoisHistoryDay@illinois.gov!

Learning Online

Check out our Educator's Webpage with virtual exhibits, information, activities, and resources for educators. Our Family Fun Site also offers activities that can be adapted to the classroom. 

We also have a variety of online resources designed for K-12 teachers that covers a variety of subjects.

Field Trip Resources

Department of Natural Resources Biodiversity Field Trip Grants are available to support the costs of your field trip. 

Plan your class field trip here.