Human Origins Learning Lab

Daniel Kim/© AMNH 
The Human Origins Learning Lab is open on Saturdays and Sundays, 12–5 pm.

Learn how humans compare to other species, how we've changed over time, and what makes us unique—the evidence may surprise you! 

In this learning lab, designed for ages 8 and up, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the latest discoveries in human evolution, handle fossil casts, look through a microscope, and more.

An adult leans over to help two seated children with a hands-on project involving tools and mammal bone casts. Daniel Kim/© AMNH 
An adolescent looks through a microscope on a table with an adult standing nearby and chidlren in the background listening to an adult.  Daniel Kim/© AMNH 

What You Can Do in the Human Origins Learning Lab

Educators will offer a variety of activities for visitors each day. On your visit, you may be able to:

  • See and touch casts of the most recent fossil discoveries in human evolution including Homo naledi, Homo floresiensis, Australopithecus sediba, and Ardipithecus ramidus
  • Examine 3D scans of key fossil hominins, including Lucy (Australopithecus afarensis), Turkana boy (Homo ergaster), and The Taung Child (Australopithecus africanus)
  • Hold an early stone tool and determine how our early relatives created and used these tools to hunt and survive in their environments
  • Investigate the structure and function of the brain and DNA through hands-on activities

Did you know that you can include a visit to the Human Origins Learning Lab when you book a school field trip?

Plan Your Visit

  • The Hall of Human Origins Learning Lab is located on the 1st floor, in the Spitzer Hall of Human Origins.
  • Admission is included with any admission to the Museum.
  • Drop-in hours are on Saturday and Sunday, 12–5 pm.

Learn More

To stay up to date on new offerings in the Hall of Human Origins Learning Lab, sign up for our Family Programs Newsletter. 

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