K-12 Anthropology Resources

The American Anthological Association invites you to explore resources we’ve complied for K-12 students and teachers. These resources include our Junior Anthropologist Award membership program for students interested in the field of anthropology. Teaching and learning materials, such as open access textbooks, blogs, and standards resources. As well as information on internships for high school students.

Junior Anthropologist Award

Do you know an elementary, middle, or high school student who is interested in people, culture, and history? Consider nominating them for the Junior Anthropologist Award!

The Junior Anthropologist Award Recipients will receive a complimentary AAA membership through their high school graduation, that includes a copy of Anthropology News, our member magazine, access to AnthroSource, our digital library of journals, and a membership in the National Association of Student Anthropologists (NASA). Become a Junior Anthropologist Award member today.

Teaching Resources for K-12 Teachers

Standards and Syllabi

Internships

  • American Anthropological Association Virtual Internship
    Each spring, the American Anthropological Association offers virtual internship opportunities for high school students interested in learning more about anthropological research. Internships are four weeks in length and usually extend from mid-May through mid-June.
  • Anthropology Outreach Program, Smithsonian Institution
    Internships offer student-mentor relationships and career-enhancing experiences for undergraduate, graduate and sometimes even high school students. Whether working directly with the public, contributing to the administration and operation of the facilities, or actively engaged in our scientific pursuits, interns gain valuable job skills, unique insight into operations, and enliven the community!
  • National Park Service
    There are opportunities for high school, college, and graduate school students to work with the National Park Service. Many of these jobs are filled at the park level but others are advertised and recruited nationally by the National Park Service or in partnership with several national organizations.
  • The Field Museum
    A few salaried internships per year are available for high school students to work directly with collections and research staff at the Museum.