The museum at La Brea Tar Pits remains closed until further notice. The park at La Brea Tar Pits is currently open, and visitors can see paleontologists working at our excavation site weekly. See NHMLAC's response to coronavirus (COVID-19).

Learning Resources

Young girl observing nature up close in Nature Gardens at NHM

Lesson Plan | All Grades

Place in the World

In this nature study, choose a special spot in your outdoor space to record observations, questions, and artwork on a regular basis.

Asphalt formation abstract image youtube thumbnail

Video | GR 2-5 | GR 6-12

Dig In to the Science Behind Asphalt Formation

From seismic activity to tiny marine life, watch and learn about the how and why of asphalt formation in Los Angeles.

Behind the scenes with Trevor youtube thumbnail

Video | All Grades

Behind the Scenes at La Brea Tar Pits & Museum

Trevor Valle, Lab Supervisor, answers some fun questions about fossils.

Video | All Grades

Introducing Hayden, the Metro Mammoth of Los Angeles

Dr. Emily Lindsey introduces Hayden, a juvenile mammoth that was discovered during a dig for the Metro train.

Tour the Museum to learn how the Tar Pits have been telling the stories L.A.'s ice age giants for over 100 years

Video | All Grades

Tar Pits Ecosystems with Dr. Emily Lindsey

Chris Thacker at La Brea Tar Pits for the Curiosity Show Ep 5

Video | GR 2-5 | GR 6-12

La Brea Tar Pits and Ice Age L.A. with Aisling Farrell

Learn about Ice Age mammals and the creatures that roamed L.A. thousands of years before our city was built.

Activity | All Grades

DIY Fossil Skull Puppet

In this activity, you can make your own fossil skull puppet!

Video | GR 6-12

Leaves as Thermometers

Learn how to capture temperature using a collection of leaves.

Painting of ice age Los Angeles featuring animals found as fossils at the Tar Pits

Activity | GR 2-5 | GR 6-12

DIY Paleoart

Combine art and science to create an image of prehistoric life.

Materials needed to create your own journal

Activity | All Grades

Learning Resources

Place in the World

Dig In to the Science Behind Asphalt Formation

Behind the Scenes at La Brea Tar Pits & Museum

Introducing Hayden, the Metro Mammoth of Los Angeles

Tar Pits Ecosystems with Dr. Emily Lindsey

La Brea Tar Pits and Ice Age L.A. with Aisling Farrell

DIY Fossil Skull Puppet

Leaves as Thermometers

DIY Paleoart

Make Your Own Nature and Art Journal

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