Discover Tropical Nature at the Smithsonian!
The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) invites you to dive into the amazing world of tropical science through fun, hands-on activities and exciting adventures! Whether you're exploring the rainforest, joining a workshop, or learning about wildlife through our exhibits, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Our programs are all about connecting people of all ages with tropical biodiversity and inspire a love and curiosity for science and nature.
Come explore and find the scientist in you!
Our Stations
STRI’s public program stations are gateways to environmental education and exploration. Located in Panama’s diverse tropical habitats, these sites offer guided tours, interactive exhibits, and fun activities that bring science and conservation to life. By connecting with local communities and visitors, STRI helps inspire a deeper appreciation for tropical biodiversity.
Punta Culebra Nature Center
Located at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, Punta Culebra is dedicated to the exploration of the natural world through science. The center offers a mix of marine and amphibian exhibits, walking trails, interactive and recreational spaces, all in a spectacular setting just minutes away from Panama City.
Barro Colorado Island
Step into one of the most studied tropical rainforests in the world with a guided day tour of Barro Colorado Island. Located in the middle of the Panama Canal, this scientific station offers a rare opportunity to explore pristine forest, spot wildlife, and learn about groundbreaking research—all in one unforgettable day.
Bocas del Toro Research Station
A living laboratory on Colón Island, the Bocas del Toro Research Station gives scientists and students front-row access to one of the most biodiverse marine and terrestrial environments in the region.
Our Education Programs
The Smithsonian seeks to spark a love for science with fun, research-backed digital resources for children ages 7–14, as well as parents, teachers, and caregivers. From videos to games to hands-on activities, there’s something for every learner.
Q?rioso
Inspired by the Q?rius space at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History (NMNH) in Washington DC, Q?rioso is a science learning space filled with artifacts, scientific tools, and pieces donated by scientists that spark curiosity among children and adults.
Q?Digital
We combine Q?rioso and Q?Bus content, Smithsonian science, and digital programming, to offer an interactive, fun digital learning experience for children, parents, and educators through videos and games that can be accessed on computers, tablets, or cellphones.
Q?Bus
An interactive learning program that supports innate curiosity in students and their communities, Q?Bus transports our guides, scientific tools, researchers, and collections to schools and communities to remove logistical and economic barriers to science knowledge.
Other Smithsonian Programs
Smithsonian Learning Lab
Educators from all units of the Smithsonian Institution came together to create a variety of online learning resources for teachers, parents, and children. This activity board presents learning opportunities in English / Spanish with practical and technological tools.
Smithsonian Science for Global Goals
A series of free research guides led by the Smithsonian Science Education Center for students ages 11-18 to explore pressing global issues, by using their communities as laboratories to investigate the science behind the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and become agents of change.
School programs
One of the goals of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute is to inspire curiosity and wonder about the natural world through the lens of science. We offer school groups field trips to our nature center and research stations. Students learn about the wildlife in their own backyard through hands-on educational activities and guided tours. Our activities are designed to complement and reinforce the content students’ are learning in the classroom.
For Educators
The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute offers annual professional development workshops taught by a team of scientists and science educators. The workshops are designed to provide an intensive science rich experience for pre-service and in-service science teachers in Panama. Participating teachers engage in scientific practices that deepen their understanding of evolution, tropical ecology and biodiversity. They also learn practical ways to teach concepts and explore activities suitable for students at a variety of grade levels.
Our Events
The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute organizes a variety of educational events and celebrations across Panama each year for families, children, and adults. Whether celebrating National Golden Frog Day, documenting biodiversity in a bioblitz in Bocas, or showcasing ocean science throughout Oceans Month, all our events are guaranteed to be loads of fun!
Follow us on social media for more information!
Our Affiliates
There are over 200 Smithsonian Affiliate organizations in the United States, Puerto Rico, and two in Panama, the Biomuseo and the Panama Interoceanic Canal Museum. Together, they expand knowledge and inspire learning.
Biomuseo
Designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, the Biomuseo features eight galleries that reveal the origin of the Panamanian isthmus and its impact on the planet’s biodiversity. Smithsonian research in Panama was integral to the museum’s permanent exhibits.
Panama Canal Museum
The Panama Canal Museum, located in Panama City's Casco Viejo, chronicles the canal's history from the French attempt in the 1800s to its U.S. completion in 1914 and transfer to Panama in 1999 through curated and educational exhibits.
Team
Jimena Pitty
Public Program Manager
Karina Hassell
Science Education Specialist
Contact Us
For more information, contact us at:
Punta Culebra Nature Center
PuntaCulebra@si.edu
+507 212.8793
+507 6362.4219
Barro Colorado Island
stribci@si.edu
Education
strieducation@si.edu
Q?Bus Program
striqbus@si.edu
+507 6572.9342
