Over the past decade, the Center for Innovation has pioneered the use of the Web to connect K-12 classrooms with innovative science education resources. The result is an extensive collection of online learning resources across a broad range of topical content areas. Several resource development projects have involved practicing teachers directly in the creation of online content, distinguishing the practical value of The Franklin Institute's resources for science learning.


Internet2 2005—ongoing
The Center for Innovation is one of the first museums to investigate Internet2 as an exciting new vehicle for science inquiry, with an initial focus on teacher professional development. Internet2, a regulated private network led by major universities and laboratories around the world, operates at extremely high bandwidth to enable high-definition broadcasting and multicasting and real-time interactivity.

Franklin Award Case Files 2004—ongoing
Since its founding in 1824, The Franklin Institute has given awards for the greatest achievements in science, engineering, and technology, each of which is carefully documented in a Case File. Today, there are more than 3,800 Case Files, containing correspondence, drawings, patents, and peer recommendations. The digital presentation of these virtually unknown primary sources in the history of science in America uncovers a hidden national treasure.


The Franklin Institute Online 1994—ongoing
The Franklin Institute Online is among the most visited science museum websites in the world. The Center for Innovation plays a leading role in developing Web-based education projects, often in collaboration with partners in the science, education, and corporate communities. The Franklin Institute Online has become a key science learning destination for teachers and students around the world.

2003 Flight Forecast 2003
The 2003 Flight Forecast online program challenged K-12 students to predict the weather conditions for flight at the Centennial of Flight celebration at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina on December 17, 2003. There were 460 participating teachers, representing 25,000 students from 47 states plus the District of Columbia. Three Deptartment of Defense schools also participated from their bases in England, Germany, and Japan.

International Public Science Day 1998—2003
International Public Science Day raised public awareness about the importance of science education in the United States and abroad, through Web-based collaborations among science centers, schools, and community-based organizations.

Online Museum Educators 1998—2003
Use of the World Wide Web has broadened access to museum collections in ways never before imagined. The Online Museum Educators (OMEs), a select group of teachers in North America and the United Kingdom, created invaluable online resources for K-12 teachers and students, based on museum collections and exhibitions. Another OME project encouraged teachers to engage students with science issues that are meaningful in their local communities.

Educational Distribution Partnerships 2001—ongoing
Online educational distribution partnerships with the Gateway to Educational Materials, AOL@School, and Classroom Connect feature The Franklin Institute Online, recommending the site to educators around the world.