Frequently Asked Questions

Research Quest is an exciting program created by the Natural History Museum of Utah (NHMU) that leverages our museum's incredible research and collections with 3D and game technologies - every bit as cool as the newest smartphone apps – to support the development of the critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills found throughout your core curriculum.

Research Quest is designed with classroom teachers in mind, offering dynamic, standards-aligned investigations that bring museum collections and real scientific research into the learning experience. While most activities are tailored for middle school students, anyone with a curiosity for science—from homeschoolers to lifelong learners—can dive in.

Getting started with Research Quest is easy! Create a free account in seconds to access teacher support materials, and follow these steps to get started.

Research Quest investigations are designed to align with curriculum standards across a range of grade levels, with a primary focus on middle school (grades 6–8). Each investigation is thoughtfully mapped to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), ELA Common Core, and Utah’s SEEd standards.

One investigation — Fungus Farming Ants — is specifically designed to align with 3rd grade standards.

The rest are geared toward middle school, but that hasn’t stopped creative educators in other grades from using them in unique, standards-aligned ways that fit their students’ needs.

Click here to see specific curriculum standard alignments for each investigation.

In each Research Quest investigation, students step into the role of scientist and problem-solver. They dive into real-world research challenges — from uncovering archaeological secrets to exploring dinosaur behavior and montane ecosystems — all grounded in the Natural History Museum's own scientific work.

Guided by you, their teacher, and supported by interactive tools like 3D models, expert videos, and digital notebooks, students collaborate, debate, and build evidence-based explanations for complex questions. Along the way, they sharpen essential skills: critical thinking, communication, and collaboration — all while having fun doing it!

These web-based investigations are designed to spark curiosity and mirror the actual processes scientists use, helping students connect classroom learning to the real work of research.

Because it’s everything you’ve been looking for — and maybe didn’t even know you needed.

Research Quest was built for educators like you: passionate about sparking curiosity, meeting standards, and giving students meaningful learning experiences. It aligns seamlessly with NGSS, Utah’s SEEd Standards, and ELA Common Core, and many teachers have even called it a powerful tool for preparing students for assessments — all while keeping them engaged.

Easy for You
No steep learning curve here. With clear, teacher-friendly instructional guides, built-in assessment tools, and ready-to-go online resources, you can start using Research Quest today — seriously, just open a guide and dive in.

Exciting for Students
Your students won’t just be learning — they’ll be investigating. Each Research Quest activity is rooted in real scientific research from the Natural History Museum of Utah and includes interactive tools like 3D models, video clips with real scientists, and even a simulation game where students design their own dinosaur to survive real-world challenges. Along the way, they’ll practice critical thinking, collaboration, and communication — all aligned with deeper learning goals.

And Yes... It’s Totally Free
No hidden fees. No subscriptions. Just high-quality, standards-aligned science investigations made possible by the generous support of NHMU’s partners.

So go ahead — sign up today and make your next lesson one your students (and you) will actually look forward to.

We've worked to keep this simple – you need:

• One internet-enabled computer or tablet per two students
• The ability to print a Research Assistant Notebook for each student (a fancy name for the templates students use to keep track of their thinking) or use a digital Google Doc version.
• Access to a projection system to play several short, web-based videos for your students
• Or, you can have your student groups work at their own pace and watch the videos on their own computers. In that case, headphones may be helpful.

Note, we also have closed-captioning in English and Spanish should you want to use this feature.

Research Quest has been designed to be easy-to-use, for both teachers and students. If you would like to participate in a workshop to become more familiar with the investigations, click here for a list of upcoming workshop dates. Or email us to participate in a monthly welcome webinar.

Research Quest is a great learning opportunity for your child to use on their own. For homeschoolers, we recommend starting with our on-demand classes. Get more information about Research Quest as a homeschool resource.

YES! Thanks to generous support from our funding partners.