A unique program in California involved the community and senior citizens in reconstructing the early history of the school district and setting up a permanent historic exhibit. (MD)

This document is a guide to building a Liquid Treasure Water History Trunk that allows educators and students of all ages to learn about water from a historical perspective. By assembling historical water related items into a meaningful and interesting learning format--The Liquid Treasure Trunk--teachers and students of all ages can gain a glimpse…

Reviews the purposes and programs of the Extensions Division of the Department of Education of a metropolitan museum. Surveys services provided to schools. Gives a sample lesson plan. Highlights thematic exhibitions at the museum. Considers education by means of the art object as the primary goal of the Extensions Division. (CW)

Maintains that presenting history to the public is a goal most historians enthusiastically endorse. Concludes that reuniting scholarship and emotion, objectivity and empathy, fact and feeling may be the biggest challenge that historians face in a new scientific and intellectual world. (CFR)

A project titled "Using Art to Teach Social Studies" involved collaboration between a museum and a school. Gifted students in grades three-five worked as museum educators, curators, and historians to create an exhibit titled "Geneva People and Places in Art," introducing artwork's potential as a source of information about the…

Contends that there has been a movement in Europe away from the concept of didactic or teaching museums to include emotional and intellectual appeals to patrons. Concludes that long-term research is necessary to determine whether people who visit museums as students continue to do so as adults. (CFR)

The activities presented in this book, designed to help 4th through 8th grade instructors teach about the history of life, help students prepare for a visit to a museum exhibit on life through time. The pre- and post-visit activities as well as the in-museum activities help students prepare for and enjoy their 4.5 billion year trip through time at…

This paper asserts that interactive exhibits are more than just hands-on activities but utilize a range of techniques. The variety of techniques is explained with examples of various types of exhibits to involve the visitor in learning more about the exhibit. The paper presents several examples that strike a balance between educating in history…

Charts the many ways teachers can use materials gathered during their vacation travels in the classroom. Details activities built around material objects easily accessible through museum gift shops or local stores. Recommends using newspapers for discussions of politics and economics germane to the area. (MJP)

A family history project which introduces students to the study of the family in connection with the immigration period in American history is described. The six-week project, an annual activity in Balboa Middle School (California) United States history classes, consists of four parts: (1) family history charts (family trees); (2) family…

Maintains that, although museums are visited by children and adults for their unique learning experiences, few people understand how museums and their exhibits are created. Discusses the Museum-in-Progress program. Describes four examples of elementary class projects in two states and includes a list of teacher resources. (CFR)

Selected presentations in this publication include: "AAPRCO, Amtrak, the Railroads, and Interpretation"; "Check It Out!"; "Wildlife Rehabilitation as an Interpretive Tool"; "Improving the Monorail Tour"; "Interpreting Our Heretics"; "Evaluation: A Critical Management Process"; "A…

Describes a seventh-grade class project where students constructed a "time tunnel" (a walk-through display with models and exhibits illustrating various themes and eras). Beginning modestly, the tunnel grew over seven years to include 11 different display scenes. Discusses the construction of the project and benefits to the school. (MJP)