#sschat Archive
#sschat is a network of educators, resources, and ideas that started on Twitter, but has expanded to Facebook, an annual NCSS unconference, and more. Join us to chat asynchronously on Twitter or Facebook, or chat with us live on Mondays from 7-8pm EST.
Monday May 9, 2016
Hi everyone! This is Jessica from the Minnesota Historical Society, and I'm looking forward to our tonight on Museum Resources!
Welcome to all social studies friends! As you jump into the , tell us who you are and what your favorite museum is.
i’m multitasking a apgov review chat and tonight. AP Test tomorrow! I love the
Chris from Bloomington, IN. Teach world history for private online HS. The is probably my favorite. :)
My name is Michael. I teach World & US History - and my favorite museum is the National Portrait Gallery.
Matt Doran, SS Coordinator, Columbus, OH...favorite museum - National Archives
Hey pls welcome & to Twitter for Edu!
Hello everyone, teacher candidate from California State University, San Marcos. Currently teaching 12th grade economics.
Bruce from NC ! Can't beat the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh
Hello! Jacob from TN, my favorite museum has to be the in DC.My second favorite is the
That made me think of the Udvar Hazy Center for Air & Space which is pretty darn awesome.
I think they do sleepovers there now! https://t.co/MJpHyZrXLf
Matt Doran, SS Coordinator, Columbus, OH...favorite museum - National Archives
Chris from Illinois - 7th grade world geo - Love !
Welcome to all of you! Such great museums suggested. Any others to add to our list?
Hi - Tim from PA - high school Euro History and AP Econ teacher. Can't pick a favorite museum - independence hall?
Carrie from Tampa, Florida. Teach 7th grade Civics and 8th US History. Current favorite museum is Tampa Museum of Art.
Me too! Finally have a Monday free since its too rainy for soccer! Looking forward to being back in
Hey will be around tonight. Not sure how much I can invest, but I will do my best. Doug, 7th/8th grade SS.
If you're just joining us for our convo about all things museums, tell us who you are and your fave museum. 1st question coming up!
Na - change answer to the USS New Jersey and Intrepid - so cool to visit these ships!
We agree - it's hard to pick a favorite museum!
Patti from Mn - home state favorite is ; and Chicago Sci and Industry are great too.
So glad you're here, Chris! You always give me great ideas!
Q1: What museum resources do you currently use in your classroom?
Love - even if it isn't one for
Awww, thanks, Carrie! That's so nice. I always get great ideas in . :)
I recently went to a Croatian Museum which covered the Yugoslav war(s) from their perspective. Propaganda-y!
Aw, thanks, Patti! That's illustrious company!
I heard you mention that on some podcast...
Ken from Western Oregon University's college of educatin
A1) Use some of the Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History materials in my world history course. https://t.co/dBFuwRJ071
A1 I don't take advantage of museum resources as much as I should. Not many big geography museums out there but need to use small 1s
A1. Docs Teach from the National Archives, Smithsonian Source DBQs
Welcome to all who've chimed in. Such a variety of museums mentioned as favorites! Art & science museums make great SS teaching
A1 I have been creating a mini museum in my classroom - Ss love holding artifacts.
A1: Met Museum for AP, for US-Dakota work, Smithsonian resources for AmH
A1:I know that some history teachers have taken students to the Museum of Tolerance in LA to teach about the holocaust
A few years ago I had Ss go beyond poster projects & design a museum on Apartheid. Amazing what they came up with.
A1 I use the ID cards from Students see the pics, open the card at the end. Connects the event to a person w name/story
Which smaller geography museums do you use? What resources?
A1: has traveling trunks you can check out for classroom use. I also take 8th graders on a trip there.
Powerful. Took 10th graders to back in late 90s. They took a lot from the trip.
RT A1) Use some of the Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History materials in world history course. https://t.co/RlPTr5NTLV
Alas, I haven't which is embarrassing since I'm in Chicago & nearly every culture has something here!
Just think of the great opportunities awaiting you!
check out they have great geo resources
A1: Maps and posters purchased from different museums
A1 I teach social studies pedagogy at university & for Ss share resources &ped ideas for , smithsonian, ,etc
A1 Mostly doc based resources. Would like to tap into local historical society for local resources
. I can wait to have my own classroom and be able to take students there.
A1) Have also used materials I purchased at Pearl Harbor museum - postcard, calendar, book.
If there's other museums in on the conversation tonight, make yourselves known!
Ah... yes, museum gift shops are the best...great place for primary source replicas
Thank you!! Love all the stuff!
RT Ah... yes, museum gift shops are the best...great place for primary source replicas
Yes! I used to teach in Sarasota & utilized this!
The had a great exhibit on maps a few months ago. Truly excellent stuff!
Sometimes it's not so much the resources from the museum, but the perspective it gives that I can bring back to my classroom.
^DH#WW2 Question: Would Hitler's invasion of Russia been more successful if he had waited to invade? https://t.co/THiiNxws7n
So many great resources that I plan to peruse in my free time, because that's what museum folk do. Question 2 coming up...
A little late tonight. Daniel from SW MI. Teach Econ and integrate tech.
A1 I also love to look through Great stuff for teachers!
Q2: What types of museum experiences are most valuable for you? For your students?
A1: currently use museum websites to assist in class. When teaching US, would museum exhibits for students to create
A2 For Ts, as much info and artifacts as possible. We are information sponges.
A2) Haven't done a lot of actual visits to museums w/ Ss but just act of going & experiencing new things is important.
For me, the most invaluable thing is backstory. Those stories that make the artifacts come to life...that's what gets me going.
A1: Crystal Bridges Museum has a great collection & offers workshops on how to teach w/art. My students love it.
A2 we have a local museum at the now closed Willow Grove Air Station - retired guides give my Ss so much attention share experiences
I also like using the art project and the curated sources they have put together. The street view trips are sweet!
A2. Blend of authentic original artifacts with engaging interactive experiences. WWII museum does a good job with this
A2: When I prepare Ss in advance, it's more than just a trip, they look for what they learned in class.
Yes! And new interpretations. Seeing artifacts placed in proximity to others can often give new perspective.
A2 For Ss, it needs to be interactive - Ss don't want to read every little detail, they want to "DO" something. Make it interactive
RT the most invaluable thing is backstory. Those stories make the artifacts come to life...that's what gets me going.
What are the barriers in getting kids to museums? Time? Funding? All of the above?
A2: For me things I've taught that I can drill deeper into for details, ex uniforms . For my S, anything hands on
A2: teaching in a environment, use of artifacts from museums or curated websites are great starting points as entry events
I don't know enough of them. But visiting cultural centers is on my to do list this summer!
Yes, pretty much all of those. Transportation (related to funding).
A2 . I like to scout the museum B4 bringing Ss. I find it easier to direct Ss to certain areas we've covered. https://t.co/dgC0EFnYXG
Q2: What types of museum experiences are most valuable for you? For your students?
A2: Museum experiences that engage students are most beneficial. I participated in Economics & Art field trip today .
We had students "grade the president" on their tour of the JFK Library. It was a neat activity we adapted for our students.
A2 Immersive experiences that put you in history. and examples from my spring break
A2 I know that a lot of museums send crates of artifacts to schools that can't come to them - Natl Parks do too!
A2: for instance, a museum like the is a great place to start any post industrial rev project w/ Ss
What do find most helpful about curated websites?
A2A The realia, writings, art, photos are all great for both Ts & Ss...
My Field Trips page https://t.co/mkEQqGZVBC has virtual museum links + Experiencing Museums & Historic Sites Via Interactive Tech
A2B (cont)...these museum pieces provide new sources for Ss to analyze when looking at diff perspectives & contrasting sources
A2 cont. Then, I have Ss go on a guided scavenger hunt of sorts. Gives a bit more structure to the visit.
. limited resources forbid trips. Using artifacts highlighted allow lens into events or ideas, thus building interest
What a great example of an interdisciplinary experience! Can you tell us more?
A2 Joanne, arriving late, from MO. I still enjoy reading exhibits but Ss don't. Last trip docents had them look for certain things.
A1 Dan from north shore of ma. Jumping in during 8yr old softball. Taubmann museum in st. Lou has solid REED-LO art analysis sheet
A2: I hope that trips to museums spark their curiosity to learn more
Question 3 coming up. If you're just joining us, we're talking about museum resources and experiences. Share your favorites!
A2 After the AP World exam, my Ss are partnering to do some work for a local museum.
A2 cont. Part III; when at the , it's fun to do a BINGO card with Ss. They really get into the challenge
museums are synonymous with an experience.
That sounds awesome, Patti! Hope you'll share some tweets about how it goes.
Just spoke with about the cell phone exhibit at the that was up for a while. Interesting use of phones.
So awesome. Where did you adapt it from?
New museum for SoCal Ts - - all about Japanese Americans during WWII.
We love the interactive websites
RT A2: I hope that trips to museums spark their curiosity to learn more
Q3: How can museums make collections and field trip experiences more accessible to teachers and students?
Any civics related museum ideas??
Living History museums are awesome like Old Sturbridge Village or Strawberry Banke in MA and NH respectively
My students LOVE interactive websites. It's nice when places like have them. https://t.co/v4Uy4qYEQ7
We love the interactive websites
A3) Virtual tours would be great for those of us teaching online. :) Options to view 3D images of some artifacts/art.
I like tangible takeaways to bring to my classroom. Something that students (and me) can engage/play with.
A3 Museums need to be touch friendly - especially for younger Ss - no kid like to be told to look & not touch. Adults either.
A3 ineractive online exp, webcams, virtual expiereinces, lesson plan ideas that go w/ realia online
I'll have to check this out before I teach this portion of my unit Thursday! https://t.co/ohki7RS23y
New museum for SoCal Ts - - all about Japanese Americans during WWII.
Yes. This exactly. Want to play with artifacts.
check out they have great resources for civics
A3 host activities for teachers - show what is available
A3: Traveling exhibits would be awesome . My school is in off the beaten path
A3: Traveling trunks are nice but need to be appropriate for various grade levels. Most I see are elem.
A3B Museum curator webinars w/ classrooms that take Ss around museum for virtual experience
A3. Virtual field trips, road shows, video conferencing, interactive websites.
A3: love interactive websites. Such as easy and accessible way would help tremendously
A3 Virtual tours would be great! Classroom packs would be helpful
A3 . Continue to offer online interactives or adaptable lesson plans, for schools who can't travel. https://t.co/xOTY5bTuV2
Q3: How can museums make collections and field trip experiences more accessible to teachers and students?
National Constitution Center does cool stuff. We had their Prohibition exhibit a while back, so great!
Also, cost effective - we only have a few hours with Ss there, can't justify huge admissions prices.
If you're in KY, Kentucky Derby Museum travels all around state - was on panel at IU School of Ed w/ one of the traveling educators.
have something for students to touch. Artifact replicas are great
Do you have favorite sites you could mention? How do you use them?
Agreed. Even for classroom. Cost and chaperones can be a struggle. https://t.co/CZk99Uzep3
A3) Virtual tours would be great for those of us teaching online. :) Options to view 3D images of some artifacts/art.
A3: hands on exhibits as well. Hard to do with historical artifacts but some of my favorite are hands on like
did a great . Great resource I'll use next year
I saw that a museum in KS was doing this with iPads on segways!
A3: Crystal Bridges offers free field trips, they pay for our subs, transportation costs & feed the students lunch.
A3: Virtual tours and lesson plan ideas.
. the used (not sure if still do) have a teacher night in the fall. Free admin and opportunity to explore
by having great pre visit materials that are standards based and being interactive
A3 . Yes! When museums let students interact WITH artifacts, they forge new & meaningful experiences. https://t.co/DWEhC1NcQs
A3 Museums need to be touch friendly - especially for younger Ss - no kid like to be told to look & not touch. Adults either.
that's great! I would love to be able to see how it went!
How do you use previsit materials with Ss?
Another one that fits this extremely well is . does virtual tours & webinars.
A3 Musuems could allow Ss to participate by having Ss create material for tours
Cool! Thanks for the info!
Such good ideas. You all are the best focus group ever. :) Question 4 coming up (but feel free to keep answering the others!)
They also offer fellowships that help teachers bring back experience 2the classroom
This is an awesome idea. What do you think your Ss would like to create?
Great as always. Gotta go ! Keep your powder dry
A3 Powerful visuals to accompany other artifacts and sources - picturing the poppy field in KC.
How do you bring the field trip experience back to the classroom?
Q4: What types of professional development would you like to see museums offer?
Thanks for joining us tonight!
A3) preparing docents to work w/ all types of Ss--not all audiences are the same 🙂
Not sure. I think they would be into helping create a tour or help put together an exhibit
Just home from an appt. I have so much respect for museum educators & see them as true colleagues.
I was just thinking about this. I have a project going on now where the Ss create exhibits. I need to market them.
A4) Artifact analysis training and how to make accessible to diff learners.
Love this idea -- museums could create interesting programs using this idea. Students as creators, not just consumers.
A4 Teacher-access events would be cool to experience collections more. Love how has been active with in our state!
LOL That's a great idea! Museums Pay Students! :)
I like PD that balances lecture with hands on activities.
. for sure the art project love digging around smithsonian portrait gallery is great. The too
A4 lesson/activity resources that accompany realia. Analysis ideas for looking at realia thru both historical & geographic lens
During my Fellowship last fall, we learned in depth about the resources of has. Part I
Q4: Love the idea of teacher nights or comp. tix with lesson ideas to match standards. Not just "here's what we have".
A4 I'd love to see museums come to Ts to show how they can support us!
Part II. We also teamed up w/educators from across the country to create new lessons.
I love this idea. Teachers love to see the collections, but an analysis training would be even better.
What would you tell these museums? We're listening!
A4 How to use museum materials in the classroom. How to make artifacts accessible
History Colorado Center has free teacher nights before special exhibits open.
When I bring my Ss back to next spring, I'll be better prepared to showcase.
A4: the center on representative government is doing great things for Ts with primary sources out of teaching how to
I think a lot of museum educators would love to do that!
A4 Lessons in curation. What is the like to make those choices?
I'd love to see sample artifacts, examples of ways for Ss to interact. Wet my appetite!
A3. Artifacts as cultural analysis, using inquiry to learn about historic places, how to create a classroom museum exhibit
A3) virtual tools are great we took a group of students to the year and they discounted rates for us.
Just went to one of their LOC TPS workshops Fri. :) Free & great food as well as awesome info & skills.
A4: would be awesome for local museums and historical societies to use Ed outreach $ to help connect local history to State Stands
A4: How to select engaging an appropriate films and documentaries.
A4. Artifacts as cultural analysis, using inquiry to learn about historic places, how to create a classroom museum exhibit
Anyone in the Boston area ever try the Ted Kennedy museum? I hear lots of hands on activities and senate sims-will try next year
Do any of you use 3D printers to print replicas of historic artifacts or maps? Would you if you had the resources?
Best ideas I've ever heard is a Choose Your Own Adventure exhibit - let Ss experience a moment in time!
Ooooh! That's a great idea! Would be so helpful to Ss.
A4 I'd love 2 see museums develop more learning trunks that can travel & provide Ts w/PD to help facilitate learning
. I'm on their teacher advisory board. The EMKI Sim experience is just amazing!
A4) I would love to have a PD on teaching the Ss on how they research. What do they look for as a historian.
I have to leave & take my daughter to her multiple activities this evening. Thanks ! This has been great!!
These are wonderful PD ideas. Thank you!
Thanks for joining us and for your great ideas!
I've heard from frustrated museum educators that tchrs sometimes bring ss with no prep & after state exams. That's babysitting.
Yes! So much goes into making those choices. Would love to share with Ss.
Absolutely! Very excited! Would love to see Civics related exhibits if possible too!
. we've done some. Have a coliseum on my desk!
. our welding shop will also produce as practice for following specs and thinking creativity
A coliseum is awesome! Did you have Ss create/print?
Loving this conversation. We are listening hard to your ideas. Question 5 coming up...
Using the shop to create objects is fantastic. We love to see how Ss interpret historic objects and revision.
. no it was early in our 3D adoption was from thingiverse but now students design and test their own
so agreed! Make the most out of the visit! We love to impress the Gettysburg guides!
. we have scheduled field trips during the heart of test review season it's mostly frowned upon, but my Ss gain more
. when the us history class finishes this year, I'll make sure to post some pics!
A4: Lessons with artifacts
Q5: What are the best ways for museums to support teachers?
Thank you! We'd love to see them!
making out of Legos is also awesome
A5) Tie educational programming to standards (CCSS or state) - can help Ts justify $$/time for trips.
I know it's hard for schools to visit museums but as Mus Ed person the Ooos and Ahhhs are great when Ss come in person
A.4 Thatcamp. I want to go to Thatcamp.
Not museums, but it was great to explore Valley Forge & Washington's Crossing last year. It's great to read about a place & visit.
A5: alignment ideas with state standards. Allow for teacher adaptability, implementation. That plants the seed and gets Ts thinking
A5 sell yourselves - offer to come in on a soc studies department meeting or inservice - we would so welcome it!
A5 Connect w/ Ss - be on Instagram, Skype w/ classrooms, send out boxes of artifacts. Help us to get Ss excited!
A5) possibly more virtual PD. Some SS teachers can't always get away.
Absolutely! My door is always open to someone else pitching at a dept meeting!
A5 I'm grateful for online materials that museums extend to Ss in our 1:1 environment. Interactivity and critical thinking are keys!
A5 Provide materials before, after, during trip. Use Ts to help develop ideas/plans
A5 Just listen to us. Partner with us.
A5. Work with tchrs prior to museum visits. Send 1-2 objects. Practice observation & ? techniques to prepare.
A5: Connect with teachers. Listen to their needs. just replied to my concern about elem. trunks. LOVE IT!
. we've taken department meetings on road to visit local museum to see what was there. Called ahead to get passes
If we can't send an object, would you use something online? Esp if it included lessons about observation/analysis?
RT we've taken department meetings on road to visit local museum to see what was there. Called ahead to get passes
I definitely would! Again, I teach online so wouldn't be able to use actual object anyway. :)
A5: (Can I answer my own question?) Keep telling museum educators what you want. We can't always make it happen, but we want to!
also have teachers review and pilot museum lessons, help to keep them updated with best practices and new standards
A5. Replace museum worksheets with student questions using Question Formulation Technique from .
We had an idea where teachers one Saturday would head to a museum, collaborate on lessons, and then share to a larger community.
A 5 How about a build your own exhibit feature? Let students use your collection to build virtual exhibits with text panels.
A5) Also, try to partner w/ state/regional social studies councils & attend their conferences. Great opps for interacting w/ Ts.
No reason it wouldn't work virtually.
We love the QFT. We have been trying to incorporate it more into our materials.
you should check out --it's similar to what you are describing!
. so true! Over SB my wife and I visited a museum and saw nothing but worksheets! Has to be more!
We've done virtual exhibits but they often look terrible because the images aren't that good.
We love presenting at these types of conferences. Do you enjoy sessions from museums?
I'm so excited to present QFT w/ primary sources at Boston conference July 18-19!
This sounds pretty amazing... Esp in a PBL classroom
Me too my friend... me too!
Thanks to everyone for your chat tonight. Keep connecting with your museums; we always want to hear from you!
YES! Just chatting w/ reps in vendor area is very useful. So many museums out there. Hard to find if know 0 about.
Thank you for a productive and insightful discussion! We hope that everyone visits a museum sometime this month!
Agreed - it has great features letting students create exhibit/collection.
I'll have the archives up in a few.
All this chat makes me want to visit these museums!
Our pleasure! If you all are in Minnesota sometime soon, stop by and see us !
Leaving with some great ideas.
I need a comic book museum - maybe I'll create my own - have to justify my huge collection - lol
. thank you for moderating! A another wonderful hour (only 45 for me) with other great educators
