Journal 2: Museums in the Classroom

Reissman, Rose (2009, Feb.). Museums in the Classroom. Learning and Leading with Technology, Vol. 36, Retrieved Mar. 2, '09, from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/200902/

This week I read the article “Museums in the Classroom” from Learning and Leading with Technology magazine. This article gave pointers and suggestions for how to incorporate museum experiences into the classroom environment. Suggestions included some online museum websites that allow students to view an exhibit related to what they are currently studying, such as the San Diego Air and Space Museum or the American Red Cross website. The article included information and tips about how to turn a classroom into a museum opening, such as after a section is completed. They suggested making banners, having students play the role of docents, and create tickets and brochures. A helpful website was also provided that offers tips and resources for educators for museum visits, and ideas for activities while at the museum.

Q). How can I incorporate museums into my classroom?
A). I believe that history and literature are very closely related, so I think it would be great to have students visit a virtual museum exhibit that covers a time period related to the historical context of a book we are reading. This puts the language, actions, and attitudes of the characters into a more comprehensible state, especially if a book is particularly dated.
Q). Why is it a good idea to visit the site about educator resources before going to a museum?
A). This site is a great source for making the most of a museum visit. Museums are usually big and sometimes have multiple exhibits going at one time, so it is difficult to see everything you want to in the allotted time. Planning out a trip beforehand and having input from other educators is a great way of ensuring you see everything you want to and making the field trip an enjoyable, as opposed to hectic, experience!