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Briana Zavadil White,
Phoebe Hillemann,
Dr. Orlando Serrano,
Candra Flanagan,
Kirsten McNally,
Tess Porter,
and
Jessie Aucoin
How can educators of all disciplines prepare students to be active and informed participants in a democracy? Join us to explore this question through the lens of six Smithsonian collections! Discover how museum objects can help learners explore the challenges and opportunities of living in a democracy and inspire civic action.
Read more
How can educators of all disciplines prepare students to be active and informed participants in a democracy? Join us to explore this question through the lens of six Smithsonian collections! Discover how museum objects can help learners explore the challenges and opportunities of living in a democracy and inspire civic action.
Read more
How can educators of all disciplines prepare students to be active and informed participants in a democracy? Join us to explore this question through the lens of six Smithsonian collections! Discover how museum objects can help learners explore the challenges and opportunities of living in a democracy and inspire civic action.
All educators are welcome. This institute is ideal for classroom teachers. This course is part of the Smithsonian Summer Sessions series. The previous courses are not a prerequisite for this course, the courses can be accessed here.
What you'll learn
Museum educators will explore connections among their collections and model teaching strategies that participants can implement with their students in the classroom. We’ll introduce the Smithsonian Learning Lab, a free, online platform for accessing digital museum resources and creating interactive learning experiences with them. Participants will discover how to teach with museum resources to engage students in deeper thinking and support content learning across disciplines.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/67gm8j/the
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Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Suitable for all educators, making it a versatile course
Led by experienced museum educators, providing practical insights
Introduces the Smithsonian Learning Lab, a valuable resource for educators
Focuses on teaching with museum resources, enhancing student engagement and content learning
Part of the Smithsonian Summer Sessions series, indicating a reputable and well-established program
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Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in The Smithsonian Summer Sessions: Inspiring Civic Engagement with these
activities:
Review basic principles of civic education
Show steps
Strengthen your foundation in civic education to enhance your engagement with the course materials.
Browse courses on
Citizenship
Show steps
-
Review textbooks or online resources on civic education.
-
Participate in online discussions or forums related to civic education.
-
Attend workshops or webinars on civic education topics.
Review Museum Studies
Show steps
Refresh your understanding of museum studies to enhance your understanding of the course materials.
Browse courses on
Museum Studies
Show steps
-
Read introductory articles on museum studies.
-
Review foundational texts in the field.
-
Attend an online lecture or workshop on museum studies.
Read 'Museum Education: Theory and Practice' by Elizabeth Vallance
Show steps
Familiarize yourself with the essential principles and practices of museum education.
View
Conceptual Foundations - E-Book: The Bridge to...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Obtain a copy of the book.
-
Read chapters relevant to the course.
-
Take notes and reflect on the key concepts.
Ten other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 13 activities
Explore the Smithsonian Learning Lab tutorials
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of museum resources and their use in education.
Browse courses on
Museum Education
Show steps
-
Visit the Smithsonian Learning Lab website.
-
Explore the available tutorials.
-
Select a tutorial relevant to your interests.
-
Follow the tutorial instructions.
Analyze Museum Objects
Show steps
Develop your skills in analyzing museum objects to deepen your understanding of their historical and cultural significance.
Browse courses on
Art History
Show steps
-
Visit a museum and select several objects for analysis.
-
Research the objects' provenance, materials, and techniques.
-
Write a brief analysis of each object, considering its historical context and cultural significance.
Plan and develop a lesson plan incorporating museum resources
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of museum resources to practical lesson planning.
Browse courses on
Lesson Planning
Show steps
-
Select a specific museum collection or exhibit.
-
Identify learning objectives aligned with the curriculum.
-
Create a lesson plan outline.
-
Incorporate museum resources into the lesson.
-
Plan for student engagement and assessment.
Design Museum Lesson Plan
Show steps
Create a lesson plan that incorporates museum resources to enhance your teaching practice and engage students in history and culture.
Browse courses on
Lesson Planning
Show steps
-
Choose a topic and grade level for your lesson.
-
Research relevant museum objects and resources.
-
Develop learning objectives and activities that connect to the objects and resources.
-
Create a lesson plan outline and materials.
Join a study group focused on museum education
Show steps
Share insights, support, and engage in discussions related to museum education.
Browse courses on
Museum Education
Show steps
-
Identify potential study group members.
-
Establish a schedule for regular meetings.
-
Prepare discussion topics or activities.
-
Meet regularly to share ideas and insights.
Collaborate with Classmates on Museum Project
Show steps
Work with classmates to develop a museum project that showcases your understanding of museum collections and their educational value.
Browse courses on
Group Projects
Show steps
-
Form a group and choose a museum collection for your project.
-
Research the collection and select objects for analysis.
-
Develop a project proposal and timeline.
-
Collaborate on creating a presentation or exhibition.
Create a digital portfolio of course materials
Show steps
Organize and store your course materials for easy access and future reference.
Show steps
-
Gather all relevant course materials.
-
Create a digital folder or platform.
-
Organize materials into categories or sections.
-
Annotate or add notes to materials as needed.
Learn Digital Humanities Tools
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of digital humanities tools and resources to effectively incorporate technology into your museum practices.
Browse courses on
Digital Humanities
Show steps
-
Identify relevant digital humanities tools.
-
Take online tutorials or workshops on these tools.
-
Practice using the tools in a museum context.
Gather resources on museum education best practices
Show steps
Build a valuable collection of resources to support your continued professional development in museum education.
Browse courses on
Museum Education
Show steps
-
Search for articles, books, and online resources on museum education best practices.
-
Organize and categorize the resources.
-
Create a digital or physical folder for easy access.
Contribute to the Smithsonian Learning Lab community
Show steps
Engage with the broader museum education community and contribute to the field.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
-
Identify ways to contribute to the Smithsonian Learning Lab platform.
-
Create or collaborate on educational resources.
-
Provide feedback or suggestions for improvement.
-
Participate in online forums and discussions.
Review basic principles of civic education
Show steps
Strengthen your foundation in civic education to enhance your engagement with the course materials.
Browse courses on
Citizenship
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review textbooks or online resources on civic education.
- Participate in online discussions or forums related to civic education.
- Attend workshops or webinars on civic education topics.
Review Museum Studies
Show steps
Refresh your understanding of museum studies to enhance your understanding of the course materials.
Browse courses on
Museum Studies
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read introductory articles on museum studies.
- Review foundational texts in the field.
- Attend an online lecture or workshop on museum studies.
Read 'Museum Education: Theory and Practice' by Elizabeth Vallance
Show steps
Familiarize yourself with the essential principles and practices of museum education.
View
Conceptual Foundations - E-Book: The Bridge to...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Obtain a copy of the book.
- Read chapters relevant to the course.
- Take notes and reflect on the key concepts.
Ten other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 13 activities
Explore the Smithsonian Learning Lab tutorials
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of museum resources and their use in education.
Browse courses on
Museum Education
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Visit the Smithsonian Learning Lab website.
- Explore the available tutorials.
- Select a tutorial relevant to your interests.
- Follow the tutorial instructions.
Analyze Museum Objects
Show steps
Develop your skills in analyzing museum objects to deepen your understanding of their historical and cultural significance.
Browse courses on
Art History
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Visit a museum and select several objects for analysis.
- Research the objects' provenance, materials, and techniques.
- Write a brief analysis of each object, considering its historical context and cultural significance.
Plan and develop a lesson plan incorporating museum resources
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of museum resources to practical lesson planning.
Browse courses on
Lesson Planning
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Select a specific museum collection or exhibit.
- Identify learning objectives aligned with the curriculum.
- Create a lesson plan outline.
- Incorporate museum resources into the lesson.
- Plan for student engagement and assessment.
Design Museum Lesson Plan
Show steps
Create a lesson plan that incorporates museum resources to enhance your teaching practice and engage students in history and culture.
Browse courses on
Lesson Planning
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a topic and grade level for your lesson.
- Research relevant museum objects and resources.
- Develop learning objectives and activities that connect to the objects and resources.
- Create a lesson plan outline and materials.
Join a study group focused on museum education
Show steps
Share insights, support, and engage in discussions related to museum education.
Browse courses on
Museum Education
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify potential study group members.
- Establish a schedule for regular meetings.
- Prepare discussion topics or activities.
- Meet regularly to share ideas and insights.
Collaborate with Classmates on Museum Project
Show steps
Work with classmates to develop a museum project that showcases your understanding of museum collections and their educational value.
Browse courses on
Group Projects
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Form a group and choose a museum collection for your project.
- Research the collection and select objects for analysis.
- Develop a project proposal and timeline.
- Collaborate on creating a presentation or exhibition.
Create a digital portfolio of course materials
Show steps
Organize and store your course materials for easy access and future reference.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather all relevant course materials.
- Create a digital folder or platform.
- Organize materials into categories or sections.
- Annotate or add notes to materials as needed.
Learn Digital Humanities Tools
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of digital humanities tools and resources to effectively incorporate technology into your museum practices.
Browse courses on
Digital Humanities
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify relevant digital humanities tools.
- Take online tutorials or workshops on these tools.
- Practice using the tools in a museum context.
Gather resources on museum education best practices
Show steps
Build a valuable collection of resources to support your continued professional development in museum education.
Browse courses on
Museum Education
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for articles, books, and online resources on museum education best practices.
- Organize and categorize the resources.
- Create a digital or physical folder for easy access.
Contribute to the Smithsonian Learning Lab community
Show steps
Engage with the broader museum education community and contribute to the field.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify ways to contribute to the Smithsonian Learning Lab platform.
- Create or collaborate on educational resources.
- Provide feedback or suggestions for improvement.
- Participate in online forums and discussions.
Career center
Learners who complete The Smithsonian Summer Sessions: Inspiring Civic Engagement will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Museum Education Officer
Museum Education Officer
Museum Education Officers develop and deliver educational programs for museum visitors, including tours, lectures, and workshops. This course can help you build the knowledge and skills to teach with museum resources. It can also help you engage students in deeper thinking and support content learning across disciplines.
High School Teacher
High School Teacher
High School Teachers educate and prepare high school students in a variety of academic subjects including the humanities and the sciences. This Smithsonian course may be useful if you'd like to teach the humanities or history.
Museum Educator
Museum Educator
Museum Educators teach visitors about museum collections and exhibitions. This Smithsonian course may be useful if you'd like to teach about museum collections and exhibitions.
Museum Director
Museum Director
A Museum Director manages the day to day operations of a museum. This Smithsonian course may be helpful if you'd like to gain skills in leading and managing a cultural or educational institution.
Museum curator
Museum curator
Museum Curators are responsible for the care and display of museum collections. They also conduct research, publish findings, and develop educational programs. This Smithsonian course can help you explore the challenges and opportunities of living in a democracy, which can help you build a strong foundation for engaging visitors with museum exhibits.
Museum Collections Manager
Museum Collections Manager
A Museum Collections Manager is responsible for the preservation and display of museum artifacts. Courses such as this one can help you learn how to engage museum patrons with historical and educational displays. Additionally, it can help you understand how to create exciting and engaging learning experiences that help people connect with history and culture.
Museum Studies Professor
Museum Studies Professor
A Museum Studies Professor teaches courses in museum studies at the college or university level. This Smithsonian course may be useful if you'd like to teach about museum studies or work in higher education.
Archivist
Archivist
Archivists acquire, preserve, and make accessible historical documents or records. Courses about museum history and collections can help you develop the skills you need to curate a collection of historical documents or museum artifacts.
Sociologist
Sociologist
Sociologists study human society and social behavior. They may specialize in a particular area, such as crime, education, or family. This Smithsonian course may be useful if you'd like to teach or work in a museum that focuses on human culture.
Historian
Historian
Historians research, analyze, and interpret the past. They may specialize in a particular time period, region, or topic. This Smithsonian course may be helpful to you if you'd like to teach or work with historical documents.
Archaeologist
Archaeologist
Archaeologists study the material remains of past human cultures. They may specialize in a particular region or time period. This Smithsonian course may be useful if you'd like to teach or work at a museum that specializes in ancient history.
Economist
Economist
Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. They may specialize in a particular area, such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, or econometrics. This Smithsonian course may be useful if you'd like to teach or work at a museum that focuses on the history of industry and economy.
Political Scientist
Political Scientist
Political Scientists study politics, government, and public policy. They may specialize in a particular area, such as American politics, international relations, or public administration. This Smithsonian course may be useful if you'd like to teach or work at a museum that focuses on the history of government and law.
Anthropologist
Anthropologist
Anthropologists study the behavior, origin, and development of humans. They may specialize in a particular region or culture. This Smithsonian course may be helpful if you'd like to teach or work with historical artifacts.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/67gm8j/the
Reading list
We've selected 16 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
The Smithsonian Summer Sessions: Inspiring Civic Engagement.
This practical guide provides educators with strategies for teaching civic engagement in the classroom. Thomas offers lesson plans, activities, and resources that can be used to help students develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to be active participants in a democracy.
Examines the role of museums in fostering civic engagement. Simon argues that museums can be powerful places for learning about democracy and practicing civic skills.
This handbook provides educators with practical guidance on how to use museum resources to teach civic engagement. The book includes lesson plans, activities, and resources that can be used to help students develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to be active participants in a democracy.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of civic education in the United States. Hess examines the history of civic education, the current state of civic education, and the challenges facing civic education in the 21st century.
Save
This classic work of political philosophy provides a unique perspective on American democracy. Tocqueville offers insights into the strengths and weaknesses of democracy, and he argues that democracy fragile system that must be constantly nurtured and protected.
This collection of essays was written to persuade the people of New York to ratify the Constitution. The Federalist Papers provide a detailed explanation of the principles of American government, and they remain a valuable resource for understanding the American political system.
Provides a historical overview of American political thought. Hofstadter examines the ideas of key American thinkers, and he argues that American political thought is characterized by a tension between individualism and collectivism.
Save
Provides a theoretical framework for understanding democracy. Dahl argues that democracy system of government that is based on the principle of popular sovereignty.
Explores the challenges facing democracy in the 21st century, including the rise of populism, nationalism, and authoritarianism.
Provides a revisionist history of the United States. Zinn argues that American history has been shaped by the struggle between the people and the powerful.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of political participation, examining the different forms of participation, their causes, and their consequences.
Save
Provides a comprehensive history of the American Revolution. Wood argues that the American Revolution was a transformative event that shaped the course of American history.
Save
This classic work in political science examines the relationship between political culture and democratic stability, drawing on data from a comparative study of five countries.
Save
Provides a detailed account of the American Civil War. Foote argues that the Civil War was a complex and tragic event that had a profound impact on American society.
Save
Provides a comprehensive history of the Reconstruction era. Foner argues that Reconstruction was a period of great progress and change, but it was also a period of violence and backlash.
Provides a critical analysis of the politics of education in the United States, examining the different ways in which education policy is shaped by political interests.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/67gm8j/the
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Effort
1 to 2 hours per week for 14 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
The Smithsonian Institution
Instructors
Briana Zavadil White
Phoebe Hillemann
Dr. Orlando Serrano
Candra Flanagan
Kirsten McNally
Tess Porter
Jessie Aucoin
Language
English
Transcript
English
Good to know
Suitable for all educators, making it a versatile course
Led by experienced museum educators, providing practical insights
Introduces the Smithsonian Learning Lab, a valuable resource for educators
Focuses on teaching with museum resources, enhancing student engagement and content learning
Part of the Smithsonian Summer Sessions series, indicating a reputable and well-established program
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