Teaching with the Smithsonian: Addressing 21st-Century Challenges in the College Classroom from edX

This course encourages educators to engage students with the Smithsonian Institution’s experts and collections (both tangible and digital), as they follow Montgomery College-Smithsonian Faculty (MCSF) Fellows on their virtual 2021 series, “Addressing 21st-Century Challenges.” The course offers three main threads, including lectures with Smithsonian experts and educators, replicable classroom activities using Smithsonian images and artifacts, and testimony from former MCSF Fellows describing ways they employ museum pedagogy and artifacts to engage and empower students while exploring the complex challenges of the 21st century, including climate change, social justice and pandemics. Adaptable for high school, community college, and college audiences.

The interdisciplinary Fellowship, established in 1998 by Montgomery College’s Paul Peck Humanities Institute, trains community college faculty to learn about Smithsonian content as an entry point to consider crucial issues from multiple perspectives. During the year-long Fellowship, each participating professor designs a theme-based project for their classroom that meets course objectives, while creatively employing museum content and pedagogy. MC Fellowship professors have found their students to be far more sophisticated and capable as a result of engaging in assignments that integrate coursework with research and museum learning as well as deeply appreciative of the riches the Smithsonian offers them for free.

"When I say the@montgomerycoll faculty fellowship AND the @smithsonian are transformative, I mean many years later I’m still using what I learned. The online resources at @SmithsonianEdu and more are for everyone, truly. - Dr. Alison H Melley, MCSF Fellow (2019)"

What's inside

Learning objective

Replicable techniques to use multidisciplinary content in classrooms to encourage students to address 21st-century challenges beyond the classroom

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides replicable techniques to use multidisciplinary content in classrooms to encourage students to address 21st-century challenges beyond the classroom

Partners with the Smithsonian Institution, offering access to experts and collections

Offers a well-rounded curriculum that includes lectures, classroom activities, and testimonials from former fellows

Adaptable for high school, community college, and college audiences

Taught by Montgomery College-Smithsonian Faculty Fellows who have experience in using museum content and pedagogy

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 Teaching with the Smithsonian: Addressing 21st-Century Challenges in the College Classroom with these activities:

Review Smithsonian Institution Digital Collections

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Familiarize yourself with the wealth of online resources the Smithsonian Institution offers for free.

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Visit the Smithsonian's website at www.si.edu.
Explore the Digital Collections tab to browse through millions of images, videos, and artifacts.
Select a specific collection relevant to the topics you're interested in learning more about.

Review the basics of teaching and learning

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Review the basics of teaching and learning to strengthen your foundation for the course.

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Read through your course syllabus and make note of any key concepts or skills that you need to refresh.
Identify any areas where you feel less confident and spend some time reviewing the relevant material.
Take practice quizzes or tests to assess your understanding of the material.

Explore the Smithsonian's online resources

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Explore the Smithsonian's online resources to gain a deeper understanding of the museum's collections and educational offerings.

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Visit the Smithsonian's website and browse their online collections.
Choose a few artifacts or exhibits that interest you and read the accompanying information.
Watch any available videos or listen to audio recordings related to the artifacts or exhibits.
Take notes on what you learn and reflect on how you might use this information in your teaching.

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Review high school science concepts

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Review fundamental science concepts from high school to strengthen the foundation for this course.

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Go over your high school science notes or textbooks.
Take practice quizzes or tests to assess your understanding.
Join online forums or discussion groups to ask questions and engage with other learners.

Compile a collection of Smithsonian resources for your classroom

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Compile a collection of Smithsonian resources for your classroom to have a variety of materials readily available for use in your teaching.

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Browse the Smithsonian's website and identify resources that are relevant to your teaching.
Download or save copies of these resources for future use.
Organize your resources into a system that makes them easy to find and use.

Connect with other educators who use Smithsonian resources

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Connect with other educators who use Smithsonian resources to learn from their experiences and share ideas.

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Attend Smithsonian events and workshops.
Join online communities and forums for educators.
Reach out to educators in your school or district who are using Smithsonian resources.

Design a lesson plan using Smithsonian resources

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Practice designing a lesson plan using Smithsonian resources to improve your skills in integrating museum content into your teaching.

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Choose a topic that you want to teach and identify relevant Smithsonian resources.
Develop a lesson plan that includes objectives, activities, and assessments.
Peer review your lesson plan with a colleague or mentor.

Explore Smithsonian Institution's online resources

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Familiarize yourself with the Smithsonian Institution's vast collection and resources to enhance your understanding of the course content.

Browse courses on Museums

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Visit the Smithsonian Institution's website and browse the different sections.
Explore the virtual tours and online exhibits available.
Utilize the educational resources, such as articles, videos, and lesson plans.

Participate in Smithsonian Online Discussions

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Engage with experts and peers in online discussions hosted by the Smithsonian.

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Check the Smithsonian's website for upcoming online events.
Register for an event that aligns with your interests.
Attend the event and actively participate in the discussion.

Attend a Smithsonian teacher workshop

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Attend a Smithsonian teacher workshop to learn new strategies and best practices for using museum resources in your teaching.

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Find a Smithsonian teacher workshop that aligns with your interests and needs.
Register for the workshop and make travel arrangements if necessary.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the activities and discussions.

Follow Smithsonian's 'Addressing 21st-Century Challenges' Lecture Series

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Gain insights from Smithsonian experts on pressing issues facing our world.

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Visit the Smithsonian's YouTube channel.
Search for the 'Addressing 21st-Century Challenges' playlist.
Watch the videos and take notes on key concepts and perspectives.

Create a mind map or concept diagram

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Develop a visual representation of the key concepts and their interconnections to enhance your understanding and retention.

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Identify the main concepts and subtopics covered in the course.
Arrange the concepts in a hierarchical or logical structure on paper or using software.
Draw connecting lines and add brief notes to explain the relationships.

Create a presentation on a Smithsonian topic

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Create a presentation on a Smithsonian topic to showcase your knowledge and skills in using museum content in your teaching.

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Choose a topic that you are passionate about and that aligns with the course objectives.
Research your topic using Smithsonian resources and other credible sources.
Develop a clear and engaging presentation that includes visuals, artifacts, and other relevant materials.
Practice your presentation and get feedback from peers or mentors.

Analyze Smithsonian artifacts and specimens

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Enhance your critical thinking and analytical skills by examining and interpreting artifacts and specimens from the Smithsonian's collection.

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Select an artifact or specimen from the Smithsonian's online collection.
Research the history, context, and significance of the artifact.
Observe and analyze the physical characteristics and details of the artifact.
Write a short report summarizing your findings and interpretations.

Design a Museum Activity Inspired by a Smithsonian Exhibit

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Apply museum pedagogy and artifacts to create an engaging educational experience.

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Choose a Smithsonian exhibit that resonates with you.
Develop a lesson plan incorporating the exhibit's content and artifacts.
Design interactive activities that foster student engagement and learning.

Discuss key concepts with classmates

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Engage in discussions with peers to exchange perspectives, clarify concepts, and deepen your understanding of the course material.

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Form a study group with classmates.
Meet regularly to discuss lecture content, readings, and assignments.
Share your insights, ask questions, and work together to solve problems.

Attend Smithsonian-led webinars or workshops

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Participate in interactive online sessions led by Smithsonian experts to gain insights and engage with professionals in the field.

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Check the Smithsonian Institution's website for upcoming webinars and workshops.
Register for the events that align with your interests and learning goals.
Attend the sessions and actively participate in discussions.

Design a lesson plan using Smithsonian resources

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Apply your knowledge and understanding of the course material by creating a lesson plan that incorporates Smithsonian resources to engage students in a real-world context.

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Identify a specific grade level and subject area for your lesson plan.
Select relevant Smithsonian resources, such as articles, videos, or artifacts.
Develop a lesson structure that aligns with your educational objectives.
Incorporate hands-on activities or projects that utilize Smithsonian resources.

Career center

Learners who complete Teaching with the Smithsonian: Addressing 21st-Century Challenges in the College Classroom will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Museum Educator

Museum Educators develop educational programs and activities that help visitors learn about the museum's collections and exhibits. They may also lead tours, give lectures, or write articles about the museum's work. This course would be helpful for Museum Educators because it would provide them with a deep understanding of the Smithsonian Institution's collections and resources. The course would also help Museum Educators develop skills in using museum objects and artifacts to teach about complex issues such as climate change, social justice, and pandemics.

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Archivist

Archivists acquire, preserve, and provide access to historical records. They may work in a variety of settings, including libraries, museums, government agencies, and businesses. This course would be helpful for Archivists because it would provide them with a deep understanding of the Smithsonian Institution's collections and resources. The course would also help Archivists develop skills in using museum objects and artifacts to research and interpret historical events.

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Historian

Historians research, analyze, and interpret the past. They may work in a variety of settings, including universities, museums, government agencies, and businesses. This course would be helpful for Historians because it would provide them with a deep understanding of the Smithsonian Institution's collections and resources. The course would also help Historians develop skills in using museum objects and artifacts to research and interpret historical events.

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Curator

Curators are responsible for the care and management of museum collections. They may also conduct research on the collections and develop educational programs. This course would be helpful for Curators because it would provide them with a deep understanding of the Smithsonian Institution's collections and resources. The course would also help Curators develop skills in using museum objects and artifacts to teach and engage the public.

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Museum Director

Museum Directors are responsible for the overall operation of museums. They may also develop exhibitions, educational programs, and fundraising campaigns. This course would be helpful for Museum Directors because it would provide them with a deep understanding of the Smithsonian Institution's collections and resources. The course would also help Museum Directors develop skills in using museum objects and artifacts to teach and engage the public.

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Librarian

Librarians acquire, organize, and provide access to information. They may work in a variety of settings, including public libraries, school libraries, and academic libraries. This course would be helpful for Librarians because it would provide them with a deep understanding of the Smithsonian Institution's collections and resources. The course would also help Librarians develop skills in using museum objects and artifacts to teach and engage the public.

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Anthropologist

Anthropologists study human beings and their cultures. They may work in a variety of settings, including universities, museums, government agencies, and businesses. This course would be helpful for Anthropologists because it would provide them with a deep understanding of the Smithsonian Institution's collections and resources. The course would also help Anthropologists develop skills in using museum objects and artifacts to research and interpret human cultures.

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Art historian

Art Historians study the history of art and architecture. They may work in a variety of settings, including universities, museums, government agencies, and businesses. This course would be helpful for Art Historians because it would provide them with a deep understanding of the Smithsonian Institution's collections and resources. The course would also help Art Historians develop skills in using museum objects and artifacts to research and interpret art and architecture.

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Archaeologist

Archaeologists study past human societies by excavating and analyzing archaeological sites. They may work in a variety of settings, including universities, museums, government agencies, and businesses. This course would be helpful for Archaeologists because it would provide them with a deep understanding of the Smithsonian Institution's collections and resources. The course would also help Archaeologists develop skills in using museum objects and artifacts to research and interpret past human societies.

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Educator

Educators develop and implement educational programs and activities. They may work in a variety of settings, including schools, museums, and community organizations. This course would be helpful for Educators because it would provide them with a deep understanding of the Smithsonian Institution's collections and resources. The course would also help Educators develop skills in using museum objects and artifacts to teach and engage students.

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Journalist

Journalists write, edit, and publish news stories and articles. They may work for a variety of media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, television, and radio. This course may be helpful for Journalists because it would provide them with a deep understanding of the Smithsonian Institution's collections and resources. The course could also help Journalists develop skills in using museum objects and artifacts to research and report on current events.

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Lawyer

Lawyers advise clients on legal matters and represent them in court. They may work in a variety of settings, including private law firms, government agencies, and corporations. This course may be helpful for Lawyers because it would provide them with a deep understanding of the Smithsonian Institution's collections and resources. The course could also help Lawyers develop skills in using museum objects and artifacts to research and argue legal cases.

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Politician

Politicians hold elected office and make decisions that affect the public. They may work at the local, state, or federal level. This course may be helpful for Politicians because it would provide them with a deep understanding of the Smithsonian Institution's collections and resources. The course could also help Politicians develop skills in using museum objects and artifacts to communicate with the public and advocate for policies.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people cope with personal and social challenges. They may work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, and community organizations. This course may be helpful for Social Workers because it would provide them with a deep understanding of the Smithsonian Institution's collections and resources. The course could also help Social Workers develop skills in using museum objects and artifacts to connect with clients and provide support.

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Teacher

Teachers develop and implement educational programs and activities for students. They may work in a variety of settings, including schools, museums, and community organizations. This course may be helpful for Teachers because it would provide them with a deep understanding of the Smithsonian Institution's collections and resources. The course could also help Teachers develop skills in using museum objects and artifacts to teach and engage students.

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