The Smithsonian Summer Sessions: Interrogating the Stories We Tell from edX

In this course, you’ll discover how museum objects and works of art can broaden our perspectives, reveal silenced stories, and make relevant connections to our world today. Museum educators will explore connections among their collections and model teaching strategies that participants can implement with their students, whether online or in the classroom.

Teachers, join six Smithsonian museums for 14-weeks of teacher professional development from home. 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.

Over the duration of the course, you will reflect on what you have learned and workshop ideas to create a learning experience for your classroom.

What you'll learn

Gain expertise from educators from multiple Smithsonian museums through recorded video sessions
Reflect and share ideas with a community of educators via discussion forums
Explore inquiry-based strategies for integrating museum objects and works of art into your teaching, whether in the classroom or online
Learn to use a variety of educational technology tools, including the Smithsonian Learning Lab, to curate digital resource collections and share lesson ideas

What's inside

Learning objectives

Gain expertise from educators from multiple smithsonian museums through recorded video sessions
Explore inquiry-based strategies for integrating museum objects and works of art into your teaching, whether in the classroom or online

Learn to use a variety of educational technology tools, including the
, to curate digital resource collections and share lesson ideas

Gain expertise from educators from multiple smithsonian museums through recorded video sessions
Explore inquiry-based strategies for integrating museum objects and works of art into your teaching, whether in the classroom or online
Learn to use a variety of educational technology tools, including the
, to curate digital resource collections and share lesson ideas

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines museum objects and works of art, which are compelling to many people's imaginations and interests

Taught by multiple Smithsonian museum educators, who are recognized for their expertise in the field

Develops skills for using educational technology tools, which are essential for online and blended learning

Guides learners through materials in the Smithsonian Learning Lab to complement their learning journey

Provides strategies for integrating museum resources into curricula for multi-disciplinary learning, expanding the materials available to educators

Guides learners in the creation of learning experiences for classroom implementation, addressing practical application

Career center

Learners who complete The Smithsonian Summer Sessions: Interrogating the Stories We Tell will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Museum Educator

Museum Educators develop and deliver educational programs for museum visitors. They also work with teachers and students to create learning experiences that are relevant and engaging. This course may be helpful to those in this career as it provides expertise from educators from multiple Smithsonian museums on how to teach with museum resources. This can help Museum Educators create more effective and engaging learning experiences for visitors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum Educator

Museum curator

Museum Curators are responsible for researching, acquiring, and preserving museum objects and artifacts. They also develop and interpret exhibitions for museum visitors. This course may be helpful to those in this career as it provides expertise from educators from multiple Smithsonian museums on how to curate a museum collection. This can help Museum Curators make informed decisions about how to build and care for a museum collection.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

Museum Director

Museum Directors oversee the operation of museums. They are responsible for planning and implementing exhibitions, managing staff, and fundraising. This course may be helpful to those in this career as it provides expertise from educators from multiple Smithsonian museums on how to manage and operate a museum. This can help Museum Directors make informed decisions about how to best serve their visitors and communities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum Director

Museum Registrar

Museum Registrars are responsible for managing the museum's collection of objects and artifacts. They track the movement of objects, maintain records, and ensure that objects are properly cared for. This course may be helpful to those in this career as it provides expertise from educators from multiple Smithsonian museums on how to manage a museum collection. This can help Museum Registrars develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage and care for museum objects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum Registrar

Art History Teacher

Art History Teachers teach students about the history of art and its various forms. They develop and deliver lesson plans, grade student work, and lead discussions. This course may be helpful to those in this career as it provides expertise from educators from multiple Smithsonian museums on how to teach with museum resources. This can help Art History Teachers create more effective and engaging learning experiences for their students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art History Teacher

School Curriculum Developer

School Curriculum Developers write and design educational materials, such as textbooks, lesson plans, and online courses. They also collaborate with teachers and administrators to develop and implement educational programs. This course may be helpful to those in this career as it provides expertise from educators from multiple Smithsonian museums on how to integrate museum objects and works of art into your teaching. This can help Curriculum Developers create more engaging and effective learning experiences for students.

See salaries and explore the career path for School Curriculum Developer

Archivist

Archivists preserve and manage historical records and artifacts. They also provide access to these materials for researchers and the public. This course may be helpful to those in this career as it provides expertise from educators from multiple Smithsonian museums. This can help Archivists learn how to engage the public with historical records and artifacts in new and innovative ways.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist

Historian

Historians research, interpret, and write about the past. They use a variety of sources, including museum objects and works of art, to understand and explain human behavior and events. This course may be helpful to those in this career as it provides expertise from educators from multiple Smithsonian museums on how to use museum objects and works of art in their research and writing. This can help Historians produce more accurate and engaging work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian