Each school year, the museum welcomes over 5,000 K-12 students to explore our exhibits, connect with the past, and gain new understandings. The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) views social studies as an avenue for students to develop “the knowledge and skills to make sound judgments, understand historical and contemporary experiences/events, analyze interpersonal and global tensions, and actively participate in the complex world in which they live.” (www.cde.state.co.us/cosocialstudies). The museum supports regional educators with these lofty goals. Schools can choose from a variety of field trip options that will work best for their students. We align our activities with the CDE standards to ensure students have not only a fun, but impactful visit. Recently, a group of 60 4th graders visited our new Evidence exhibit that explores the life of our city’s founder, General William Jackson Palmer. Students were introduced to how a team of archaeologists excavated Palmer’s trash and learned a great deal from their findings. In small teams, students looked through their own “dig” box and had to discuss what stories the items told. With very little information, they drew conclusions about the ages of the occupants of Glen Eyrie (Palmer’s home near Garden of the Gods), ideas about what they ate, and even the family’s class. Hands-on activities like these challenge the students to utilize their inquiry skills and take the learning into their own hands. Students participating in the “Trailblazers” station with Makaela Worden, Education Assistant I am fortunate to have an incredible team that supports these program offerings. Makaela Worden, Education Assistant, supervises program set-up and student introductions. Our team of volunteers train to lead specific exhibit stations, and work diligently to not only teach, but inspire and engage visiting students. We are all driven by the “ah ha!” moments where students truly connect to exhibit content. Students also have a unique way of reminding us how special this museum building and its collections are. I love observing and listening to their comments when they first enter the building, “Wow!” “Is this a castle!?” “I love this place!” We are truly a museum for everyone, and are thrilled when the big yellow buses pull up each week! Meg Poole, Program Coordinator with students at the “History Detective” station in the new Palmer exhibit MUSELETTER OCTOBER 2019| PG 3
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