Teaching with Museum Objects and Works of Art

A 14-week professional development course by SmithsonianX

Course Description

Embark on an enriching journey with "Teaching with Museum Objects and Works of Art," a comprehensive 14-week teacher professional development course offered by SmithsonianX. This innovative program is designed to revolutionize your teaching approach by harnessing the power of museum objects and works of art to broaden perspectives, uncover hidden narratives, and create meaningful connections to contemporary issues.

What students will learn:

  • Expertise from Smithsonian museum educators through recorded video sessions
  • Inquiry-based strategies for integrating museum objects and works of art into both classroom and online teaching
  • Utilization of educational technology tools, including the Smithsonian Learning Lab
  • Curation of digital resource collections and development of engaging lesson ideas
  • Techniques for fostering student engagement and deeper thinking across disciplines
  • Methods to support content learning through museum resources

Pre-requisites:

This introductory-level course has no specific prerequisites, making it accessible to educators from all backgrounds and experience levels.

Course Content:

  • Introduction to the Smithsonian Learning Lab and its features
  • Exploration of digital museum resources and their educational potential
  • Strategies for creating interactive learning experiences with museum objects
  • Techniques for incorporating works of art into various subject areas
  • Methods for uncovering and sharing silenced stories through museum collections
  • Best practices for online and classroom teaching using museum resources
  • Reflection and idea-sharing within a community of educators
  • Development of a personalized learning experience for your classroom

Who this course is for:

  • K-12 teachers across all subject areas
  • Museum educators and professionals
  • Curriculum developers and instructional designers
  • Educational technology specialists
  • Anyone interested in innovative teaching methods and museum education

Real-world Applications:

  • Enhance student engagement and critical thinking in both online and in-person classrooms
  • Create interdisciplinary connections using museum objects and works of art
  • Develop technology-rich, interactive learning experiences
  • Foster cultural awareness and global perspectives among students
  • Implement inquiry-based learning strategies to deepen understanding of various subjects
  • Collaborate with other educators to share resources and ideas
  • Utilize free, accessible digital resources to supplement existing curriculum
  • Encourage students to make relevant connections between historical artifacts and contemporary issues

By mastering these skills, educators can transform their teaching practices, creating more engaging, thought-provoking, and culturally rich learning environments for their students. The course empowers teachers to leverage the vast resources of the Smithsonian and other museums, bringing the world into their classrooms and inspiring a new generation of critical thinkers and lifelong learners.