Museums · 05-19-2014
A few years ago, my fifth grade gifted and talented students completed a unique research project. Specifically, we sent letters to museum directors asking for input about one object, artifact, work of art, or a creative selection from their museum's collections. The selection could be a personal favorite, possess significant cultural relevance, be a "best" example of its kind, tell a story, promote a new idea, or expose students to a new experience. The purpose of the project was to provide...
Museums · 05-07-2014
The International Council of Museums (ICOM) established International Museum Day in 1977 to increase public awareness of the role of museums in the development of society. Today, it is recognized by approximately 35,000 museums in 143 countries! Held in concert with International Museum Day, is the American Association of Art Directors’s (AAMD) Art Museum Day. Many AAMD members will offer free or reduced admission, educational programs, and/or discounts on or around May 18. Introduce your...
Museums · 02-03-2014
A few years ago, my fifth grade gifted and talented students completed a unique research project. Specifically, we sent letters to museum directors asking for input about one object, artifact, work of art, or a creative selection from their museum's collections. The selection could be a personal favorite, possess significant cultural relevance, be a "best" example of its kind, tell a story, promote a new idea, or expose students to a new experience. The purpose of the project was to provide...
Books · 12-22-2013
Happy Birthday to Jerry Pinkney, winner of the 2010 Caldecott Medal for his children’s picture book The Lion and the Mouse. The book's beautiful illustrations retell Aesop's fable (without the use of text) of how one good deed begets another. Jerry Pinkney is also the recipient of five Caldecott Honor Medals, five Coretta Scott King Book Awards, and four Coretta Scott King Honor Awards! In September, I was fortunate to view the touring exhibition of his drawings and watercolors, "Witness: The...
Museums · 12-16-2013
Combining museums and teenagers can be a daunting combination. If you saw the movie Museum Hours, you can appreciate the perceptive presentation of teenagers' texting behaviors. Additionally, among all the glorious art in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the teens focused mainly on art work with horror movie themes, such as the collection of painted beheadings. How can we extend this interest to other works of art? This is a key question/challenge for museum educators. Dana Allen-Greil of the...
Museums · 12-09-2013
A few years ago, my fifth grade gifted and talented students completed a unique research project. Specifically, we sent letters to museum directors asking for input about one object, artifact, work of art, or a creative selection from their museum's collections. The selection could be a personal favorite, possess significant cultural relevance, be a "best" example of its kind, tell a story, promote a new idea, or expose students to a new experience. The purpose of the project was to provide...
Museums · 11-25-2013
Museum Monday Since many museums are closed on Mondays, I'll bring a museum to you. Serious music lovers will "sing" the praises of this special museum. Enter virtual gallery tours highlighting musical instruments from around the world and throughout the ages at the National Music Museum. View harmonicas, drums, flutes, guitars, violins, and much more. It is an extremely helpful site for instrument research too!
Museums · 11-20-2013
If you have budding inventors in your household, direct them to The Smithsonian's Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation. Plenty of fascinating inventors are featured, including the individuals who invented robotic ants, the first chocolate covered ice cream bars, and Velcro. Enthusiasts can also learn more at The Center's fascinating blog, Bright Ideas, (where I learned who invented the Super Bowl Trophy).
Museums · 11-11-2013
A few years ago, my fifth grade gifted and talented students completed a unique research project. Specifically, we sent letters to museum directors asking for input about one object, artifact, work of art, or a creative selection from their museum's collections. The selection could be a personal favorite, possess significant cultural relevance, be a "best" example of its kind, tell a story, promote a new idea, or expose students to a new experience. The purpose of the project was to provide...