By Kate Kocienski
Grand Rapids Public Museum
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) is excited to announce various educational offerings for the 2020-2021 school year, with both virtual and in-person programming, available for schools, homeschools, learning pods and the public.
Students can connect with Museum programming and learn from wherever they are with free and affordable digital education resources. Resources include videos, activity guides, guided education programs and more – all developed through inquiry-based learning techniques, themed around history, science and culture.
“With the dynamics of school being so different this year across districts, we’re happy to offer digital and in-person experiences that will cater to learners in all settings,” said Erin Koren, the GRPM’s Director of Education. “Our goal is to continue connecting students to the Museum’s vast Collections, and exhibits to supplement what they’re learning in school through innovative and fun experiences.”
To access digital education resources, visit grpm.org/schools. Free resources are available for download, and to access guided programming, virtual or in-person, fill out the groups reservation form. Interactive guided education programs led by Museum Educators bring social studies and science standards to life using artifacts, exhibit content, engaging prompts and other educational activities. Guided education programs run approximately 30-45 minutes, and are presented via Zoom or Google Meet, with a flat fee per group.
Distance Learning
Downloadable Free Resources
Virtual Discovery Kits and Virtual Scavenger Hunts can be downloaded to incorporate GRPM exhibits and artifacts into instruction. Discovery Kits include downloadable activity sheets that provide educational backgrounds of a variety of science, history and cultural topics and allow students to ask questions, be creative and reflect on their learning. Additionally, downloadable scavenger hunts are available for students to explore the vast resource of the Digital Collections website which contains a quarter of a million records. Students will practice literacy, make connections, find patterns and use other deep-thinking skills.
Virtual Exhibit Tours
Simulate a virtual visit to the GRPM’s memorable core exhibits and Archives. Exhibit tours include Anishinabek: The First People of This Place, Newcomers: The People of This Place, West Michigan Habitats, and Streets of Old Grand Rapids. Engaging exhibit videos are continuously being added.
Virtual Planetarium Presentations
A GRPM planetarium staff member will lead students through an interactive, live presentation or a pre-recorded presentation. Each show uses exciting planetarium technology to cover space science topics, and the knowledgeable presenters will host a custom and answer session. These reservations include pre and post-presentation activities to extend the learning.
Discovery Kit Loan Program
This program allows educators and parents to either utilize Discovery Kits for virtual instruction or for a hands-on, in-person experience. Discovery Kits include a variety of artifacts and specimens from the Museum’s Collection that allow students to investigate global and local objects. The Collections support the Museum’s mission of inspiring curiosity and discovery around science, history, and culture. Each kit includes objects from the Museums archives, helpful resources and suggested activities.
GRPM staff are taking extra safety precautions with this program to reduce the spread of the COVID. Loan items are quarantined and appropriately sanitized between each reservation.
In-person Programming
The GRPM is committed to sparking curiosity within students through in-person experiences, while ensuring the safety and health of visitors and staff. Guided programs provide learners opportunities to explore culture, history and science through tours, hands-on activities, live planetarium shows and guided exploration, and are led by the Museum’s dedicated educators and planetarium staff.
Guided Education Programs
Programming strands include Explore, Investigate, STEAM, Discover and Share. Students will hone in on their skills to become museum learners for life, unveil stories about artifacts and scientific specimens held in the GRPM’s Collections, develop creative writing skills while learning about diverse individuals throughout history and more.
Planetarium Movies
Planetarium Movies are pre-made immersive shows that incorporate animation, video, and special effects. They can be on a variety of topics ranging from astronomy, Earth science, physics, and even entertainment! Many of these movies also include a live portion, during which viewers can learn about the constellations and planets in tonight’s sky. Current offerings include a new show, Incoming! and One World, One Sky.
Drop in Education Classes
Students 3rd-8th grade can immerse themselves in an exciting and educational environment using the GRPM as a learning lab, while interacting with artifacts and specimens, and conducting experiments to explore science, history, culture and more. Classes are led by Museum educators who will lead small-group, hands-on learning experiences tied to classroom curriculum objectives.
Education programs are sponsored by Crystal Flash, School News Network and DTE Energy.
