Museum in the Schools

MUSEUM IN THE SCHOOLS
FALL 2008 PROGRAMS

Bring the excitement of maritime history and marine science into your classroom with a Museum in the Schools program. Each program is grade-specific, activity based, and meets curriculum benchmarks. All programs are offered free of charge to teachers in Clatsop, Pacific, Columbia, Tillamook and Wahkiakum counties and the Kelso/Longview schools.

SEA OTTERS: Amazing Mammals                                               GRADES K – 3
Sea otters once ranged from Northern Japan to the Alaskan peninsula and along the west coast of North America. These cute marine mammals were abundant throughout North America, but by the 1900s the sea otter was nearly extinct. Students will dive into the world of the sea otter and learn why this sea mammal is so vital to the coastal ecosystem and what challenges they face today.
This program addresses education benchmarks in life science relating to organisms, adaptations, habitats, and basic needs of living things as well as geography and historical events.

WHALING IN NORTH AMERICA                                              GRADES 4 – 6
            The role whaling has played throughout American history and exploration has rarely been given its due credit by historians. This program was developed to illustrate to students how these hunts took Americans around the world in chase of a large payday and even larger whales. We will explore life at sea for whalers (mostly men, but also a few women) in the 1800s, local whaling endeavors, modern whaling, and the first truly American folk art, scrimshaw.
            This program addresses education benchmarks related to geography, economic activities, impact of individuals on their environment, and how issues and events influenced American history.

LIGHTHOUSES OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST                 GRADES K – 6
            What is the purpose of a lighthouse? How do they work? Students will learn about the many lighthouses that watch over the Oregon and Washington coasts and what life was like for those families who lived and worked in a lighthouse. Hands-on activities will instruct the students about lighthouse keepers, children’s role in lighthouse upkeep, and how lighthouse lenses work.
            This program addresses education benchmarks in science related to light, light characteristics, and technology as well as geography and local history.

INDIANS OF THE COLUMBIA PLATEAU                              GRADES K – 6
            Students will be introduced to the many tribes of Indians that call the Columbia River Plateau their home. Using the knowledge students have already learned including: geography, weather, clothing, shelter, food, and social structures from the past program, Indians of the Pacific Northwest, students will compare and contrast the cultures of the Coastal and Plateau Indians.
            This program addresses education benchmarks in social sciences relating to economics and trade, geography, understanding different groups living in the Western Hemisphere, their way of life, and the empires they developed. Science benchmarks include basic needs of living things, technology, and natural resources supplies.

FAMILY HISTORIAN                                                                    GRADES K – 6
            Do you wish that you had asked more questions about relatives when you were growing up?  Your students’ relatives have many stories to share about their life, family customs, and history. This special history project will be one your students will be enthusiastic about. Students will be asked to explore their family past. They can create an essay, oral history interview, photo essay, song or poem. Nate will illustrate samples of each project and detailed instructions on how your students can become a “backyard historian.” Oregon will be celebrating its 150th birthday in February 2009. As part of that celebration OPB will be airing many Oregon “stories” throughout the year. Your students’ stories may be selected! Of course you don’t have to live in Oregon for your class to get involved in learning more about their family history.
            Students will need to bring an old family photograph (a copy is fine) from home that they are curious about. Or they can bring a photo of an object that has belonged in the family for some time that they would like to know more about, or maybe there is a relative they want to interview. We will send you more information regarding this program when you request it. Students will need to be prepared ahead of time for this program.
            This program addresses education benchmarks in social science relating to state and local history in understanding the history of one’s family, and using primary and secondary sources. It also addresses speaking, writing and listening skills.

Additional Program Information

Cost:   Free of charge, however a fee may be charged for repeat visits if your school is
            more than 75 miles away.
Reservation Dates: To reserve a Museum in the Schools program, meet with your peers
            at your school, select a program(s) and dates you would like the presentation(s).
            Please schedule at least four presentations at your school on the same day so that we can serve as many teachers and students as possible.
Contact: To reserve a program contact Betsey Ellerbroek, Education Director, at
            503-325-2323, or ellerbroek@crmm.org. Please have dates in mind.

Museum in the Schools is Funded in Part Through Generious Grant From the following:

Quest for Truth Foundation
Trust Management Services, LLC
U. S. Bank
Weyerhaeuser Company Foundation