Educational Programs Grades 4-12

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American Indians: Origins and Survival
Trace the paths of the original Americans from Asia across the prehistoric land-bridge to North America, and explore the life-ways, means of survival and cultural developments of America's earliest people through bartering and other interactive methods. Students will identify the geographic origins of Native Americans, and the principle migration roots into North America. Using Museum exhibits as research sites, students explore the cultural developments of three different tribes through their adaptations to the physical environment.
WMAS: Social Studies A.4.5; D4.2; E4.4, 13; E8.3, Language Arts C4.2, 3; C8.2, 3
Archaeology and Ancient Civilizations
Use archaeological methods to examine and compare artifacts from Pre-Columbian and ancient Chinese civilizations, and discover how this helps archaeologists learn more about past cultures. We will discuss what defines an artifact, and what similarities and differences between cultures are evident from studying them. Working in teams, students will conduct their own field surveys of artifacts, differentiating between varieties of archaeological sources and delivering oral reports of their conclusions.
WMAS; Social Studies A.4.4; A8.8; B.4.1; E4.8, Language Arts C4.2, 3; C8.2,3
Art and Architecture of Ancient Egypt
Examine the structure and design of the great pyramids. Look into the heart of an Egyptian temple and discover the principle of symmetry in ancient Egyptian architecture. Work in teams to raise a model obelisk, discuss the "Canon of Proportions" and explore the basic foundations of the art of this fascinating ancient culture as you learn how to "Walk Like an Egyptian."
WMAS: Math D.4.3, 4; Social Studies A.4.4; A.8.9; Language Arts C4.2, 3; C8.2, 3
Mummies
Using a life-sized model, we follow details of ancient of Egyptian mummification, examining the context, origins and refinement of this ancient procedure, identifying the general concepts of the afterlife in ancient Egypt. Participate in the step-by-step process of mummification, including organ removal, use of canopic jars and the process for wrapping, adorning, and entombing the pharaohs and other royalty of ancient Egypt, and get up close and personal with Djed-Hor, one of the museum's authentic Egyptian mummies.
WMAS: Social Studies A.4.4; A.8.8; B.4.1; B.12.13; Language Arts C4.2, 3; C8.2, 3
Wisconsin and World Ecosystems
Scientists frequently use biodiversity surveys to measure and monitor the health and stability of an ecosystem. In this interactive program, students will perform biodiversity surveys, counting and comparing flora and fauna in biomes represented in three museum exhibits: desert, Wisconsin woodland and tropical rainforest. Students will discuss biomes, and smaller ecosystems within biomes, understanding the biotic and abiotic factors that distinguish these ecosystems.
WMAS: Math A.4.1, 2, 3; Science F.4.1, 4; F8.7, 8; Language Arts C4.2, 3; C8.2, 3