Education Programs Grades 4-12

Reservations can be made by calling (414) 278-2714. We cannot accept reservations via email.
Field Trip Call Center hours: 9am-5pm Monday - Friday, 9am-3pm Saturday and 10am - 3pm Sunday.

African Overview
Explore the African gallery and learn about predator/prey displays, geographical features, a Moroccan merchant home, a savannah bush and watering hole, the bamboo forest and a Masai lion hunt. Cultural exhibits including ceremonial masks are interspaced with wildlife dioramas.
WMAS: Social Studies A.4.4; B.8.10; C12.2; Language Arts C4.2, 3
Archaeology and Ancient Civilizations
Use archaeological methods to examine and compare artifacts from two different ancient civilizations, and discover how these methods help archaeologists learn more about past cultures. We will discuss what defines an artifact, and what similarities and differences between cultures become 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
Arctic Overview
Explore the complexity of life and the constant struggle for survival in regions of sub-zero temperatures as we progress through the Arctic gallery, and discover how wildlife and the native Inuit have adapted to this harsh environment. Handle animal skins and cultural artifacts as you learn how arctic people and animals struggle for survival.
WMAS: Social Studies A4.4; B4.1; B.8.11; B.12.10; Language Arts C4.2, 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 also 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
European Village Overview
Learn about European history and culture, the immigration movement and the cottage industry of 1875-1925 as you view 33 ethnic homes and shops.
WMAS: Social Studies A.4.4; A.8.9; E.4.3; Language Arts C4.2, 3
Great Extinctions
Explore how the fossil record can help us answer questions such as: How do we know there were mass extinctions, and what were their causes? How did extinction allow new animals to evolve life habits that replaced the extinct animals? Are we in the midst of yet another mass extinction today? These are just some of the questions that the fossil record has prompted of scientists today. Join us as we answer these questions and more.
WMAS: Science A4.2, 5; C4.2; E4.6; H4.4;B8.3; E8.5; F8.10; Language Arts C4.2, 3; C8.2, 3
Indians Overview
Four Indian lifestyles will be compared in this tour, emphasizing such factors as the importance of the buffalo to the Plains Indians and how dry, desert conditions shaped the lives of the tribes of the Southwest. Explore how American Indians adapted their food, shelter and clothing to their environment.
WMAS: Social Studies A.4.4; E.4.3; E.8.9; Language Arts C4.2, 3
Indians of the Southwest and Northwest Coast
Contrast the daily lives, customs and ceremonies of desert Southwest and temperate Northwest peoples. The Southwest segment features a tour of a Hopi Indian dwelling and a close look at a selection of Kachina dolls, while the Northwest portion focuses on life in a plank house, fishing, and traditional masks.
WMAS: Social Studies A.4.4; B.4.1; A.8.; Language Arts 4.2, 3
Indians of Yesterday and Today
View a contemporary Native American powwow, the Plains Indian buffalo hunt and Woodland Indians rice gathering. Explore the dioramas and artifacts to learn how the environment influenced the development of these different lifestyles.
WMAS: Social Studies A.4.4; B.4.1; A.8.9; E.8.9; Language Arts C4.2, 3
Latin America: Connecting the Past and Present
Tour the Museum’s pre-Columbian Civilizations and Latin American exhibit halls. Learn how people lived and adapted to their environments before and after the arrival of the Europeans. Discover how customs and practices of the past survive into the present in areas such as food, dress, agriculture, language and religion.
WMAS: Social Studies A4.4; 4.8; B4.4, 4.9; A8.2, A8.7; Language Arts C4.2, 4.3; C8.2, 8.3
Living Oceans Highlights
Oceans cover 75% of earth’s surface and influence the weather of our planet. View the majesty of the family of mollusks, see their beauty and unusual character. Dive in the Caribbean Sea and see how life changes as we go deep into the water. Look through an early diving bell and see many fascinating creatures.
WMAS: Science B.8.1; F.4.1, 3; Language Arts C4.2, 3
Mummies
Using a life-sized model, we’ll follow details of ancient Egyptian mummification, examine the context, origins and refinement of this ancient procedure, and identify 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
Overview of Latin American Cultures
Explore the many cultures of Latin America, from Mexico through South America, during the period after contact with Europeans. There is special emphasis on the food, clothing, occupations, beliefs, art and architecture of the native populations. Attention is also given to the wildlife and natural features of geography and climate which affect human lifestyles and culture. Because the geography is so broad, teachers may request to focus on a particular area if prior notice is given to the docent.
WMAS: Social Studies A4.4; 4.8; B4.4, 4.9; A8.2, A8.7; Language Arts C4.2, 4.3; C8.2, 8.3
Rain Forest Overview
Walk through our replica Costa Rican rain forest. Amongst the 78 trees filled with epiphytes and vines, learn of the interdependence between plants and animals as well as their various defenses and adaptations, and how some of these benefit humans. Among the many animals highlighted: jaguars, spiders and howler monkeys, tarantulas, bats, common boa, sloths and capybara. Compare our temperate forest to the tropical rainforest, and discover environmental niches for plants and animals in their interdependence upon each other.
WMAS: Science E.8.2,7,8; F.4.1,2,3; Language Arts C4.2, 3
Streets of Old Milwaukee
Learn about the early days of our city, from the time of Native Americans and French voyageurs to the period of its cultural influence and industrial might. Experience life of 100 years ago as you look through windows of the shops that once lined the Streets of Old Milwaukee.
WMAS: Social Studies A.4.4; A.8.9; A.12.9; B.4.1; D.4.3; E.8.9; Language Arts C4.2, 3
Third Planet Overview
Explore our home planet, Earth, where earthquakes rumble, the land splits, volcanoes erupt and mountains rise. Enter the Third Planet exhibit to learn what forces changed our earth, and wonder at the rise and extinction of the dinosaurs.
WMAS: Science: A.4.1; A.8.1; B.8.1; E.4.1,2; E.8.2,5; F.4.1, F.12.5; Language Arts C4.2, 3
Uncovering Pre-Columbian Civilizations
Four Indian lifestyles will be compared in this tour. View the Museum’s impressive collection of artifacts made by Middle American and South American pre-Columbian civilizations. Learn about the cultural histories of these civilizations during the period from c. 1,000 BCE to the time of the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors from Europe. Discover what these civilizations achieved in the fields of architecture, mathematics, astronomy and writing. Discuss how archaeologists use artifacts and scientific methods to understand the cultures and the histories of these diverse societies.
WMAS: Social Studies A4.4; 4.8; B4.4, 4.9; A8.2, A8.7; Language Arts C4.2, 4.3; C8.2, 8.3
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 rain forest. Students will discuss biomes and ecosystems, and the biotic and abiotic factors that distinguish them.
WMAS: Math A.4.1, 2, 3; Science F.4.1, 4; F8.7, 8; Language Arts C4.2, 3; C8.2