Group Guided Experiences
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 39 participants and chaperones, 1 teacher required Unless otherwise stated
ESTIMATED DURATION: 45 minutes
FEE: $75 Plus Museum Admission
** Program also available virtually.
Skulls and What they Tell Grades 3 – 5
Adaptations help animals to survive by adjusting to changes in their environment. Participants will work in small groups to observe, compare, and contrast the skulls of various mammals found in Pennsylvania. They will determine the unique physical characteristics of each mammal, predict what it eats, discover its role in the food chain, and identify each mammal.
Pennsylvania History: The Objects Tell the Story Grades 3 – 5
Primary and secondary objects and documents are valuable resources, many tell the story of Pennsylvania. Hear the stories of the objects on display on the First Floor at The State Museum of Pennsylvania. Working in small groups, students will examine hands-on objects to discover the object’s story.
Physical Geography of Pennsylvania Grades 3 – 5
Learn about what geography is and how we use geography. Studying Pennsylvania’s landforms and waterways will provide an understanding of how Pennsylvania’s topography has shaped the state. Participants will compete in a series of fun, geographical challenges. The lesson is designed for students who have a basic understanding of the tools of geography and how to use them.
Pennsylvania’s Industrial Towns: T. M. Fowler Birds-Eye Views ** Grades 3 – 5
Explore Pennsylvania’s Industries of the turn of the 19th century and its most dramatic development. Identify the human characteristics of place and region as we compare contemporary Fowler’s birds-eye views of Pennsylvania’s towns and cities with objects from the Transportation and Industry Gallery.
Pennsylvania Habitats: Art and Nature in Mammal Hall Tour ** Grades 3 – 5
All living things have basic needs for survival. By observing, comparing, and contrasting the habitats depicted in the Mammal Hall dioramas, you will explore the basic needs for survival depicted in each diorama and discover how change, both natural and manmade, can affect the environment.
Museum Highlights Tour All Ages
Pennsylvania is the only state named for both its people and the place, “Penn’s Woods”. Discover how this relationship of people and place shows throughout the history, art, and science of the Commonwealth with a tour of featured exhibits on each floor. This tour can be modified for different grade levels and provides an opportunity to answer visitors questions about the exhibits.
A Place for All Exhibit Tour Grade 6 and up – max 25 participants
Learn about the history of three integration efforts in Pennsylvania after World War II that testifies to the courage of those who sought to end racial segregation in all of its forms. This tour provides an opportunity to answer questions and discuss the exhibit on a deeper level.
Group Storytime
GRADE LEVEL: Ages 2 – Grade PK
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 39 participants and chaperones, 1 teacher required
ESTIMATED DURATION: 45 minutes
FEE: $75 Plus Museum Admission
ART by Patrick McDonnell
Artists create art using specific elements. Explore the element of line with the reading of ART by Patrick McDonnell followed by a guided drawing activity to create your own artwork and have creative time for independent color application.
Henri’s Scissors by Jeanette Winter
Henri-Emile Matisse was an artist who was best known for his paintings. When a serious illness confined him to a wheelchair, he began exploring color and shapes through paper cut-outs. Explore more about Matisse’s life through this biography and have time to “paint with scissors” and create a collage with cut-out shapes.
Virtual Resources
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