I'm Sold!

Okay. It took two weeks of convincing, but I know for sure that object based learning can enhance any curricular area. I wittnessed it today. From Family and Consumer Sciences to Business to First Grade, each and every table top exhibit used artifacts to teach the content. And, some went way beyond the literal content into big ideas and essential questions that go to the heart of each discipline.

It was also quite important for others to see our finished products. The visitors ranged from MSU faculty, to Newark Museum faculty, to NJEA members and even our own Curriculum Center. Of course the refreshments were a treat as well but the best part was the accolades and affirmations that what we are doing and creating as teachers using artifacts reflects our teaching.

But, I know I am biased, but I think the best part was having my son there. My father made a special trip to bring him down to the museum just to view the exhibits. After all, these exhibits were created for children, and he had the undivided attention of teachers eager to share and "test it out" on a real live kid! The volcanoes and body parts especially caught his eye and he spent time exploring each exhibit.

See the brain in his hand? Wearing a Civil War hat? Listening to an iPod?

Now, of course, my son's favorite exhibit was his Mom's. So here are some photos (see sidebar slideshow) that don't do it justice because what it brings to the classroom interactively is impossible to capture on film. Again, I am sold!