School Programs available at the Armory and on-line
Contacts:
Joanne Gangi-Wellman, 413 734-8551 ext. 236
** All programs require one chaperone per 10 students.
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Catalyst for Change - [Middle School Program]
This program is led by teachers and rangers and consists of two 45 minute classroom lessons and one 2 ½ hr. hands-on museum program. Teachers select from three pre-visit programs: 1.) Manufacturing and the Community, 2.) In Their Own Words, and 3.) A Class Debate. Classroom experiences focus on the effects of Armory technology through readings about the consequences of an advertising business upon themselves, the local economy, and the environment.
The museum visit includes a discussion of firearms safety, a “Museum Search” and film. Small group discussion questions demand critical thinking to discern how Springfield Armory was a catalyst for change for civilians and soldiers and grapples with the positive and negative consequences of Armory firearms production for the U.S. military. Students present results of the museum search to the larger group and Armory staff and VIP’s compare the technological changes from one firearm to the next, starting with the Flintlock Musket used during the American Revolution and War of 1812 through the M-14 Rifle of the early days of the Vietnam War. Brought to light are the many inventions and industrial processes that were developed at the Armory that moved the country forward with interchangeability and mass production methods. All activities are interdisciplinary and link with curriculum frameworks for History, Social Studies, Science and Technology.
Armory for the Nation – [Upper Elementary Program]
Led by teachers and rangers, this program consists of a 45 minute pre-museum lesson for the classroom, a 90 minute ranger led Introductory program, “Right in Our Backyard” at the school, followed by a 2 ½ hr. Museum program and Post activity of the teacher’s choice.
Teachers can select from four pre-visit programs: 1. Let Them Eat Cake, 2. Wood ‘N You, 3. Producing Pens, and 4. Genius in Me. Students link their experiences with technology with firearm technology and the resulting consequences. The focus is on the effects upon soldiers and civilians.
During the site-visit, students discover inventors and inventions during “Technology, Inventions and Consequences”, museum search. Using objects, photographs and small group presentations students learn about each of the main shoulder arms designed and manufactured at the Armory and about the contributions made by the Women Ordnance Workers and other “Soldiers of Production” who sacrificed with long hours and a six day work week during wartime. Following the museum search students present their discoveries and staff point out how their information led to both advantages and disadvantages for soldiers, civilians and armory workers. Post-Museum classroom activities include the use of poetry, theatre, researching school conflicts, music and debating skills. This interdisciplinary program is linked with Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks for English Language Arts, History and Social Science.
Evolution of Springfield Armory Firearms Program - [Scouts and community groups]
This program can be tailored to the time frame of the visiting groups and generally runs approximately 1 ½ hours. It includes an orientation film, a tour through the museum exhibits, and a space for lunch may be provided if available. Learn about the Springfield Armory’s role in American history and how the Industrial Revolution played a role in firearms development. Discover how the firearms changed over time and how these changes affected the soldiers in battle.
Educational history WEBsites
1812-1865 & 1892-1945: Using Web-Based Curricula Featuring the Springfield Armory’s role in America’s Industrialization 1812- 1865 & 1892-1945.
