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Teaching with Museum Collections Lesson Plan Template

A. Lesson Unit Plan Title

  • Lesson Unit Plan Title
  • Developer Name, Title, School Name and Location
  • Grade Level
  • Number and length of sessions.

B. Overview of this Collection-Based Lesson Unit Plan

  • Park Name: Enter the full park name, e.g., Frederick Douglass National Historic Site.
  • Description: Briefly describe what is covered in the unit and how it relates to the site’s museum and park resources.
  • Essential Question: This question links student inquiry to the park’s collections and unit theme, such as “Why is it important to maintain traditions?” and “How do primary source documents help scholars understand Ulysses S. Grant and the people around him?”“

C. Museum Collections, Similar Items and other Materials Used in the Lesson Unit Plan

  • Museum Object [include image and caption of each object/document/historic photo)]
  • Similar Objects and Other Materials [local items similar to museum objects]:
  • Session Length: 1 session for 55 minutes
Note:
  • Include object name and catalog number with each image of a museum object. See the Park virtual exhibit for captions, including material, measurements, place of manufacture, etc.
  • Use local items in the classroom similar to the museum object, such as a local woven sun hat similar to the Panama hat and lithograph in the Frederick Douglass NHS museum collection. These facilitate hands-on, experiential learning and personalize educational activities. See additional public domain sources such as the Library of Congress or National Archives and Records Administration websites as needed.
  • Forms and Charts: Have students complete How to Read an Object and How to Read a Photograph to stimulate analytical and observational skills.
  • Materials for art, science and math projects, provide each student or teams with materials such as blank pages, paints, markers, article excerpts, copies of photos, paintings, journals, etc.

D. National Educational Standards

Link to the applicable national educational standards by number and title. National Park Service Teaching with Museum Collection lessons are often multidisciplinary; so include a specific standard (and URL) for each relevant discipline. Tie all activities to the applicable standards.

For example: NSS-USH. 5-12.5. Era 5: Civil War and Reconstruction [1850-1877]

  • Understands the causes of the Civil War
  • Understands the course and character of the Civil War and its effects on the American people
  • Understands how various reconstruction plans succeeded or failed

State Education Standards [optional]: Link to applicable state educational standards by number, title, and URL.

E. Student Learning Objectives

Identify student learning objectives, for example, “After this lesson, students will be able to:

  • Critically analyze objects from …..
  • Communicate ideas and understanding through an oral presentation
  • Create a classroom museum exhibit using a range of skills. See sample below.

F. Background and Historical Context

Provide background and historical context on the park’s history and prehistory, themes, significant individuals, groups, events, movements, and time period. Include links, references and excerpts from NPS park publications and other materials from other public domain sources for the teacher’s use in the classroom.

G. Vocabulary

Include a word list with short definitions of unfamiliar terms.

H. Teacher Tips

Tips include: Refer to other Teaching with Museum Collections lesson plans. Download and laminate color prints of the museum object, distribute maps and copies of historic documents, blank journals, and develop a PowerPoint presentation to illustrate the unit theme.

I. Lesson Implementation Procedures

Activities should facilitate learning about the unit theme using selected museum objects and similar materials. They should meet different learning styles and be hands-on to facilitate observation, deduction, analytical skills, and foster creativity. Relate to local interest, including family, school, town, places, and events to encourage personalization and engagement.

  • Work in small groups or individually.
  • Introduce unit with a warm-up activity using a museum object in Section C and How to Read an Object or How to Read a Photograph.
  • Incorporate class question and answer, small group activities and report back, hands-on activities, small team projects that include design, planning, calculating, interviewing, mapping, drawing, formal written materials, and class presentations.
  • Writing assignments, including formal letters, informal emails, journaling, essays, poems, object captions and exhibit text, press releases, newspaper articles, and student conducted oral history interviews.

J. Evaluation/Assessment for Measurable Results

  • Develop and identify assessment tools. Identify measurable products, including quizzes/tests, written text, artwork, multimedia productions, classroom exhibit.
  • Language arts: original poetry, plays, short stories, handmade illustrated books, advertising posters, debates, storytelling, journaling, illustrated family history booklet.

K. Extension and Enrichment Activities

Develop extension activities to further student exploration of the topic.

L. Resources

Provide access to books, related web sites and organizations URLs, links to related online material, and catalog cards on museum objects used in the unit, and other materials.

M. Site Visit

Arrange for a visit to park or local museum, historic house museum as well as virtual museum exhibits. Prepare students for the visit with background information. Create ‘scavenger’ hunt on selected items on exhibit and have student teams do a short presentation on return to school.

N. Charts, Figures and other Teacher Materials

List and include all charts, diagrams, etc. used in this lesson unit plan.

Updated on February 18, 2025

Last updated: February 19, 2025