Teacher Process
Teachers designate students as experts, assigning a theme and genre to each individual within a group. There are up to 16 experts in the class. There may be up to 2 students with the same areas of expertise. Their objective is to research the provided websites and discuss the intricacies with experts in their same genres (e.g. poetry) and themes (e.g. nature) to discover which features typify their genres and themes.
Teachers must provide students with ample time to complete this multiple phase assignment.
Phase 1: Research 3 days
Phase 2: Collaboration 1 day
Phase 3: Museum Design 3 days
Phase 4: Museum Construction and Docent Preparation 2 days
Phase 5: Museum Opening 1 day
In total, teachers need to provide a minimum of two weeks to complete this project. If obstacles present themselves, students may need up to 3 additional days.
Equipment Available: Students need access to computers with internet access to complete the research and collaboration phases. In addition, students need to be able to print out materials and art pieces to display in the classroom museum. The teacher must plan on having their entire classroom converted into a museum so all of the walls must be cleared and butcher paper needs to surround all four walls of the room. The room needs to be divided into four sections so each group has one fourth of the classroom where they can display their artifacts in the museum.
Instructors are responsible for providing guidance throughout each phase of the process. The teacher will show that each link in the process page takes them to the resource where they will conduct their research. The instructor will ensure that the students stay on task. When students are attempting to design their museums, the teacher will show examples of current museum designs. Inside of a museum
