Grand Rapids Public Museum

Native American Culture Days

November 4 and 5, 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
Special hands-on program offered in conjunction with Native American month at the Museum.  Call for more information.
Download the Teacher Packet
3 – H3.0.4, 3 – H3.0.6, 4 – H3.0.2, 6 – H1.4.2, 7 – H1.2.6, 5 – U1.1.3, 3 – G4.0.4  4 – G2.0.2, 6 – G2.2.1, 7 – G2.2.1

Immigration and Diversity

These programs introduce students to the concept of diversity through the exploration of immigrants to the region.

What's in My Trunk?

Students are led through Newcomers: The People of This Place to learn how they prepared for their journey to Grand Rapids. Students explore the exhibit, look at touch-its and participate in an activity to help them better understand the decisions made by the Newcomers as they prepared for their long journey.
Grades K - 2, 75 Minutes
Download The Teacher Packet
K – H2.0.3, K – H2.0.4, 1 – H2.0.1, 1 – H2.0.3, 2 – H2.0.3, 2 – H2.0.6,  K – G5.0.1, 1 – G4.0.1, 2 – G4.0.3, 1 – E1.0.3, R.WS.00.10, R.CM.00.02, R.WS.01.10, R.NT.01.05, W.GN.01.01, R.WS.02.11, R.IT.02.04, W.GN.02.03

Obstacles and Contributions

Students explore the trials faced by the Newcomers as they settled into life in Grand Rapids, and their contributions that helped create a unique community. Touch-its and exploration through the exhibit provide concrete examples for the students.
Download the Teacher Packet
Grades 3 - 5, 75 Minutes
3 – H3.0.8, 4 – H3.0.2, 4 – H3.0.4, 3 – G4.0.2, 4 – G4.0.1, 4 – G4.0.2, 3 – C1.0.1 3 – C5.0.1, 4 – C5.0.2, 4 – C5.0.4, 3 – P3.1.1, 4 – P3.1.1, 5 – P3.1.1, R.IT.03.02, R.IT.05.02, R.CM.03.01, R.CM.04.01, R.CM.05.01, R.CM.04.03, W.GN.03.04, W.GN.04.04, W.GN.05.04

Who Am I?

Students learn how the cultural traditions of the Newcomers helped to define who they became when they settled in Grand Rapids. The program focuses on the similarities between the choices made by Newcomers and the choices made by adolescents today.  Grades 6 - 8, 75 Minutes
Download the Teacher Packet
6 – H1.2.5, 7 – H1.2.6, 6 – H1.4.1, 7 – H1.4.3, 6 – G2.2.1 & 7 – G2.2.16 – G4.1.1, 6 – G4.4.1, 8 – U6.1.1, R.CM.06.01, R.CM.08.01, W.GN.06.02, R.IT.07.01, R.CM.07.01, W.GN.08.02, R.NT.08.01

Discovering the People of Grand Rapids

As a part of a larger debate simulation (available in teacher’s packet), students will explore the exhibit through the eyes of the group they represent for the project. The objects and interactive displays in the exhibit will help students gain context for their outside research.
Download the Teacher Packet
Grades 9 - 12, Teacher Led
K1.5, K1.7, P1.4, P3.2, 6.1.2, CG3, 6.1.3, 6.1.5, CE1.2, CE1.3, CE1.4, CE2.3

Living History Programs

Lewis and Clark: Through the Eyes of a Fur Trader
Students will enjoy this two-part experience. The program includes an interactive presentation at the Museum by our own “fur trader”.
Dates: September - June

Science

West Michigan Habitats Programs

Happy Habitats

Students go on a guided tour of the West Michigan Habitats Exhibit to explore the different aspects of a habitat. Tour includes stops in our lake, sand dune, marsh and forest habitats. Students also will have the opportunity to interact with some of our touch-its related to the tour.
Dates: September – June
Grades: 1-2
Length: 60 min. Max Group Size: 25
Download the Teacher Packet
L.OL.01.13, L.OL.02.14, L.HE.01.11, L.HE.02.13, E.SE.01.12, E.FE.02.11

Organisms and Interdependence

An interactive guided tour for your students through our West Michigan Habitats exhibit. Students are able to experience the communities found in the lake, dunes, marsh and forest habitats of Michigan. An engaging activity demonstrating the community food web is included with this program.
Dates: September - June
Grades: 3 - 5
Exhibit: Habitats
Length: 60 Min. Max. Group Size: 25
Download the Teacher Packet
L.OL.03.32, L.EV.03.12, L.OL.04.16, L.EC.04.21, L.EV.05.11, L.EV.05.12 E.ES.03.52

Engineering Programs

Thinking Big and Building Small – Engineering Made Fun

Your students will explore various applications of math, architecture, problem solving, drawing, estimation and mechanics through fun hands-on engineering activities. This program includes stations about Robotics and Electronics, Bridge Construction, Tunnel Making, Steam and Power and Waste Water Treatment. This program is offered through partnership with the National Association of Engineers and its Michigan Chapter.
2010 Dates: February 15, 17 and 19
Grades: 3-7
Length: 90 min. Max. Group Size: 25
Cost: $5.00 per student
Limited Capacity

Social Studies

Native American Programs

Anishinabek: The People of This Place
Introduction to the Native peoples of Michigan: the Chippewa, Ottawa, and Potawatomi - the Anishinabek. The program focuses on the survival of their culture and their continued contributions to the West Michigan community. Students are given the opportunity to handle different artifacts, and also participate in a scavenger hunt through the exhibit.
Dates: September - June
Exhibit: Anishinabek
Grades: 3-4
Length: 75 Min. Max. Group Size: 25
Download the Teacher Packet
3 – H3.0.4, 3 – H3.0.5, 3 – H3.0.6, 4 – H3.0.2, 4 – H3.0.4, 3 – G4.0.4, 4 – G2.0.2

Life Along the O-Wash-Ta-Nong

The culture of the historic Native Americans of the Grand River Valley comes alive in this interactive program. Students help to construct a wigwam, play Native American games and complete a craft. This program is ideal for lower elementary students.
Grades: 1-2
Dates: September – June
Exhibit: Anishinabek
Length: 75 Min. Maximum Group Size: 25
Download the Teacher Packet
1 – H2.0.6, 2 – H2.0.4, 2 – H2.0.6, 1 – G2.0.1, 1 – G4.0.1, 1 – G5.0.1  2 – G4.0.2, 2 – G4.0.3, 1 – E1.0.3 

Local Community Programs

Grand Rapids Then & Now

Students explore issues of community and everyday life in West Michigan a century ago. During this program students will visit three shops in the full scale recreation of Grand Rapids from over a century ago, participate in a hunt through the exhibit and ride on our antique carousel.
Dates: September – June
Grades: 1 - 2
Exhibit: Streets of Old Grand Rapids
Length: 75 Min. Max. Group Size: 25
Download the Teacher Packet
1 – H2.0.6, 1 – H2.0.5, 2 – H2.0.4, 2 – H2.0.6, 1 – G4.0.1, 1 – G5.0.1, 2 –G4.0.2, 2 – G4.0.3, 1 – E1.0.2, 1 – E1.0.3, 1 – E1.0.5, 2 – E1.0.2, 2 – E1.0.3 

Historic Grand Rapids: The City that Furniture Built

Students explore the impact of the furniture industry on our community from the beginning to the present. Specifically, the impact on the people, the environment and the economy are explored. Students also have the opportunity to participate in our interactive timeline of Grand Rapids history as a part of the program.
Dates: September – June
Grades: 3 - 4
Exhibit: Furniture City
Length: 75 Min. Max. Group Size 25
Download the Teacher Packet
3-H3.0.1, 3-H3.0.8, 4-H3.0.1, 3-G5.0.2, 3-G4.0.1, 3-G4.0.2, 4-G2.0.2, 3-E1.0.3  3-E1.0.4, 4-E1.0.5, 3-P3.1.1

River of Time

This outdoor walking tour in downtown Grand Rapids will take students through our cultural history from the earliest inhabitants and trading posts, to the bustling capital of commerce Grand Rapids is today. Dress for the weather. Alternate indoor tour offered in case of rain.
Dates: September, October, April, May, June
Grades: 3 - 5
A Downtown Grand Rapids Walking Tour
Length: 60 Min. Max. Group Size: 25
Download the Teacher Packet
3 – H3.0.1, 3 – H3.0.10, 4 – H3.0.3, 4 – H3.0.5, 4 – H3.0.8, 3 – G1.0.1, 3 – G4.0.3, 4 – G4.0.2, 4 – G5.0.1, 3 – C3.0.1, 3 – E1.0.3, 4 – E2.0.1, W.PS.05.01

Story Time with the Mighty Wurlitzer

Include a Story Organ Program for your Students

Stories relating to Museum exhibits are presented in the Meijer Theater on the Museum’s second floor.  This popular program combines live reading with images broadcast upon the screen and background music provided by the Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ. After the story, the workings of the pipe organ are explained.

There is no additional charge for this program, however, reservations are required.
Duration: 35 minutes
Available every Monday at 9:45 am, 10:30 am, 11:15 am and Noon

Available Story Organ Program Book Selections, 2009 - 2010

 
Theme: Reminiscing
Song & Dance Man by Karen Ackerman, illustrated by Steven Gammell, Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. – for all ages

Eliza’s Carousel Lion written and illustrated by Lynn A. Strough, David R. Godine, Inc. – for all ages

Theme: Family History
Meteor written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco, The Putman & Grosset Group – for all ages

Theme: Habitat/Natural Environment
Lost In the Woods by Carl R Sams II & Jean Stoick – for early elementary ages

Theme: Native American
Rough Faced Girl written by Rafe Martin, illustrated by David Shannon, G.P. Putman’s Sons, NY – for 2nd grade and up

Theme: Michigan History/Native American Legend
The Legend of the Sleeping Bear written by Kathy-jo Warin, illustrated by Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen, based on a Native American legend. Sleeping Bear Press, Chelsea, Mi. – for 3rd grade and up

Theme: African American History
Minty, the story of young Harriet Tubman by Alan Schroeder, illustrated by Jerry Pinckney – for all ages

Back to top