Grand Rapids Public Museum

Enhance your visit to the Grand Rapids Public Museum by utilizing our Teacher Packets, designed to connect classroom curriculum to our exhibits.

Select a topic below to view available programming and resources.  To schedule your visit, please call 616.456.3977.

Immigration and Diversity
Science
Social Studies
Story Time with the Mighty Wurlitzer

Immigration and Diversity

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

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.
Grades K - 12
Customized programs are available for each grade.  Please call for details and curriculum links.

Science

West Michigan Habitats Programs

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: 1-5
Length: 60 min. Max Group Size: 25 
Customized programs are available for each grade.  Please call for details and curriculum links.

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.
2011 Dates: February 21, 23 and 25
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: 60 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: 60 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 

Native American Culture Days

November 3 and 4, 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

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 and participate in a hunt through the exhibit.
Dates: September – June
Grades: 1 - 2
Exhibit: Streets of Old Grand Rapids
Length: 60 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 time line of Grand Rapids history as a part of the program.
Dates: September – June
Grades: 3 - 4
Exhibit: Furniture City
Length: 60 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 Wednesday at 9:45 am, 10:30 am, 11:15 am and Noon

Available Story Organ Program Book Selections

 
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: Family History
The Keeping Quilt,  – written by Patricia Polacco - for all ages

Theme: History
Red Legs: A Drummer Boy of the Civil War - written by Ted Lewin - for early elementary ages

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