“As Museum Curators, how can we learn about, preserve and present the history of an Ann Arbor Community Helper?”
This was the guiding question the 2016 second grade class of Ann Arbor STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) at Northside School asked themselves. The answers are revealed in a new exhibit at the Museum on Main Street that will be open until Jan. 8, 2017.
Community helpers are people who provide services that make our lives easier, safer and healthier and remind us of how inter-connected we all are. The second graders chose the Ann Arbor Police and Fire Department and the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital as their focus. The bright, interactive, colorful and informative displays are surrounded by stories, photos and artifacts from the Washtenaw County Historical Society and other Friends of History.
For this project and exhibit, members of the community shared compelling stories in the classroom and students did all of the research, writing, designing, creative work and construction. This exhibit debuted in the Spring 2016 Expo at Northside School.
Ann Arbor STEAM provides an environment where students, staff, and the community are actively engaged in project based learning through a student-centered, integrated approach with real-world applications.
The Museum on Main Street is located at 500 N. Main at the corners of East Kingsley & Beakes. It is open Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. and weekdays by appointment. As the home of the Washtenaw County Historical Society, it offers changing exhibits that showcase the local history of our residents, businesses, schools, cities and towns.
Groups and school trips are welcome. Call 734-662-9092 or email wchs-1000@ameritech.net to arrange a visit.
Be the first to comment