Learning With Objects Professional Development Cluster in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution Deb Hansen (DDOE) Wendy Modzelewski (DCET) Dusty Shockley (DDOE)

CCSSO and Smithsonian Collaboration Project announced in June, 2006 Three pilot sites: Delaware, Arkansas and Wisconsin Goal: Professional Development and Fellowships to teachers and administrators Cluster is being funded by the DOE to fulfill the commitment of the pilot

Learning with Objects 2% Cluster Start date: Summer 2007 Partnership with the Smithsonian and local museums statewide

Big Ideas Learning with Objects Building and Exhibiting Collections

Essential Questions How can objects be used as a tool for learning in the classroom? How can classroom collections help students sort, classify, analyze, and observe their world?

Learning with Objects Cluster Design –Orientation –Visit to the Smithsonian Learning through Objects Creating Classroom Exhibits Analysis of Exhibits –Virtual Collections (Starts August 9) –Backward Design –Orientation to the Delaware Recommended Curriculum –Teacher/Local Museum partnership Preplanning and interaction with museum Educators from Delaware’s 22 museums –Museum Showcase/Teacher Sharing Event (DDOE/DCET)

Learning with Objects Cluster Participant Products –Create a Museum Take-Along Bag –Implement a standards-aligned unit including Object-based hands-on learning center for students Classroom collection –Participate in the Museum Showcase Event –Develop a portfolio with instructional artifacts and reflections

Learning with Objects Cluster Participants –K-12 educators –Administrators Cluster Partners –Smithsonian Museum Educators –Local Museum Educators

Partnership Advantages Focus professional development on object-based learning Cluster format encourages educator participation Smithsonian resources Fostering partnerships with local museums

The Power of Learning with Objects