The BIG HISTORY LESSON at the Michigan Historical Center

This year we are fortunate to participate in the Big History Lesson at the Michigan Historical Museum, in downtown Lansing, Michigan.  Students have focused their efforts in learning how to maximize their experiences at the museum.  

Students have worked on their research skills.  They will utilize our aptly named "Current Event Research."  They will ask and then attempt to answer the questions WHO?  WHAT?  WHERE?  WHEN?  WHY? and HOW?  Many artistic skills have been apparent in the sketches and watercolor art work of students in preparation for the B. H. L.  We have studied many objects and artifacts in class to get ready for the research at the museum.  Quick note taking has also been an important skill students have practiced frequently.  Students will be conducting research during their independent study at the museum.  This research will be utilized throughout the year in various (writing and multimedia) projects.  Sometime in the latter part of the school year, there will be an Open House at the Museum for all the Big History Lesson participants to showcase their work.

Below are some pictures of our early efforts in sketching, and use of watercolors for recreating the artifacts Mr. Meyer brought in.

Students created Survivor boxes to house their collections, which would be displayed at the museum.

Students practiced their artifact research with antiques that Mr. Meyer brought in from his parents.  Below are some photos of "Current Event Research" in action.

Students enjoyed making their tie-dyed t-shirts for the Big History Lesson.

On the first day of our visit students spent the morning on a discovery tour of the museum.

On Tuesday, we had a visit from Mr. Mark Harvey, who presented on the State Archives and primary sources.  He engaged the students in a 3-D map exercise comparing a map from the 1950's and one from today.

On Wednesday we had a behind the scenes look at collections are artifact preservation with Ms. Laurie Dickens.  We had the once in a lifetime opportunity to view the Civil War battle flag from the Michigan 24th Regiment.  She led the students on an object based learning activity involving another person's shoe!  Our class really had some heart and "sole" on Wednesday!

We had the opportunity to visit the Michigan Capitol for a lunch break.  Students took the time to sketch the architecture and observed a rally being held on the steps.  Many students immediately noted that the crowd was taking advantage of their Freedom of Speech, Pursuit of Happiness, amongst the many rights they enjoy as American citizens.

On Friday, we had the chance to reflect on the impact of those flags and share our thoughts of "what it means to be an American."

The Meyer Island Castaways worked on their independent study projects very diligently throughout the week.  Below are some photos of them in action.

Click here to check out our Big History Lesson Experience from Meyer Island 2000 - 2001.

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