|
Freeport’s first Magnet School, New Visions, provides opportunities
for students to explore their world firsthand. Children create their
Museum School as they investigate the world through documents, objects,
plants and animals, and convey what they learn in a variety of ways,
much as a museum exhibit includes a combination of written descriptions,
visual images and scale models. "Discovery days" and revolving
exhibits enhance the basic subjects while encouraging students to pursue
their multiple intelligences. |
|
New
Visions Magnet School
Museum-based backpacks are a thematic-rich, standards-based learning extension/adventure,
where parents get involved and kids have fun. Built on the museum theme
developed as part of the school’s uniqueness, the backpacks provide
a reinforcement and extension of concepts taught. Children learn to
interact with activities in the backpack, and actively engage parents
or siblings to join them in their adventure. The backpacks increase
a wide body of experiences for the child, as well as parents and strengthen
parent support in schools.
This project allows parents the
opportunity to learn about museums with their child, without leaving
their homes. The backpacks help to establish a partnership of learning
between parents and schools.
The backpacks additionally can be placed in the Freeport Public Library to
provide a worthwhile resource on museum education for families. To
further strengthen the home-school-community connection, projects which
have been created by the children will be displayed in public buildings
(e.g. post office, town hall, library). Picture books, audio cassettes,
paintings, and appreciation for the arts are just a backpack away.
The museum attracts the community and offers its residents a place
to visit and tour the artifacts and objects as well. Children have
been trained as tour guides and docents, and welcome the opportunity
to share their knowledge base with families and friends. Backpacks
are the additional resource that brings the museum program to life. This project was developed to continue learning outside the classroom, while
at the same time enhance the school’s theme by reaching out to the
community. Museum education is an integral part of the New Visions
Magnet School, and with parent support and involvement, we can further
a deeper understanding of scientific, artistic, and historical learning
environments for all. |
