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Onsite Workshop: If Things Could Talk

Students are encouraged to think and work as historians and curators, through hands-on, object-based learning.

Students will work in small groups and share their explorations through short presentations. This workshop can also be booked by schools working on intergenerational projects with older people's groups.


Workshop at a glance

Level: Junior Cycle, Transition Year
Group size: 15
Location: Out of Storage gallery
Duration: 1 hour
Available: Tuesdays 10am to 11am and 12pm to 1pm
Booking: Please contact bookings@museum.ie to book this session


Curriculum links

Junior Cycle

History
Art, Craft & Design
English Language / Oral Listening Skills
Home Economics
CPSE


Learning outcomes

  • To explore the value of objects - intrinsic and acquired
  • Understand reasons for curators' choices - what objects are chosen and why
  • To create an awareness of what a museum provides

Skills developed:

  • Decision-making: The participants make their own choices as to objects they would want to preserve, the value of these objects, and why they should be saved whilst others are not.
  • Observational/imaginative/descriptive/analytical
  • Speaking/listening/understanding/empathising
  • Working within a team

 


Resources and suggestions

Before your visit

  • Ask your students to examine an object of their choice closely, using the 'Exploring an Object' sheet
After your visit
  • Make your own box of objects choosing items from modern daily life - what object would you choose to tell your story?
  • Make your own school or classroom Museum. If everyone were a curator, what would they put in the exhibition?
  • Plan your exhibition by selecting the theme and the objects.
  • Think about labels or information panels, and the exhibition title
  • Invite other students, teachers or parents and families to your Museum

 


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Decorative Arts & History

Collins Barracks ,
Benburb St,
Dublin 7,
D07 XKV4

+353 1 677 7444