Virtual Museum Project using GRAPES for Middle School History and Social Studies

Teachers want to make real-world connections to their lessons. This easy to use project is just that. The students assume the role of a Museum Curator. They learn what a curator does and what museums are doing to gather interest to their site. Students conduct research on a topic, using the GRAPES acronym (Geography, Religion, Achievements, Politics, Economy, and Social Structure) or with other topics specific to their unit of study. This is perfect for teachers who need something that extends beyond one or two days. Most of the work can also be done outside the classroom, or when the students finish with their main classwork.

This Virtual Museum Project will work with any unit of study. Students will explore different museum websites and look at various artifacts and objects that are on display. The goal is have them use their research skills, choose artifacts that have support their claim to one of the GRAPES categories.

The students (in groups) will enjoy using their creativity and knowledge to create their own Virtual Museum Exhibit Halls. The directions will explain how to start. This project is organized so that the teacher can monitor dedicate time tracking progress, while the students do most of the work. The work will be engaging, collaborative, and meaningful for the students, There is also a Reflection for the end of the project.

OPTIONAL Summary assignment. Also included is the option to have the students produce a research summary on their topic. This is for the teachers who want or need a written component to the Virtual Museum Project.

Student groups can share their Virtual Museums with the rest of the class, or teachers can even share the links of all the museums to the parents!

Includes:

• Directions for teachers (with links for the templates)
• Directions for each step of the project.
• Links to various museums that have artifacts online.
• Rubric for the Virtual Museum
• Student Reflection

Topics that I have done with the Virtual Museum include:

Mesopotamia

Ancient Egypt

Indus Valley

Chinese Dynasties

Ancient Greece

Ancient Rome

Medieval Europe

West Africa

Maya

Aztec

Inca

Medieval Japan

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