Des Plaines History Museum - Homeschool Programs

Des Plaines History Museum
781 Pearson Street
Des Plaines, IL 60016
http://www.desplaineshistory.org/programs-and-events/2007_2008_home_school_programs

Home-School Programs
The History Center's Home-School program includes a short, hands-on lesson plus an accompanying project. A different historical theme is covered each month.

The third Wednesday of each month from 10:00-11:00am or 1:00-2:00pm, September-May. An adult must accompany children to programs. Geared toward children ages 5-12. Advance registration required: 847-391-5399.

Programs FREE unless otherwise noted.

2009/2010 School Year

September 16: Ice Age Illinois
Discover the history of Illinois during the Ice Age and learn about animals like the giant beaver, mastodon, and woolly mammoth.

October 21: Day of the Dead
Listen to a short presentation about the Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and make a colorful, skeleton-themed shadow box called a nicho.

November 18:Mummies 101
Learn how the ancient Egyptians made mummies and mummify a piece of fruit.

December 16: Native American Clothing
Explore the different materials used by Native Americans to make & decorate clothing including animal skins, beads and porcupine quills. Take home samples of some of these materials.

January 20: Fur Trade
Act out the role of a fur trader by playing a game with reproduction artifacts.

February 17: Lake Michigan Ships
Learn the interesting history of the ships that sailed Lake Michigan including a pirate ship in the 1850’s. Build a simple ship model during this program.

March 17: Journeying West
Learn about pioneers’ journey west by doing activities from the 1859 book “The Prairie Traveler.” Learn how to cross a river, what native plants are edible and what supplies pioneers needed to pack for their journey.

April 21: Toys that Trick Your Brain
Try out some 19th century toys that create optical illusions including a stereo viewer, thaumatrope, and phenakistoscope. See yourself in 3D by making a stereo card featuring your picture.

May 19: Victory Gardens & V-Mail
Learn about the homefront experience during WWII by planting a victory garden and writing your own V-Mail letter.