Teachers can plan a trip to the Staten Island Children’s Museum. Students learn through their hands-on experience, generated by their own curiosity and excitement! All programs are guided by a museum educator; connect with science, language arts, social studies, the arts and early childhood education; address New York City Scope and Sequence, Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in the Arts and Common Core Standards.
FIELD TRIP OPTIONS
I. ART WORKSHOPS
Our 90-minute workshops are designed to engage students in hands-on, educational art experiences. These programs are offered Tuesday through Friday at either 10:30 AM or 1:00 PM. A minimum of 20 students (12 for Special Education) is required to host a workshop in the classroom (maximum 34 students), and 40 students for workshops in the gallery (maximum 75 students). The fee is $10 per student, with a discounted rate of $7 for Title One schools and Special Education groups (call or email for the discount code).
For an additional $50, you may add a 30-minute exhibit visit following the workshop. Please note, if booking for more than one class, choose exhibits located on the same floor. For any questions or more information, please contact us at Educationdepartment@sichildrensmuseum.org.
- Color Play inspired by Leo Lionni (Pre-K-1)
Students will explore color theory by hearing a story and viewing the vibrant illustrations of Leo Lionni. They will then create their own artwork using the mediums and techniques inspired by his colorful worlds.
- Mixed Media inspired by Eric Carle (Pre-K-1)
Through storytelling and a study of Eric Carle’s illustrations, students will discover how to use mixed media to create their own unique art, learning about texture, color, and pattern as Carle did in his beloved books.
- Pattern Making inspired by Alma Thomas (Pre-K-2 or Grades 3-5)
Students will be introduced to the works of Alma Thomas and compare her patterns to other artists. They will then experiment with different materials to create their own patterned artwork.
- Portraiture through Cubism inspired by Picasso (Grades 2-5)
After examining the portraits of Picasso and other Cubist artists, students will learn about the distinctive style of Cubism. They will then create their own Cubist-inspired portrait, using bold shapes and abstract forms.
- Native American Necklaces (Grades 3-5)
Students will learn about both traditional and modern Native American clothing and accessories. They will then design and create their own necklace inspired by these cultural elements.
- Mask Making (Grades 2-5)
Students will compare masks from various cultures around the world, learning about their significance and use. They will then create their own mask using a variety of artistic techniques and materials.
II. GUIDED PLAY
Book a Guided Play visit and let your students explore engaging exhibits while learning through hands-on activities! Each class visits three exhibits for 30 minutes each, with the option to add a fourth rotation in our workshop to complete a STEM or Art activity. The Guided Play is $8 per student/ $5 for Title One & Spec Ed.
For Pre-K to Grade 2, the focus is on community workers and how things work. Students will visit the following popular exhibits:
- Ladder 11 – featuring a real firetruck and pole ,kids can learn about firefighters and safety.
- Block Harbor – become the captain of a ship and explore engineering through block play.
- House About It – work together in our full-sized construction house, tiling the roof, using the conveyor belt, and more.
For Grades 3-5, the focus is on strategy, sportsmanship, and science. Students can explore:
- Big Games – build teamwork and strategy with oversized chess, Connect Four, and more.
- Bugs and Insects – crawl inside a two-story Ant Hill, try on a beetle shell, and explore the world of bugs.
- Great Explorations – learn how wind and water shape environments like the Tundra and Rainforest while playing with a Bernoulli blower, riding a dog sled, and more.
For groups of four classes, you can add a fourth exhibit, Portia’s Playhouse, where students will learn about theater through fun games, puppet shows, and interactive experiences like running the sound board, changing the scenery, and starring in their own show!
III. ADD-ON WORKSHOP OPTIONS
Enhance your Guided Play visit by adding a 30-minute hands-on workshop for just $3 per student (call for Title One and Special Education discount codes). Choose from the following options and call for details on the current specific workshops available in each category:
- Art Workshop
Spark creativity with a fun, hands-on art project using different materials and techniques. Students will explore their artistic side while learning the basics of color, texture, and design.
- Nature Workshop
Dive into the wonders of nature with interactive activities focused on plants, animals, and ecosystems.
- Science Workshop
Experiment with the basics of physical and natural science through engaging activities.
- Engineering Workshop
Build and problem-solve as students take on engineering challenges. Using simple tools and materials, they will learn about basic engineering principles, including structure, balance, and design.
- STEM Workshop
Combine Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math in one exciting activity! Students will engage in problem-solving and critical thinking as they explore how these disciplines intersect in the real world through hands-on experiments and projects.
