Citation

Gray SR, Black S. Curator 2007; 50(3): 277-286.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.2151-6952.2007.tb00272.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The town of Springville, Utah, has a multi-faceted relationship with its Museum of Art. The museum reflects and preserves the ethnic and cultural identity of the area, including its history, its landscapes, and its philosophy/religion. Through place-based education—including observation and activities—k-12 children and youth are given opportunities to experience their local culture on multiple levels. As museum artifacts are carefully chosen and lessons are purposefully structured, students receive cognitive, creative, and social benefits as well. Museum educators collaborate with local school personnel, along with educators from nearby Brigham Young University, to produce cross-disciplinary lesson plans and teaching materials. Benefits Springville educators are finding in place-based education are included in this article, along with specific ideas for lessons and activities.