JAHM offers award-winning educational programs for schools and homeschool groups, scouts, and the general public. School programs are fun, hands-on experiences that:

School Programs
Programs include:

For complete lesson descriptions and information detailing how to schedule school programs, please download an Education Program Guide here.

HOMESCHOOL WORKSHOPS
The following workshops are being offered for homeschool students.  Please check the description of each program for specific age ranges and for the cost of each program.  A minimum of 10 students is required for each workshop.   Advance registration and payment is required.  Refunds cannot be issued after the registration deadline set for each workshop.

Holidays Around the World
Tuesday, December 27, 2011, Session I~10:00-Noon and Session II~2:00-4:00 p.m.
Since the beginning, Joliet has been a melting pot of cultures.  In this program, open to the public and scout troops, kids will view our exhibit of old fashioned toys and engage in hands-on activities to learn how the various cultures that call Joliet home today celebrate the holidays and ring in the new year.  The cost of this workshop is $8 per student/scout.  Advance registration and payment must be made by Friday, December 16.  Each session is limited to 40 participants so register early.

Solar System Scramble!
Friday, January 27, 2012,  1:00-3:00 p.m.
If you are studying the solar system or just want a fun review, then this class is for you.  We’ll work our way through 6 stations to learn about the solar system with a special emphasis on the moon!  We’ll visit the Houbolt gallery and read a story about space travel, play solar system jeopardy and much more.  Be ready for physical activity as we’ll “train like an astronaut!”  Recommended for 2nd grade and up.  The cost of this program is $5 per student.  Advance registration and payment is required by Monday, January 23. 

The Native American Circle of Life
Friday, February 17, 2012,  1:00-3:00 p.m.
In this lesson, students will participate in fun, hands-on activities to investigate significant aspects of Potawatomi life, including the role animals played in the Native American circle of life.  Students will listen to a Native American folk tale to learn the role oral tradition played in passing down Native American history and how stories, especially those featuring animals, were used by Native Americans to explain the world around them.  They will also learn how the Potawatomi, like other Native American tribes, lived off of the land and respected the animals that both taught them lessons and provided them with so much.  They will then play Native American games of awareness to learn how Native American children were taught to become skilled hunters.  Finally, they will do a Circle Dance, a dance that many Native American tribes did to honor the animals that had provided them with food, clothing, and so much more.  Recommended for K-4th grade.  The cost of this program is $5 per student.  Advance registration and payment is required by Monday, February 10. 

Toys and Games!
Friday, March 16, 2012, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Are kids today like kids of yesterday?  This program utilizes toys and games to illustrate how Native American and pioneer children lived over two-hundred years ago.  Students will engage in hands-on game and toy playing and discover, in the process, that kids today are very much like those of yesteryear.  Students are also exposed to science concepts as they try to figure out how the old fashioned toys work!!  At the conclusion of the program, students will make a toy to take home. This program also includes an abbreviated tour of the Museum’s main gallery.  A student favorite!  The cost of this program is $5 per student.  Advance registration and payment is required by Monday, March 12. 

Envisioning Joliet:  Architecture in Joliet
Friday, April 20, 2012, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
In this program, we’ll explore architecture both inside and outside!  We’ll start by examining the architecture of the museum building to learn some of the basic design elements common in the neoclassical style of architecture~egg and dart design, arches, columns, etc.  Then, we’ll move outside to apply some of what we’ve learned on an architecture walk of downtown Joliet.  Along the way, we’ll learn about famous Chicago architect and designer of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, Daniel Burnham, and the building that he designed right here in Joliet.  All participants must have a signed waiver to participate in this program, recommended for 3rd grade and up.   The cost of this program is $5 per student.  Advance registration and payment is required by, Monday, April 16.

How do I schedule my class for an education program?

First, download and read the Education Program Guide here.

Call or e-mail the Education Department
Educator - Kim Shehorn-Martin
(815) 723-5201, ext. 235
k.shehorn@jolietmuseum.org

Especially for Homeschool
Homeschool groups enjoy many of the programs in our education program guide. Please contact
Kim Shehorn, Education Director, at 815-723-5201 ext. 235.