Education Programs
See Also: Outreach Programs | Education Programs Brochure | Summer Camps
Learning Experiences at the Museum
The McClung Museum offers free education programs that engage students with primary sources and authentic objects, providing teachers with content support in the science, social science, and visual art curricula.
Additionally, our programs can be used to practice language arts skills, and even (see our 2013 exhibit on Turkomen jewelry) mathematics. Context-specific tasks can support literacy development, either at the Museum or back at school. Discuss language arts needs with the museum educator when making your reservation.
Programs take place in exhibition galleries and are based on the content of the exhibit, the science, social science, and art curricula of the public schools, and the grade level of the students. Grade levels are suggested, but we will be glad to work with teachers to produce programs for other levels.
For more information, see our Education Programs brochure, or to make a reservation, contact Debbie Woodiel, Museum Educator, at 865-974-2144 or by email.
For outreach reservations, contact Debbie Woodiel for Ancient Egypt and Archaeology & the Native Peoples of Tennessee outreach, or Joan Markel for Civil War outreach at 865-974-2144 or by email.
Education programs for groups are offered for the following permanent exhibits. A description of each and associated curriculum objectives follows.
- Archaeology and the Native Peoples of Tennessee
Social studies/science, Grades K-12
Geology and Fossil History of Tennessee
Science Grades, preK-12
- Ancient Egypt: The Eternal Voice
Social studies/art, Grades 1-12
- The Decorative Experience
Art/Social studies, Grades 1-12
Human Origins: Searching for our Fossil Ancestors
Science/Social studies, Grades 6-12
- Freshwater Mussels: Treasures Past and Present
Science Grades, Grades 1-12
- The Battle of Fort Sanders, November 29, 1863
Social studies, Grades 4 -12 - Zen Buddhism and the Arts of Japan
Available September 17-December 14, 2012
Social studies, art – Grades 1-12 - Splendid Treasures of the Turkomen Tribes from Central Asia
Available January 22- May 10, 2013
Social studies, art – Grades K-12
Special exhibits/programs for the 2012-2013 school year include:
- Zen Buddhism and the Arts of Japan
Available September 17-December 14, 2012
Social studies, art – Grades 1-12
- Splendid Treasures of the Turkomen Tribes from Central Asia Available January 22- May 10, 2013 Social studies, art – Grades K-12
MUSEUM POLICIES FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS
GALLERY PROGRAMS TAKE APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES EACH. TEACHERS AND CHAPERONES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DISCIPLINE OF STUDENTS AT ALL TIMES.
Students are expected to observe good museum manners -- following directions, listening when appropriate, staying with the group. Teachers and chaperones are required to stay with the students at all times. Teachers, make certain that your chaperones know what is required of them. One adult is required for every 15 students.
RESERVATIONS FOR ANY GROUP ARE REQUIRED.
Whether or not teachers wish an organized program for students, you must make a reservation for any group visit. Groups without a reservation may be turned away. Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For reservations, call (865) 974-2144 Monday through Friday or email Debbie Woodiel at woodield@utk.edu.
MINIMUM GROUP SIZE IS 10 STUDENTS. Concurrent programs will be offered for groups with more than 30 students; discuss options with the Museum Educator.
MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE IS 100 STUDENTS IN THE MUSEUM AT ANY ONE TIME.
The recommended maximum group size of 100 is based on exhibit capacity and program duration; discuss options with the Museum Educator. We recommend that large groups divide their day with our museum and another venue. For information on these places and their programs, go to www.knoxalliance.com/education.html.
NO FOOD, DRINKS, OR GUM ARE PERMITTED IN ANY EXHIBIT AREA.
There are no dining facilities in the Museum. Circle Park is just outside the Museum and Tyson Park is within two miles.
PARKING IS UNDER THE CONTROL OF UNIVERSITY PARKING SERVICES, NOT THE MUSEUM.
Buses may drop off and pick up students at the Museum, but may not park on Circle Park Drive. Please call Parking Services at 865-974-6031 for advance information on bus parking.
Private vehicles may park at no charge on Circle Park Drive for a maximum of 2 hours. Permits for this parking are available at the Parking Information Center at the entrance to Circle Park Drive. Permits must be visible through each vehicle's windshield.
See Also: Knox County Schools Risk Assessment