McClung Museum

Special Exhibition Education Programs

Sacred Beauty: A Millennium of Religious Art, A.D. 600-1600

Social Science, Art

New temporary exhibit

Upper Elementary, Middle, High School

September 17, 2007-January 4, 2008

45 minutes

The time is the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the religions are Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism, and the objects are beautiful works of art. Illustrated scriptures and other written works, sculptures, paintings, and a variety of functional objects show how artists of different cultures and beliefs envisioned and experienced the sacred. The time was one of transition from antiquity to the modern world, when these major religions were connected by trade, travel, and pilgrimages, hence the exhibit includes history and geography.

The program connects the physical works to the history, beliefs and practices of the five religions. Students will come away with an appreciation for the art, and an awareness and understanding of diverse religious beliefs. People of all these faiths live in Tennessee today.

Teacher Guide available.

Highlights:

Illustrated pages from a Qur’an, Christian prayer book, Buddhist text, and Hindu manuscript

Decorative embellishments for Jewish Torahs

Ceramic, stone and gilt wood Buddhist sculptures from China, India and Cambodia

Stone and copper alloy Hindu sculptures from India

Jewish and Christian oil lamps

Christian pilgrim flask and badge

 

Tennessee Social Studies Curriculum: Culture, Geography, History, Interactions

5 – 5.1.02, 5.1.03, 5.1.04, 5.4.02
6 – 6.1.02, 6.1.04, 6.1.05, 6.2.02, 6.3.02, 6.4.02, 6.5.06, 6.5.07, 6.5.08, 6.5.09, 6.5.10, 6.5.11, 6.5.12, 6.5.14, 6.5.15, 6.5.16, 6.5.17, 6.6.01, 6.6.02
7 – 7.1.02, 7.1.04, 7.3.04, 7.3.05, 7.3.09, 7.4.02, 7.5.02, 7.6.01, 7.6.02
8 – 8.1.02, 8.4.05, 8.5.02
High school – World history – 1.2, 1.4, 3.2, 5.4, 5.11, 6.3; World geography – 1.3, 5.2, 6.1; Ancient History – Era 4-1.2, 1.3, 3.2, 5.1

 

Tennessee Visual Arts Curriculum: Media, Techniques, & Processes; Structures & Functions; Evaluation (symbols & ideas); Historical & Cultural Relationships

 

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Forensic Anthropology

Science

New temporary exhibit

Middle, High School

January 22-May 9, 2008

45 minutes

Forensic anthropology, an important scientific field of study at the University of Tennessee, is the major focus of the exhibit and program, thus using human bones as evidence in solving crimes is emphasized. Students will learn the biological basis of information which can be obtained from the skeleton, such as age, stature, ethnicity and sex of individuals. The exhibit also includes how anthropologists find out specific crime related information such as determining time of death (including forensic entomology), evidence of types of trauma, identification of individuals using information such as dental features, and taphonomy (natural processes that affect human remains). The different sciences involved in forensic investigations will be distinguished, as well as the role of forensic anthropology in genocide investigations.

Students will engage in activities related to solving crimes.

WARNING – the exhibit includes graphic images of human bodies in various stages of decomposition.

Highlights:

Actual skeletal specimens illustrating features of forensic interest

The role of UT’s Anthropology Research Facility in the scientific study of forensic anthropology

Reconstruction of a crime scene, and using hypotheses, data, and interpretation of evidence to solve a crime

Tennessee Science Curriculum: Interactions between Living things & Their Environment, Cell Structure & Function, Heredity & Reproduction, Diversity & Adaptation Among Living Things

6 – 8 - 6.2.1, 6.3.1, 6.5.1; 7.1.1, 7.4.1; 8.2.3, 8.4.3, 8.5.2

High school – Biol. I – 2.5, 4.8, 5.2; Biol. II – 3.5, 5.1; Anatomy & Physiology – 1.2, 1.4, 2.2, 6.3; Sociology – 6.6, 6.7

 

 

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Permanent Exhibition Education Programs

ARCHAEOLOGY AND THE NATIVE PEOPLES OF TENNESSEE

Social Studies Grades K-12
Available August 28, 2006-May 18, 2007
Time required: 45 min. – 1 hr.

The exhibit features striking artifacts, illustrations, and videos in a chronological treatment of the culture of Native Americans in Tennessee from the late Ice Age through the historic period and the Trail of Tears. Interwoven are elements about archaeology and how archaeologists discover the past, especially in the absence of writing.

Elementary students learn about the way of life of past Native Americans and how they met basic needs in the environments of East Tennessee. Trying out replica tools gives them a hands-on glimpse into ordinary life.

Middle school students learn about the science of archaeology as they make hypotheses about
past people and look for evidence to support or refute these ideas. Sixth graders compare ancient Tennesseans with ancient Eyptians; seventh graders focus on environmental interaction, and programs for 8 th graders emphasize cultural change and European contact. Middle school students can play a mystery object game or view a short video featuring modern Cherokees and the historical events of importance to them.

High school students explore archaeology, art, and values.

Tennessee social studies objectives include:

K-2 – 1.01, 1.03; 2.02; 3.02, 3.03; 5.02; 6.01
3 rd grade benchmarks – 3.1.spi.1, 3.1.spi.2; 3.2.spi.1, 3.2.spi.5; 3.3.spi.8, 3.3.spi.9; 3.5.spi.1; 3.5.spi.2; 3.6.spi.1, 3.6.spi.2, 3.6.spi.3
4 th grade benchmarks – 4.1.spi.1, 4.1.spi.4, 4.1.spi.5; 4.2.spi.5; 4.3.spi.3, 4.3.spi.8; 4.5.spi.1, 4.5.spi.3; 4.5.spi.12; 4.6.spi.3
8 th grade benchmarks – 8.1.spi.2, 8.1.spi.3, 8.1.spi.4, 8.1.spi.6, 8.1.spi.7; 8.2.spi.1; 8.3.spil1, 8.3.spi.3, 8.3.spi.6; 8.4.spil1, 8.4.spi.5; 8.5.spi.1, 8.5.spi.2, 8.5.spi.3, 8.5.spi.4, 8.5.spi.5, 8.5.spi.6, 8.5.spi. 7; 8.6.spi.1, 8.6.spi.3, 8.6.spi.4
World history (high school) – 1.3, 1.4; 3.2; 4.2; 5.7; 6.3
U.S. Government (high school) 1.3, 1.4

 

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ANCIENT EGYPT: The Eternal Voice

Social studies Grades 1-12, best for 6-12
Available August 28, 2006-May 18, 2007
Time required: 45 min.- 1 hr.

Artifacts, mummies, and works of ancient art highlight the culture, geography, religion, daily life and government of the people of ancient Egypt. Students make observations about the artifacts on display and draw conclusions about the people from them. A detailed program is provided for 6 th grade and older; a simpler one is available for younger students but recommended only if they have some familiarity with the subject.

Tennessee social studies accomplishments include:

1 st-3 rd – 1.01, 1.02; 3.02, 3.03; 5.01, 5.02; 6.01
6 th grade benchmarks – 6.1.spi.1, 6.1.spi.2, 6.1.spi.7; 6.2.spi.1, 6.2.spi.4; 6.3.spi.2, 6.3.spi.3; 6.4.spi.1, 6.4.spi.4, 6.4.spi.5; 6.5.spi.3, 6.5.spi.4, 6.5.spi.5, 6.5.spi.10, 6.5.spi.11, 6.5.spi.12, 6.5.spi.17; 6.6.spi.1, 6.6.spi.2, 6.6.spi.3
7 th grade benchmarks – 7.1.spi.1; 7.2.spi.3; 7.3.spi.10, 7.4.spi.1; 7.5.spi.2, 7.5.spi.3; 7.6.spi.1
World history (high school) – 1.2; 2.3; 4.1; 5.1, 5.3, 5.5, 5.7, 5.9, 5.11, 5.12; 6.2

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THE DECORATIVE EXPERIENCE

Art/Social studies Grades 1-12Available August 28, 2006 - May18, 2007
Time required: 30-45 min.

Beautiful objects from the world over reveal the universal human desire for expressing aesthetic values. They also reflect the culture, geography, and history of their makers. The program for grades 1-4 emphasizes elements of art and principles of design; for older students, geographic and cultural attributes are also examined. After an introduction, the students explore these topics through a scavenger hunt.

Within the gallery is a significant collection of Chinese Tang Dynasty ceramic figures, as well as other objects from China, including furniture, Buddhist figures, and a replica Qin Dynasty terracotta warrior. An emphasis on Chinese art and culture, especially of the Tang Dynasty (A.D. 618-907) is available by request.

Tennessee state visual arts curriculum correlates:

Media, techniques, and processes

Knowledge of structures and functions

Artworks from different cultures and periods of time

Tennessee state social studies curriculum accomplishments:

1 st & 2 nd – 1.1.02, 1.1.03, 1.6.01; 2.1.01, 2.2.01, 2.6.01, 2.6.02
3 rd benchmarks – 3.1.spi.1, 3.1.tpi.3, 3.1.tpi.13
4 th – 4.1.02, 4.1.03, 4.1.spi.1
5 th benchmarks – 5.1.tpi.1, 5.1.tpi.7; 5.3.spi.1
6 th benchmarks – 6.1.tpi.1, 6.1.tpi.6; 6.3.tpi.11; 6.5.spi.3; 6.6.tpi.7
7 th benchmarks – 7.1.tpi.3; 7.3.spi.2
World geography (high school) – 1.1, 1.3; 2.3; 3.4; 5.2; 6.3
World history (high school) – 1.2; 3.2; 5.4, 5.12; 6.3

 

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Geology and Fossil History of Tennessee

Science Grades preK-12
Available August 28, 2006-May 18, 2007
Time required: 45 min.

Earth science, geography, and the changing ecosystems of Tennessee are subjects of the programs in this exhibit. Plate tectonics videos, minerals, fossils, and wonderful habitat dioramas provide exciting visual features, and hands-on activities with rocks, minerals, and fossils enhance student learning.

The exhibit includes the only dinosaur bones ever found in Tennessee, a selection of the fascinating Gray Site fossils from East Tennessee, and spectacular examples of animal and plant fossils several hundred million years old. The dramatic changes in ecosystems of Tennessee, as demonstrated by fossils, are detailed in the chronologically arranged dioramas.

The program for preK-2 focuses on dinosaurs. Choices for older students can include: examining types of fossils, examining types of rocks, correlating fossils with environments, discussing the evidence for environmental change and extinction, viewing plate tectonics in action, or testing minerals for four properties.

Tennessee state science curriculum objectives:

Applicable content standards include Interactions, Diversity & Adaptation, Biological Change, Earth Science, Earth Resources.

3 rd grade benchmarks – Structure & function, 3.1.spi.2, 3.1.spi.3; Interactions, 3.2.spi.2; Food & energy, 3.3.spi.2; Diversity & adaptation, 3.5.spi.1, 3.5.spi.2, 3.5.spi.3; Biological change, 3.6.spi.1, 3.6.spi.2, 3.6.spi.3; Earth features, 3.9.spi.1, 3.9; Earth resources, 3.10.spi.2
4 th grade benchmarks – 4.1.spi.1; 4.2.spi.1, 4.2.spi.2; 4.3.spi.3, 4.3.spi.4, 4.3.spi.5; 4.5.spi.1, 4.5.spi.2, 4.5.spi.3; 4.6.spi.1, 4.6.spi.3; 4.9.spi.1, 4.9.spi.3
5 th grade benchmarks – 5.2.spi.2, 5.2.spi.3; 5.5.spi.1, 5.5.spi.3, 5.5.spi.4; 5.6.spi.1, 5.6.spi.2, 5.6.spi.3; 5.9.spi.1, 5.9.spi.1, 5.9.spi.2, 5.9.spi.3
6 th grade benchmarks – 6.2.spi.3; 6.3.spi.2; 6.5.spi.1; 6.6.spi.1, 6.6.spi.2, 6.6.spi.3, 6.6.spi.4
7 th grade benchmarks – 7.3.spi.4; Atmospheric cycles, 7.8.spi.3
8 th grade benchmarks – 8.2.spi.3; 8.5.spi.1, 8.5.spi.2, 8.5.spi.3; 8.9.spi.2, 8.9.spi.3, 8.9.spi.4; 8.10.spi.1, 8.10.spi.4, 8.10.spi.6
Biology I (high school) – 2.5, 5.2, 5.3, 6.1, 6.2, 6.4
Biology II – Comparative anatomy/zoology
Geology – Maps, Matter & minerals, Rocks & the rock cycle, Geologic history, Plate tectonics, Landforms

Tennessee state social studies curriculum objectives:
7 th grade benchmarks – 7.3.spi.11, 7.3.spi.12, 7.3.tpi.5, 7.3.tpi.7; 7.5.tpi.1, 7.5.tpi.4

 

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Human Origins: Searching for Our Fossil Ancestors

Science/ Social Studies Grades 6-12
Available August 28, 2006-May 18, 2007
Time required: 30-45 minutes

Rather than thinking about humans as a special organism, this exhibition presents humans as part of the natural world, subject to the same natural forces as other organisms. Humans are examined first as mammals and primates, identifying homologous structures, and comparing the human skeleton with a common mammal, the horse, and with our closest biological relative, the chimpanzee. Fossils, some of ancestors and some of primates that are not ancestors, are then compared to the skeletons of modern humans and modern chimpanzees in order to discover similarities and differences.

Full-size reproduction skeletons of the famous “Lucy”, “Turkana Boy”, and a composite Neandertal facilitate the discussion. Two bust sculptures bring the bones to life, and a 5-minute video shows the process an artist goes through from bone to lifelike model. A replica of cave paintings at Lascaux adorns the ceiling.

Recommended for 6 th grade and older.

Tennessee state science curriculum objectives:

6 th grade benchmarks – Diversity & adaptation, 6.5.spi.3; Biological change, 6.6.spi.1, 6.6.spi.2, 6.6.spi.3, 6.6.spi.4
8 th grade benchmarks – Diversity & adaptation, 8.5.spi.1, 8.5.spi.2, 8.5.spi.3
Biology I (high school) – Diversity, 5.1, 5.3; Biological change, 6.1, 6.3, 6.4

Tennessee state social studies curriculum accomplishments:

6 th – 6.5.01, 5.02, 5.03
World history (high school) – 1.2; 5.1, 5.2, 5.10

Freshwater Mussels: Treasures Past and Present

Science Grades 1-12

Available August 28, 2006-May 18, 2007
Time required: 30 minutes

A completely new and expanded exhibit on these little known but ecologically significant animals of Tennessee explores many topics in the life sciences, including ecology, life cycles, symbiotic relationships, scientific classification, and human uses and impacts upon natural populations, including extinction. Students observe features of mussel shells and infer organism characteristics; watch a short life cycle video; and play the “Guess My Name” game with shells.

Tennessee state science curriculum content standards include cell structure and function, interactions,
food production and energy, heredity and reproduction, diversity and adaptation, biological change, and earth features.

The Battle of Fort Sanders, November 29, 1863

Social Science

New permanent exhibit

Fourth Grade through High School

September 10, 2007-May 23, 2008

45 minutes

The Civil War Battle of Fort Sanders which took place in Knoxville in November of 1863 is presented in this small exhibit and in the high definition DVD presentation “Its Memory Alone Remains.” Both media are used to show the events which led up to the battle, the construction of fortifications, the people involved (from famous generals to ordinary enlisted men to the “contraband,” former slaves instrumental in building the earthworks), and of course, the action and aftermath of the battle itself. The relationship of the University to Fort Sanders is also included.

Highlights:

Civil war weapons, ordnance, uniforms, and accoutrements, including a beautifully decorated sword owned by an officer who was there

Walking stick owned by Abraham Lincoln

A three-dimensional topographic map showing the strategic position of Fort Sanders, the surrounding fortifications, the Tennessee River, and Knoxville

Panoramic photographs of Knoxville and Fort Sanders taken in early 1864

Full color original painting of the battle by nationally renowned muralist Greg Harlin

Reenactment of part of the Battle, seen in the DVD

 

Tennessee Social Studies Curriculum: Economics, Geography, History, Interactions

4 – 4.2.04, 4.3.02, 4.3.03, 4.5.12
5 – 5.2.05, 5.3.01, 5.5.01, 5.6.01
8 – 8.3.03, 8.4.04, 8.5.18, 8.5.19, 8.5.20

High school – U.S. History - 4.1, 5.1

New Expanded Outreach Program

ANCIENT EGYPT VISITS KNOX COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY!

Join us at the library for a senior outreach lecture by the Frank H. McClung Museum on Ancient Egypt

Middle and High school - Social studies

New and Improved! It’s Free! We Come to You!

When a field trip to the Museum is impossible, consider our revised and expanded outreach programs for middle and high schools. At no cost to you, your students can benefit from an on-site PowerPoint presentation enhanced by actual artifacts, both authentic and facsimile. We also offer small group hands-on activities which highlight aspects of the featured culture. The program descriptions apply to overview presentations lasting 45-60 minutes with no maximum group size. Classes lasting 90 minutes can combine the overview with the hands-on activity in a single class period, depending on the number of students.

For more information, to discuss tailoring our programs to your class, and to make a reservation, contact Joan Markel, Outreach Educator, at 865-974-2144 or by email to jmarkel@utk.edu.

 

Archaeology and the Native Peoples of Tennessee

Full class period of information complete with graphics and video examining the 12,000+ years of human culture here in East Tennessee. Students come away with an appreciation of early lifeways, cultural adaptations to a changing environment, and a perspective on how archaeology contributes to our knowledge of human ingenuity and survival. This survey can be for large groups and multiclass presentation.

Some teachers may be interested in small group hands-on activities working as amateur archaeologists with authentic Native American artifacts. This exercise is designed for single classes of 30 or fewer students who have already seen the overview program.

A more specialized program on native foods and nutrition of the past is also available for high school students. Students will work together to make up a nutritionally complete menu for a day using native foods.

For curriculum relevance, see museum program description.

 

Ancient Egypt: The Eternal Voice

A PowerPoint presentation, illustrated with graphics and photos of the splendor of ancient Egypt, explores people, religion, monuments, art, writing, and contributions to world culture. Images of numerous artifacts, many from the Museum’s collection, show the skill of ancient craftsmen and artists. Overview can be for a large group.

An additional class period of small group hands-on hieroglyphics activity is also offered; this is designed for groups of 30 or fewer students. All materials are supplied.

For curriculum relevance, see museum program description.

 

Our Traumatic Past: The Civil War in East Tennessee

Despite Knoxville’s strategic location and a bloody full-scale battle, little is left to commemorate the role of Knoxville and the surrounding area in the War Between the States. This program tells the story our involvement locally in the issues and events that challenged the nation in the 1860s. Images of artifacts and vintage photos illustrate the interaction of history and archaeology in illuminating our understanding of the past. The presentation can be for large groups.

An additional class period of small group activities exploring historic archaeology methods and artifacts is also offered. This is designed for groups of 30 or fewer students.

Tennessee state social studies objectives:

8 th grade benchmarks – 8.5.tpi.17, 8.5.tpi.30, 8.5.tpi.32

 

Ancient Chinese Culture: Survey for Citizens of the World

Travel the Silk Road and explore the wonders of ancient China. The fascinating art, culture, and history of China are largely unknown to the majority of Americans. Using the works of art produced by this enduring nation, we explore the eras, events, philosophies, and personalities that made China great. Its 12,000 years of prehistory and history become comprehensible as we survey times of great accomplishments and masterpieces as well as periods of upheaval and chaos. Through more than 20 centuries, essential Chinese cultural identity has been maintained and continues, while this nation achieves an expanding role today as a global super-power. As responsible citizens of the world, all Americans need a basic understanding of China’s remarkable past.

A Chinese script activity is also offered for groups of fewer than 30. Explore the beauty and expressiveness of Chinese graphic characters. Paper, brushes, and ink are used to create meaningful, miniature scrolls. All materials provided.

Tennessee state social studies curriculum objectives:

6 th grade benchmarks – 6.1.spi.1, 6.1.tpi.3, 6.1.tpi.5, 6.1.tpi.6, 6.1.tpi.13; 6.2.spi.2, 6.3.spi.3, 6.3.tpi.11; 6.5.spi.3, 6.5.spi.11; 6.6.tpi.3
7 th grade benchmarks -7.1.tpi.3; 7.5.tpi.3, 7.5.tpi.4; 7.6.tpi.3
World geography (high school) – 1.1, 2.3, 3.2, 5.1

Tennessee visual arts curriculum:

Media, techniques, and processes
Structures and function
Historical and cultural relationships
Interdisciplinary connections