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Classroom Outreach

If you can't come to us, our programs can come to you! These programs use reproduction objects and documents from our collection along with hands-on activities to bring history to life. These participatory programs are designed for class-size groups. They are not suitable for assemblies or large groups, unless otherwise noted. Up to three presentations can be scheduled per day. Download a chart showing Connecticut Framework content standard connections below.

Pre-kindergarten – Grade 8

Program Length: 1 ¼ hours
(allow 15 minutes between programs)
Cost: $150 per program, plus round trip mileage from the CHS at 60¢ per mile.
MOST PROGRAMS FOR GRADES 3 AND OLDER REQUIRE STUDENT READING.

The Circus Comes to Town (Grades Pre-K-2)

Students use props, costumes, physical activities, games, and their imaginations to create their own circus, from the parade of animals and performers to the acts in the center ring. They enjoy a circus storybook and each student makes a circus poster to take home. Please note: This program requires a large open space, like a gym or multi-purpose room.

Native Americans in Early Connecticut (Grades K-2)

This program introduces students to the life and culture of Native Americans in southern New England. Students examine reproduction artifacts made from materials such as stone, wood, bone, and animal skins and learn about Native American cultural values from a traditional story. Each student makes a bear claw necklace to take home.

Colonial Kids (Grades 1-3)

Using reproduction objects and hands-on activities, students are introduced to daily life in colonial Connecticut. They compare their own lives to those of colonial children as they learn about both work and play. Students examine differences in clothing, learn about daily chores, try out some colonial toys, and make a reproduction "hornbook."

History Detectives: Exploring Native American Life (Grades 3-6)

In this hands-on program, students become the historians to investigate the pre-contact lifestyle of Native American people in Connecticut. They learn about different kinds of historical resources, discover the importance of oral tradition, and play a traditional Native American game. Students practice their close observation skills, examining, describing, and analyzing reproduction artifacts.

Connecticut and the Road to Independence (Grades 4-6)

Students investigate how Connecticut citizens participated in the American Revolution, looking at issues from both the Patriot and Loyalist perspectives. Through a variety of student activities, the dramatic sequence of events from 1763-1783 that led to American independence is brought to life. Students examine reproduction artifacts and documents and sign an "oath of allegiance" with quill pens.

Characters from Colonial Connecticut (Grades 4-6)

After a short introduction, students work in teams of 4-5 to learn about one of five characters from colonial Connecticut. Each group explores one "identity box," handling reproduction artifacts and completing a series of activities related to their character's life.

The Three Branches of Government (Grades 4-8)

During this program students explore Connecticut's executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government and discover who makes the rules in Connecticut. To better understand the role of each branch, students elect a governor from among their classmates, debate a bill, and hold a mock trial. Through movement, improvisation, role-playing, and active participation students learn the purpose of rules and laws, explore the separation of powers, and discover the rights and responsibilities of individuals. Please note: This program is available for groups of 28-50 students for a fee of $225 per program, if a large program space is available.

The Underground Railroad and Resistance to Slavery (Grades 5-8)

Students learn how Connecticut people and communities responded to the institution of slavery in the years before the Civil War. After a short introduction, small groups of students rotate among discovery stations and complete activities that illustrate different forms of protest and resistance and highlight how fugitive slaves were able to make their way to freedom.

Connecticut in the Civil War (Grades 5-8)

Through a variety of hands-on activities and drama-based techniques, students look at the Civil War through the experiences of people from Connecticut. Using letters, photographs, newspapers, and reproduction clothing and equipment, students explore recruitment, the soldier's experience, reporting the war, and the roles played by women. Please note: This program requires a space to project images. The CHS educator will bring a projector, unless one is already set up in the room.

Amistad: A Journey to Justice (Grades 5–8)

This program explores the dramatic 1839 story of 53 Africans, kidnapped from their homeland into slavery, who managed to win a legal battle in the U.S. and return home. Students re-enact parts of the story and use a range of physical activities to bring the Africans' ordeal to life. They learn ways to communicate and work together to solve problems just as the Africans on the Amistad did. Reproduction artifacts, primary source documents, props, and illustrations are also used to dramatize the story. Please note: This program is available for groups of 28-40 students for a fee of $225 per program, if a large program space is available.

GRADES 6 – 12

Program Length: 45 minutes
Cost: $75 per program, plus round trip mileage from the CHS at 60¢ per mile.

Please note:

• These programs require a space to project images. The CHS educator will bring a projector, unless one is already set-up in the room.
  
• Limited scholarships for History Day student workshops are available on a first-come, first served basis. Ask for details when you book your program.

Introduction to History Day

This introductory workshop is suggested for students who are new to History Day in Connecticut. During the workshop they will learn all aspects of the History Day program, from the rules and category choices to what to expect during the district and state competitions. Participants will see project examples and learn helpful tips about choosing and researching a topic using primary sources.

Advanced History Day Help

This workshop is for students who have completed the majority of work on their projects and want extra help. This workshop is recommended before district or state competitions and includes a facilitated peer review of projects, interview and bibliography tips and techniques, discussion of special prizes, and a question and answer session.

Researching with Primary Sources

What is a primary source? Where do you find primary sources both on- and off-line? How do you gather information from primary sources? How do you cite different types of primary sources in a bibliography? This workshop will answer all of those questions and more and is a perfect introduction for building strong research skills. This program also works well for students participating in History Day in Connecticut.

HIGH-SCHOOL OUTREACH PILOT PROGRAM
We are currently developing new programs. Please contact our Head of Education Programs for more information or to participate in a pilot program for discounted rates!

Downloads

Framework Connections: Outreach.pdf Download (59 KB)