2013 School Program Offerings

At the National Hellenic Museum, we believe that people become curious about their own story when they learn about the history and cultures of others. School programs are designed to use Hellenic Studies to spark inquiry and discussion about broader issues that reflect cultural values. School programs also match Illinois Core Curriculum Standards. Students learn about the Greek experience, both Ancient and Modern, while building skills in subjects like Fine Arts, Social Sciences, and English Language Arts.

Spirit of a Hero

What makes someone a hero? Is it the endurance of Pheidippides? The cleverness of Odysseus? The perseverance of Stylianos Kyriakides? Students will hear the tales of both legendary and historic Greek heroes so that they can learn to be heroes in their own communities. Then, students celebrate heroes by creating their own heroic shields.

• Suggested grades: Pre-K – 2
• Maximum number of students: 60
• Program length: 60 minutes
• ISBE Goals: Social Studies Goals 14C, 16A, 16B, and 18A; Fine Arts Goals 26A and 27B

 

Junior Archaeologists

Students will become archaeologists for the day, recording their observations about objects in our education collection. By studying artifacts, they will learn how the Ancient Greeks lived, how they governed themselves, and what they did for fun. Then, students will create pull toys, a common artifact left behind by children.

• Suggested grades: 3-8
• Maximum number of students: 85
• Program length: 90 minutes
•  ISBE Goals: Social Studies Goals 16A, 16B, and 18A; Fine Arts Goals 26B, 27A, 27B

 

Culture Shock

When Greeks came to the U.S. during the Great Wave of immigration, they faced a challenging and sometimes inhospitable environment. Students will follow the journeys of Greek immigrants and learn how they adapted to create a Greek-American identity, leading a discussion about how cultural traditions are carried on by individuals. Then, they will put themselves in an immigrant’s shoes and write postcards home.

• Suggested grades: 7-12
• Maximum number of students: 85
•  Program length: 90 minutes
• ISBE Goals: Social Sciences Goals 14D, 14F, 15D, 16A, 16C, 16D, 18A, 18B and 18C; Fine Arts Goal 27B