Connecting Cultures

An Exhibit that Crosses Borders

The Marina Library has been converted into a museum.  Students are engaged on many levels through a multi-faceted presentation.

ARTIFACTS from around the world are displayed thematically by:

• Use, material, and country of origin
• Geographical location; color code label according to the continent from which it originated, allowing students visually to group items by their origin across the entire exhibit

DISCUSSION of representative artifacts

A docent describes selected artifacts that are compared and contrasted to similar artifacts, emphasizing

• Cultural contexts
• Materials, discussing the materials’ availability in their original geographic setting or through trade
• Similarities in materials or social contexts across cultures

HANDS-ON activities

Students are encouraged to experience the “Connecting Tables”

• Students can pick up and manipulate selected artifacts
• Food samples literally offer students a taste of another culture

STUDENT PARTICIPATION (optional)

• Students may participate in a “scavenger hunt” during lunch