Archaeology, Cultural History, Fine Art and Natural History Programs
Exhibition Schedule
We offer a variety of programs throughout the academic year that are designed to provide smaller groups of students with an interactive experience. Topics include: archaeology, cultural history, fine art and natural history. Students are able to ask questions, see real objects from the Museum's collections, and learn from the Museum's professional staff who are among the leading experts in their fields!
The courses below will be offered throughout the academic year (with the exception of major holidays). Days other than noted may be requested with advanced notice and will be offered based on the availability of Museum staff. Courses are offered on a first come, first serve basis. Whichever course is reserved first will be the course that runs on that day - if space permits, different classes or school groups may be combined.
Programs begin promptly and cost $3 per person. Advance registration is required. For reservations call (609) 292-6347.
Archaeology
Archaeology in New Jersey: The Abbott Farm
The Abbott Farm National Historic Landmark is one of the most significant pre-historic sites in the Northeast. From 11,000 years ago until European contact, this site has been occupied by Native Americans. Learn about this important archaeological site, its history, excavations, and controversy . Through the Museum's collections, students will examine artifacts excavated at the Abbott Farm to understand the construction, meaning, and importance to native peoples. Grades: 7-12; Related New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards: 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.5, 5.10 and 6.3.
Native American Ceramics
Students will learn about Native American pottery from the Middle Atlantic region - particularly New Jersey - through a presentation by one of the Museum's Archaeologists and through hands-on activities. The influence that pottery had on Native American life and the connection between native settlements across the region and resources will be explored. The basics about Native American ceramic such as technology, manufacturing, and distribution will also be discussed. Students will also see examples of how Native American Cultures used ceramics as an outward expression of their personalities and culture. Grades: 4 - 12; related Core Curriculum Content Standards: NJ 5.1, 5.3, and 5.4; PA 1.6, 7.4, 8.3, 9.1 and 9.3; and DE History 4 as well as Visual Arts 4
Introduction to Archaeology: New Jersey Style
New Jersey has a rich history that can be explored through it's archaeological records. Students will learn about the history of archaeology in the state, basic field, and laboratory techniques as well as archaeological interpretation. The course will concentrate on New Jersey archaeology and by using the Museum's artifacts, students will learn about the most significant historic and pre-historic sites in the state. Grades: 4-12; Related New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards: 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.5, 5.10 and 6.3.
Cultural History
Remember 9/11: Conversation Series - National Security
Offered throughout the year - call for availability
Remember 9/11: Conversation Series is a four-part series that features prominent experts tackling important issues faced by survivors, rescuers, and victims of the 9/11 attacks, as well as the impact on our national security. The Conversation Series will be presented to high school students with a portion in the evening for the general public. Participants will be able to engage in an active dialogue with the presenters after their presentations. Please refer to the website for detailed information about each session - there will be one session in November, March, May, and September - call for dates. Reservations for the student program are required - please call (609)292-6310 to register for the program. Grades: 9-12; related Core Curriculum Content Standards: NJ 6.1 and 6.3; PA 1.6, 5.1, 5.2, and 8.3, and DE (History).
Fine Art
American Perspectives: Learning to Look at Fine Art
Looking at visual art is more than just viewing pretty pictures! Artists are exploring the world around them and their works can offer insight into history, style, culture, personal examination, and much more. Join the Museum's Fine Art Curator on an exploration of the ideas presented in works from the Museum's collection. Students will be introduced to the vocabulary of art; discuss intent, form, composition, influence and derivation; learn how to look at and analyze a work of art; and explore how art may provoke emotional response. Grades: 6-12 (limited to 25 participants); Related New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards in Visual Arts: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4.
Natural History
Fossil Demonstration
NEW PROGRAM ~ Students will have a unique opportunity to meet one of the Museum's working Paleontologists as he prepares a fossil for study. Preparing a fossil includes: removing the dirt and/or rock that encapsulates the fossil (bone, skeleton, shell, etc.) and stabilizing the remains (gluing bones back together). Students will be able to touch fossil specimens as well as learn about the field of paleontology and importance of studying our ancient past. This is an excellent supplemental experience to one of the other programs listed below. Grades: 4 - 12; related Core Curriculum Content Standards: NJ 5.1 and 5.4; PA 1.6, 3.1, and 3.3; and DE (Science) 1 and 5.
Sea Monsters of New Jersey
NEW PROGRAM ~ From giant swimming reptiles in the Age of Dinosaurs to the huge turtles and whales of the present, New Jersey's shores have had plenty of sea monsters! Learn about the huge swimming creatures that lived here over the past one hundred million years, many of which are in the State Museum's collections. A Museum paleontologist will explain how we collect and study the fossils of the extinct monsters, and the ways that we protect those that still live along our coastal areas.
Considering pairing this program with a viewing of National Geographic's Sea Monsters at the State Museum's Planetarium. Grades: 1 -5; related Core Curriculum Content Standards: NJ 5.1, 5.3, 5.4; PA 1.6, 3.1 and 3.3; and DE (Science) 1, 5, 6, and 7.
Dryptosaurus: New Jersey's Biggest Predator
NEW PROGRAM ~ Dryptosaurus was discovered here in Barnsboro, New Jersey, and is the second nearly complete dinosaur skeleton found anywhere in the world! A Museum's Paleontologist will show you illustrations of this giant predator as well as casts taken directly from the dinosaur's bones. Hear all about what it is like to be a paleontologist, and the world of ancient dinosaurs - including the Tyrannosaurus rex - that once dominated New Jersey's prehistoric habitats. Grades: 4-9; Related New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards: 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.5, 5.7, 5.8, and 5.10.
Dinosaur Alphabet
Everyone gets excited about dinosaurs, especially the Museum's youngest visitors who will benefit from a lesson prepared just for them. The Museum's Paleontologists will use the alphabet to teach the children about the life of dinosaurs, geologic time, ancient environments, and much more! Grades: K-2; Related New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards: 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.5, 5.7, 5.8, and 5.10.
How to Dig Up a Giant Dinosaur
How do we find dinosaur fossils? What do we do when we find the fossils? We don't just "dig" we "excavate." What tools do we use, and how do we use them? Most importantly, how do scientists learn from their work? A Museum Paleontologist will share his real "dig" experiences within New Jersey and around the world, show you dinosaur fossils, and answer your questions. Grades: General Audience; Related New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards: 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.7, 5.8, and 5.10.
Dino Safari
The fascinating world of dinosaurs comes alive in this fast-paced Auditorium program presented by award-winning educator Tony Miskowski, Assistant Curator of Natural History. The program embarks on a journey through time and stops in the Mesozoic swamp to learn about these so-called "terrible lizards" that dominated the global landscape for some 150 million years. Throughout the program, traditional scientific views are compared and contrasted with the latest fossil discoveries that are giving rise to new theories. Grades: 2 - 5; related Core Curriculum Content Standards: NJ 5.1 5.3 and 5.4; PA 1.6, 3.1, 3.3, 4.1, and 9.1; and DE (Science) 1 and 5.
