Education Programs
The Iroquois Museum is an anthropological museum that uses art to educate and inspire. Our collections of contemporary Iroquois art and archeological artifacts open a window on Iroquois culture and society. Our programs fulfill the NYS Learning Standards for the Arts, Social Studies, and Language Arts. The Museum provides a stimulating object-based learning environment that engages visitors on visual, tactile, and intellectual levels.
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Program fees for non-craft programs - Intro to the Iroquois/Independent Exploration: $9 per student per program. Tools of the Hunt: $4 per student per program.
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Program fees for craft programs - Cornhusk Dolls, Beadwork, & Clay Pinch Pots:
$6 per student per program.
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1 complimentary adult per every 10 students; All other adults and chaperones $6.00 each.
Class size of 10 to 20 students may only book 1 program; Class size of 20 or more students may book up to 3 programs.
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Class size minimum: 10 students
Class size maximum: Maximum class size is denoted in the description for each program
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To schedule a program, contact Heather Livengood: 518-296-8949 or heather@iroquoismuseum.org
List of Available Programs:
Introduction to the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois)/Independent Exploration
$9 per student
Grades 4-12
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Learn about the history, traditions, and contemporary lives of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) people from one of the Museum’s Iroquois educators. Discover what makes Iroquois nations unique and how men, women, and children share the responsibility for keeping their communities strong. Foundational teachings and ancient concepts will inspire day to day action and a greater understanding of the differences and commonalities between cultures. Student interaction and questions are encouraged.
Common Core Learning Standards: English Language Arts:
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Research to Build and Present Knowledge
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Comprehension and Collaboration (Speaking and Listening)
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Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas (Speaking and Listening)
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Vocabulary Acquisition and Use
Learning Standards for Science:
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Use Scientific Inquiry to Pose Question, Seek Answers, Develop Solutions
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Apply Scientific Concepts, Principles, and Theories Pertaining to Physical Setting & Living Environment
Learning Standards for Social Studies:
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History of the US and NY
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Geography
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Civics, Citizenship, and Government
Learning Standards for the Arts:
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Understanding the Cultural Dimensions and Contributions of the Arts
Learning Standards for Technology Education:
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Tools, Resources and Technological Processes
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History and Evolution of Technology
Maximum class size: 30 students per session (indoors); 30+ per session in outdoor amphitheater
Length of Program: 90 minutes
Tools of the Hunt
$4 per student
Grades 4-12
This program available generally only on Thursdays.
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This program explores the genius and creativity of the first peoples in adapting their lives, tools, and skills to the challenges they faced in a changing world. These new inventions and technologies help us to recreate a story of the people and their past. Through the study of stone, bone, wood, and metal tools, we can discover where they traveled on Great Turtle Island and try to reconstruct why. This everchanging “toolbox” also provides us with clues to the fluctuating social and physical environments that they relied upon for food, clothing, and shelter.
Common Core Learning Standards: English Language Arts:
· Research to Build and Present Knowledge
· Comprehension and Collaboration (Speaking and Listening)
· Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas (Speaking and Listening)
· Vocabulary Acquisition and Use
Learning Standards for Science:
· Use Scientific Inquiry to Pose questions, Seek Answers, Develop Solutions
· Apply Scientific Concepts, Principles, and Theories Pertaining to Physical Setting and Living Environment
Learning Standards for Social Studies:
· History of the US and NY
Learning Standards for the Arts:
· Understanding the Cultural Dimensions and Contributions of the Arts
Learning Standards for Technology Education:
· Tools, Resources and Technological Processes
· History and Evolution of Technology
Learning Standards for Social Studies:
· History of the US and NY
· Geography
Maximum class size: 30 students per session (indoors); 30+ per session in outdoor amphitheater
Length of Program: 50 minutes
Nature Trail Walks (Weather Permitting)
This is a self guided tour which is free of charge
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Students will hike along the Museum’s Nature Trails and learn about the biological timeline from the Ice Age to the present day. Students will be introduced to the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) relationship to the natural world and learn about the gifts of plants and wildlife as they walk through forests and past babbling brooks. Discussion of environmental advocacy, protection, and personal responsibility will be a part of this wonderful outing.
Common Core Learning Standards: English Language Arts:
-
Research to Build and Present Knowledge
-
Comprehension and Collaboration (Speaking and Listening)
-
Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas (Speaking and Listening)
-
Vocabulary Acquisition and Use
Learning Standards for Science:
-
Use Scientific Inquiry to Pose questions, Seek Answers, Develop Solutions
-
Apply Scientific Concepts, Principles, and Theories Pertaining to Physical Setting and Living Environment
-
Other: Plant Identification
Learning Standards for Social Studies:
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History of the US and NY
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Geography
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Length of Program: Between 15 and 60 minutes to complete
CRAFT PROGRAM 1 - $6.00 PER STUDENT -
Corn Husk Doll Making (No Face Doll)
Grades 3-12
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In the original Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) way of thinking there was no word for “garbage.” The gifts of nature were treated with respect and transformed into items that were useful, beautiful, or both. In this program each student will create his/her own cornhusk doll to take home, similar to those made as toys for early Haudenosaunee children. Participants will also gain an understanding of the role of storytelling in Native cultures and hear the Iroquois No Face Doll story, with its timeless lessons about vanity and the importance of following instructions. This program requires manipulating natural materials and tying knots. Especially good for tactile learners.
Common Core Learning Standards: English Language Arts:
-
Research to Build and Present Knowledge
-
Comprehension and Collaboration (Speaking and Listening)
-
Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas (Speaking and Listening)
-
Vocabulary Acquisition and Use
Learning Standards for Social Studies:
-
History of the US and NY
Learning Standards for the Arts:
-
Understanding the Cultural Dimensions and Contributions of the Arts
Learning Standards for Technology Education:
-
Tools, Resources and Technological Processes
-
History and Evolution of Technology
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Maximum class size: 30 students per session
Length of Program: 50 minutes
CRAFT PROGRAM 2 - $6.00 PER STUDENT -
Beading Workshop
Grades 3-12
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From clay to shell to glass, beads have long been a central part of Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) people’s lives. In this program, students will develop an appreciation for the patience and creativity of contemporary Iroquois beadworkers and the role that beads have played in recording ideas and agreements from pre-contact times to today. Younger students will create a simple fuzzy wire and bead project based on Corn, and hear the story of the Three Sisters (corn, beans, and squash). Older students will be instructed in the more challenging daisy chain beadwork pattern. Program requires small motor coordination and encourages competence in following verbal and/or visual direction.
Common Core Learning Standards: English Language Arts:
-
Research to Build and Present Knowledge
-
Comprehension and Collaboration (Speaking and Listening)
-
Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas (Speaking and Listening)
-
Vocabulary Acquisition and Use
Learning Standards for Social Studies:
-
History of the US and NY
Learning Standards for the Arts:
-
Understanding the Cultural Dimensions and Contributions of the Arts
Learning Standards for Technology Education:
-
Tools, Resources and Technological Processes
-
History and Evolution of Technology
Maximum class size: 30 students per session
Length of Program: 50 minutes
CRAFT PROGRAM 3 - $6.00 PER STUDENT -
Clay Pinch Pot
Grades 2-12
The earth provided everything that the early Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) needed to survive, including fireproof cooking pots! In this program, students will learn about the history of Iroquois pottery making and why these early forms were so ingenious. Participants will investigate the techniques of clay pot construction by making their own pinch pot and will discover how the adoption of metal cooking pots from Europeans influenced the use and knowledge of this tradition. This program requires manipulating natural material, allows for individual expression, and is especially effective for tactile learners
Common Core Learning Standards: English Language Arts:
-
Research to Build and Present Knowledge
-
Comprehension and Collaboration (Speaking and Listening)
-
Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas (Speaking and Listening)
-
Vocabulary Acquisition and Use
Learning Standards for Social Studies:
-
History of the US and NY
Learning Standards for the Arts:
-
Understanding the Cultural Dimensions and Contributions of the Arts
Learning Standards for Technology Education:
-
Tools, Resources and Technological Processes
-
History and Evolution of Technology
Maximum class size: 30 students per session
Length of Program: 50 minutes