Social Studies

The Ndebele are an ethnic group found in Southern Africa, divided into two main branches: the Northern Ndebele of Zimbabwe and the Southern Ndebele of South Africa. Alongside their distinctive culture, including vibrant geometric mural paintings, elaborate beadwork, these traditional homes are colorful works of art. 

Students will learn how women decorate their abodes with colorful care and ingenuity. Along with an explanation of the construction, decoration, and culture. This program is accompanied by a reading of Maya Angelou's thoughtful children's book to the students, "My Painted House, My Friendly Chicken."

A great example of human ingenuity, the sod houses of Ireland utilize stone and sod, which are readily available throughout the region. These houses exemplify the resourcefulness of the people building them. Another wonderful way humans improvise and secure shelter to bring them safety and a dwelling.

Castles are a projection of power through architecture. From hill forts to motte and bailey, and eventually the classic stone keep, castles of Europe have undergone a splendid evolution. Occupying strategic geographic positions, they were used as seats of government, protection from attack, places to rest along routes of trade, and were even homes for some. Like most practical designs, European Castles reflect the style and resources of the regions from which they were built. Learn how different aspects of castle construction come together to serve a wide-ranging purpose.

Ancient Egyptian funerary barges were ceremonial and symbolic vessels used to transport the deceased across the Nile and into the afterlife. They were often decorated with carvings and paintings, and sometimes found in large tombs as part of the burial goods. These boats varied in size and design, representing the deceased's journey to the afterlife and serving as provisions for their eternal existence.

Exploring global architecture and transportation is an artful approach in teaching students about international and historical diversity. Building together and learning about communities to understand people and culture is an effective way to continue or ignite interdisciplinary conversations about traditions, climate, and geography.

During this program, students will construct models of architecture and/or vehicles from around the world. 
Students can build castles and temples, pyramids and pagodas, or a funeral barge from far-off lands centuries ago. Use basic workshop tools, wood, and other materials to bring these relics to life. 

Are you teaching a subject not covered in our existing catalog? We can design and create inventive projects that fit your needs.

Choose two mini projects that will take 2 hours to build ($18).

The legacy of the Museum begins in 1798 When Eli Whitney first chose a site on the Mill River to build his Armory. Chosen for its access to a strong current of water, Whitney intended to use this as a power source for the machines he would use to produce the parts of his contract musket. Whitney, however, was not the first to see the potential of this site as a grist mill had been located on the grounds previously. Over time the site has taken on new residencies and has physically changed as well.

Along with learning the history of Connecticut’s part in the Industrial Revolution, discover and build the inner workings of a Mill model. Explore the connections and how this machinery helped energize generations to come. 
 

Canals were the world's first steps towards mass movement infrastructure. Before technology like trains and automobiles, boats were the first vehicles capable of moving large amounts of goods and people from one place to another. All you needed was water and a boat! When there was no water, humans devised a way to create waterways. Humans have dug canals since the time of ancient Egypt and China. Connecticut was once home to a canal that helped open the interior of New England to industry and trade. Each student will learn this history and build their own canal boat with unique features to help it navigate these man-made waterways.

Each student constructs half-inch scale figures and a traditional dwelling of Northeastern Indigenous Peoples. We refer to the Quinnipiac who once lived in the region around the museum. We honor traditions and customs, adapting contemporary materials with the resourcefulness once applied to barks, skins, and shells, students create a diorama of Indigenous Native American life in the past.