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Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
‘Night of the Living Museum’ packs Clark Elementary
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
Families with members of all ages appeared at Clark Elementary School Thursday, Feb. 27 for the Annual Family Fun Night. This event is sponsored by the Clark PTO. he evening is always well attended but this year the expression “Standing Room Only” is totally inadequate. The halls, rooms and cafeteria were packed as children proudly showed their work to grandparents, guardians, parents, and friends.
“Night at the Living Museum” was an open house style event 5:30-7 p.m. Visitors arrived as their schedules permitted and many stayed the entire time. Students enjoyed showing off their personal exhibits. The open house style meant that they were free to also go from room to room to enjoy all the exhibits.
The PTO served hot dogs, macaroni and cheese and ice cream. The cafeteria food line was filled with patient people. Unfortunately, and unexpectedly all the food was consumed before the everyone had eaten.
Many skills were used as the various grade levels decided on the content of their exhibits and prepared to welcome guests. Mrs. Swailes, a Clark Special Ed Teacher, coordinated the event. She noted, “The Living Museum theme encouraged Project Based Learning through the entire building. Teachers enjoyed the collaborating with each other and observing their students mature educationally.”
Project-based learning is a teaching method designed to help students develop skills and knowledge by working on real-world problems. Students work an extended period of time studying and preparing the solution to a question or problem. Reading, writing, teamwork, art design, communication are just a few of the skills needed to successfully bring a museum to life. Acting and dressing up added to the fun.
As one wandered the halls and stopped in classrooms there were many things to enjoy and learn. Animal projects, Mohawk society, historical figures from all disciplines were displayed. Teachers also displayed videos of the phases of the projects and how students found solutions. If students were by their projects, they would also teach you a bit about person or subject.
As the evening ended and the crowd dispersed, it was apparent that the Night at the Living Museum had been a great success. The PTO works hard promoting New London, its schools and its educational progress. Thank you!
