Museums for the Future Toolkit

Although this toolkit has been created for teachers, it’s a great tool for any museum who want to provide a new and exciting project for their local schools. Working with museum objects can help to develop literacy, numeracy, critical investigation, comprehension and creativity by encouraging pupils to work together to discover your collections. Enquiry learning inspires and encourages pupils to become successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors. This toolkit not only provides the tools to help you offer an authentic learning experience through exploration and collaboration; it also aims to develop the skills and aspirations of pupils as they discover the museum as a place of work. And, who knows, it might even inspire some future careers in museums.  

The toolkit is split into an introduction plus seven sessions for a class to work through. Each session has a complimentary introduction video, and most have pre-prepared worksheets to help guide pupils through certain activities. 

1. Museums for the Future Toolkit – an essential introduction for teachers. This includes things you need to know before you begin, a summary of sessions, a summary of skills and coverage of curriculum of excellence in the toolkit.
2. Information for museums template. This template will help you provide as much information as possible to your local museum to start the conversation about delivering the “Museums for the Future” project. The sooner you contact your local museum, the better!
3. Pre-project evaluation form.

Case study- ANGUSalive Signal Tower Museum. Read about this project that was designed to give 44 pupils in P6/7 and P7 classes at Warddykes Primary School in Arbroath a flavour of the work they can do in the heritage sector and the activities that go on behind the scenes of a museum. 

In this first session the learning outcomes are:
I know what a museum is and can use my creativity to design one myself. I can participate in a discussion with my peers, listen to their contribution, and respond appropriately. 

1. ‘What is a museum’ session resource.
2. ‘What is a museum’ presentation for session.
3. Pre-project evaluation.

In this second session the learning outcomes are: I can name at least one role available in museums and discuss what that role involves. I know the range of skills that are useful in the workplace and can identify those skills that I have. I can identify the four core career areas of museums. 

1. ‘Meeting museums’ session resource.
2. ‘Role on the wall’ templates for session.

In this third session the learning outcomes are: I know how to safely handle museum objects. I can work as part of a team to put together information and make assumptions using clues we find. I can use my past experiences and knowledge to judge what objects are likely to be. I understand the role of a Collections Officer. 

1. ‘Clue finders’ session resource.
2. Session worksheets- Draw template, Describe template, Define template.

In the fourth session the learning outcomes are: I have explored an aspect of local history. I can find reliable and accurate information to research a theme. I can link an object with its historical past and my life today. 

1. ‘Let’s investigate’ session resource.
2. Session worksheet.

In this fifth session the learning outcomes are: I can communicate my thoughts and share knowledge in a suitable way to my audience. I can make decisions and problem solve as part of a team. I understand how different people’s skills and experience can contribute to a team. 

1. ‘Mini museums’ session resource.
2. Session worksheet.

In the sixth session the learning outcomes are: I can communicate my thoughts and share knowledge in a suitable way to my audience. I can confidently talk about an aspect of local history. I understand my role in a team and the role of others. 

1. ‘Museum masters’ session resource.

In the seventh and final session the learning outcomes are: I can reflect on my strengths and skills. I can acknowledge my personal achievements and the achievements of my peers.

1. ‘Reflections’ session resource.
2. Post-project evaluation.

Our virtual classroom explains the types of skills that are necessary for working in a museum, as well as an activity sheet to help identifying your strengths.