Developing a museum in the classroom is an excellent vehicle for the National Curriculum at different levels especially for Key Stages 1, 2 & 3 and within many subject areas. It is also a great idea for after-school clubs.

Here are some suggestions for links to the National Curriculum.

Use objects, written sources and pictures to:

• give opportunities to examine first-hand evidence

• introduce children to the concepts of time and chronology

• compare items, materials, usage, localities, then and now

• consider how our understanding of the past is dependent on surviving evidence.

Science

Use objects to find out about:

• grouping, variation and classification

• different materials, origins, properties and uses

• how certain objects change over time for example, old rusty garden implements, fossils

• the effects of pollution on objects

• values and attitudes towards pollution and conservation of the environment.

Use objects, written sources and pictures to:

• listen, discuss and articulate responses

• write letters, labels, signs and guides

• learn new vocabulary

• use indexes, encyclopaedias, reference books, dictionaries and the Internet to source information

• arrange role play and drama activities for example use old photographs as a basis for storytelling

• study different styles of handwriting writing equipment and presentation

Use objects to:

• count, sort and classify

• calculate values then and now

• set up a museum swap shop

• compare measures, weights, money then and now

• handle data such as lists, tables and chart

Use objects to:

• evaluate different materials and uses

• create displays

• solve simple conservation problems

Use computers to:

• compile databases

• design graphics for displays and a museum guides.

• create an exhibition online

Use objects and pictures to:

• introduce different genres and styles from the past and present and different cultures

• provide ideas for their own work.

• provide the basis for artwork for museum guides.

Use objects and pictures to:

• inspire choice of suitable background music for visitors to the museum

• inspire composition for a particular item for example using kitchen implements for a collection of utensils

Use objects to:

• for locating the source of artefacts with maps and atlases

• observe changes in the environment and assessing effects, for example using fossils to show changes in climate.

• talk about the exhibition of sacred objects in museums

• discuss different religion for example Christening robes could be used to talk about Christian customs or photographs of a bar mitzvah to discuss Jewish customs.

• discuss moral and ethical issues such as the return of items stolen in war, collecting endangered species of plants

• share opinions on objects that matter to them

• take part in debates, group choices

• talk about the way people look after objects and other things that matter

• share responsibilities for the care of a classroom museum

• improve the environment and contribute to the life of the class

Teachers should note that children might be handling old, sharp, dirty and breakable objects and take appropriate action.

• A classroom museum is especially suitable for the flexible cross-curricular approach to projects encouraged in the National Guidelines for example, ‘the culture of Scotland’

• Suggestions for ideas linked to the National Curriculum would work equally well embracing Language, Mathematics, Environmental Studies, Expressive Arts and Religious and Moral Education

• As schools in Scotland are encouraged to address provision as individual organisations schools and museums can work together to identify what is most appropriate.