Smithsonian Critical Thinking: Examining Our Narratives
Discover how to use museum objects to broaden perspectives, reveal silenced stories, and make relevant connections for engaging classroom teaching.
Discover how to use museum objects to broaden perspectives, reveal silenced stories, and make relevant connections for engaging classroom teaching.
This course cannot be purchased separately - to access the complete learning experience, graded assignments, and earn certificates, you'll need to enroll in the full The Smithsonian Summer Sessions: Teaching with Museum Objects Professional Certificate Program. You can audit this specific course for free to explore the content, which includes access to course materials and lectures. This allows you to learn at your own pace without any financial commitment.
Instructors:
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What you'll learn
Gain expertise from multiple Smithsonian museum educators through recorded sessions
Explore inquiry-based strategies for integrating museum objects into teaching
Learn to use the Smithsonian Learning Lab to curate digital resource collections
Create interactive learning experiences using museum resources
Develop techniques to engage students in deeper thinking across disciplines
Design a customized learning experience for your classroom
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
28 Hours PreRecorded video
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
FullTime access
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There is 1 module in this course
In this 14-week professional development course, educators from six Smithsonian museums guide participants through object-based teaching strategies that can broaden perspectives and reveal overlooked narratives. The curriculum focuses on using museum collections to engage students in deeper thinking and support content learning across disciplines. Participants will learn to use the Smithsonian Learning Lab, a free online platform for accessing digital museum resources and creating interactive learning experiences. Throughout the course, museum educators model teaching strategies that can be implemented in both online and classroom environments. The program emphasizes inquiry-based approaches to integrate museum objects and works of art into teaching practice. By the end of the course, participants will have reflected on their learning and created a customized learning experience for their own classroom.
The Smithsonian Summer Sessions: Interrogating the Stories We Tell
Module 1 · 14 Weeks to complete
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Instructors
3 Courses
Educational Innovation Leader and African American History Education Specialist
Candra Flanagan is the staff lead for the Teaching and Learning unit of the Education Department at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. In this current role she oversees the development of programming and resources to assist educators in incorporating African American history in their classroom; researches and creates educational publications for use by the general public and educators; and strategizes the role of NMAAHC in the professional development of educators. Candra is dedicated to establishing research-based, audience-appropriate K-12 initiatives for educators and students. With a degree in History from the University of Maryland College Park, a degree in Social Foundations of Education and advanced coursework Educational Policy from the University of Virginia, she is passionate about the intersection between formal and informal learning as well as cultivating and encouraging life-long learning in educators.
2 Courses
History Education Innovator and Civic Learning Specialist
Abby Pfisterer serves as Education Specialist at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, where she leads initiatives to integrate history education with civic engagement for K-12 students nationwide. Her diverse academic background includes degrees in History, Political Science, and Education from Colorado State University, complemented by an MBA from the University of Massachusetts. With over a decade of experience spanning both formal classroom teaching and museum education, she has developed expertise in progressive education methodologies and audience-driven programming. Her teaching experience includes secondary social studies instruction in Colorado schools, while her current work focuses on creating innovative educational resources that make history accessible and engaging for students. Through her role at the National Museum of American History, she develops programs and materials that foster civic learning and historical understanding, bridging the gap between traditional classroom instruction and museum-based education
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