Step 2: Explore Our Programs and Exhbitis
Preview what is expected of students at each exhibit!
About Our Exhibits:
Children share their stories of prejudice and explore how to respond to discrimination.
Name That Stereotype:
The students are instructed to press a button when they hear a stereotype mentioned. The host provides feedback, and students learn to recognize different types of stereotypes. They will learn that people use stereotypes and that people should not judge others by how they look or by the group they belong to.
Peace Diner:
Students take a seat at The Diner and listen to a tape of name-calling. They will hear how one boy deals with name-calling and learn strategies that they can use if they are ever called a name. The strategies are written on plastic pieces, which the children can choose and place on a “power pack” in front of them. Once they have chosen the strategies that they are most comfortable with, they can role-play the responses with an adult. They will learn that it is not all right for people to call others names, and that there are positive choices when name-calling happens to them or to other children.
School Bus Showdown:
This exhibit is an interactive video station featuring a video of a school bus scene in which a child is being taunted while looking for a seat. Several children have room for her in their seats, but only some scoot over. The video explores the reasons for the children’s actions. A response board is included in this station where students can write down their feelings about being a bystander and any strategies they have for standing up for a peer.
Turn and Learn About Differences:
This exhibit is an enlarged replica of the children's toy "See and Say." It has a wheel that contains pictures of diverse individuals and families. When a student pulls the lever the arrow will spin and eventually stop on one of the pictures. The individual will verbally describe a challenge or stereotype he or she has overcome. At this area students will discover individual differences through pictorial and verbal representations. They will learn about and dispel common misconceptions.
Talk Back Board:
At this station, visitors will add their thoughts to a continuing anti-prejudice and anti-discrimination board. This will allow them to give the museum personal responses on their own experiences.
Taking a Stand Pledge:
Here, students will have the opportunity to sign their names to a petition against prejudice and discrimination. This will help them to be inspired and empowered in the fight against hate. It will also highlight the importance of collective action in the community.
Signs of the Times:
This area is a wall of reproductions of signs, news articles and pictures. These images share instances of prejudice and discrimination that have occurred in the history of the United States and Canada. Each image is accompanied by a description. There is also a list of various groups of people that have been victims of prejudice and discrimination, along with famous historical faces. The students will learn about the historical impact of this injustice among many people, as well as understand that these issues are ongoing.
Personal Power Charger Station:
This center is a craft area in which students will make "personal power chargers." This craft is designed to be a self-esteem charger, which includes statement starters like "I have the power to..." and "I am proud because I am..." Here, students will learn to stand up for their beliefs and be reminded of why they should feel good about themselves.
Telling Our Stories, Testimonial Video and Resource Area:
This station has three components. First, there are accounts written by prior students of their personal experiences with prejudice and discrimination. Current visitors can write down their experiences and add them to the collection binder. They will see how other kids feel and deal with these situations, as well as add their own thoughts. Secondly, there is a large monitor that shows video clips of children telling true stories of prejudice and discrimination. Here, again, students will observe the experiences of peers. Finally, there is an area containing resources, bookshelves and seating. It is a comfortable place for reading and expression where students can explore and respond to the resources and thoughts of the museum.
Name That Stereotype:
The students are instructed to press a button when they hear a stereotype mentioned. The host provides feedback, and students learn to recognize different types of stereotypes. They will learn that people use stereotypes and that people should not judge others by how they look or by the group they belong to.
Peace Diner:
Students take a seat at The Diner and listen to a tape of name-calling. They will hear how one boy deals with name-calling and learn strategies that they can use if they are ever called a name. The strategies are written on plastic pieces, which the children can choose and place on a “power pack” in front of them. Once they have chosen the strategies that they are most comfortable with, they can role-play the responses with an adult. They will learn that it is not all right for people to call others names, and that there are positive choices when name-calling happens to them or to other children.
School Bus Showdown:
This exhibit is an interactive video station featuring a video of a school bus scene in which a child is being taunted while looking for a seat. Several children have room for her in their seats, but only some scoot over. The video explores the reasons for the children’s actions. A response board is included in this station where students can write down their feelings about being a bystander and any strategies they have for standing up for a peer.
Turn and Learn About Differences:
This exhibit is an enlarged replica of the children's toy "See and Say." It has a wheel that contains pictures of diverse individuals and families. When a student pulls the lever the arrow will spin and eventually stop on one of the pictures. The individual will verbally describe a challenge or stereotype he or she has overcome. At this area students will discover individual differences through pictorial and verbal representations. They will learn about and dispel common misconceptions.
Talk Back Board:
At this station, visitors will add their thoughts to a continuing anti-prejudice and anti-discrimination board. This will allow them to give the museum personal responses on their own experiences.
Taking a Stand Pledge:
Here, students will have the opportunity to sign their names to a petition against prejudice and discrimination. This will help them to be inspired and empowered in the fight against hate. It will also highlight the importance of collective action in the community.
Signs of the Times:
This area is a wall of reproductions of signs, news articles and pictures. These images share instances of prejudice and discrimination that have occurred in the history of the United States and Canada. Each image is accompanied by a description. There is also a list of various groups of people that have been victims of prejudice and discrimination, along with famous historical faces. The students will learn about the historical impact of this injustice among many people, as well as understand that these issues are ongoing.
Personal Power Charger Station:
This center is a craft area in which students will make "personal power chargers." This craft is designed to be a self-esteem charger, which includes statement starters like "I have the power to..." and "I am proud because I am..." Here, students will learn to stand up for their beliefs and be reminded of why they should feel good about themselves.
Telling Our Stories, Testimonial Video and Resource Area:
This station has three components. First, there are accounts written by prior students of their personal experiences with prejudice and discrimination. Current visitors can write down their experiences and add them to the collection binder. They will see how other kids feel and deal with these situations, as well as add their own thoughts. Secondly, there is a large monitor that shows video clips of children telling true stories of prejudice and discrimination. Here, again, students will observe the experiences of peers. Finally, there is an area containing resources, bookshelves and seating. It is a comfortable place for reading and expression where students can explore and respond to the resources and thoughts of the museum.