Complete List of Museum Programming

Are you interested in coming to the Museum for a program or having museum staff visit your school? Below is a list of all available programming and which ones are available to travel as well. 

Want to schedule a program? Call 847-850-2135 or email museum@bgparks.org.

Preschool Programs                                                        

Potawatomi Pathways
This program emphasizes the connection between history and the environment. Students view reproduction Potawatomi artifacts, while learning about Native American houses, food and clothing. Additional options include a memory game, folktale or trading post activity.

Grades 1-2                                                                    

Potawatomi Pathways
This program emphasizes the connection between history and the environment. Students view reproduction Potawatomi artifacts, while learning about Native American houses, food and clothing. Additional options include a memory game, folktale or trading post activity.

A Student’s Life
This presentation uses images and artifacts to show students what life was like 100 years ago. They explore one day in the life of a child - home, school, shopping, and having fun.

Tiny Traders
Shop like the farmers did 125 years ago! First, students earn money from the dairy cow, gather eggs, and make a shopping list. Next, they shop in the General Store, using their money and eggs to buy and barter for the things on their shopping list. This program teaches the difference between needs and wants, and the link between work and money.

Buffalo Grove Then & Now
Learn how Buffalo Grove has changed during the past 100 years. First, students look at a series of artifacts to see how one object changes over time. Then, a slide show contrasts pictures of past Buffalo Grove buildings with buildings that currently stand in those locations.

Measurement
History+Math! How did farmers organize the space in their barn to make the most money? This program combines history and math, as students practice area and perimeter, and choose sides in the battle of cows vs. chickens.

Grades 3-4                                                                   

Measurement
(Grade: 2 - 3)
History+Math! How did farmers organize the space in their barn to make the most money? This program combines history and math, as students practice area and perimeter, and choose sides in the battle of cows vs. chickens.

Adaptation
How do animals and plants survive and thrive? They adapt. This program will teach students about the different ways that plants and animals adapt to their environments and the changing seasons. (This program takes place outdoors)

Packing For Pioneer Life
Experience westward expansion into Illinois in the 1830s. Students start by brainstorming what pioneers needed to settle Buffalo Grove. Next, the museum educator opens a pioneer trunk filled with reproduction artifacts, demonstrating the use of each item, and the need it filled. Finally, students make their own choices in a hands-on wagon packing activity.

Invention Versus Innovation
Students learn about the power of invention by looking at 2 classic history-making examples from the museum’s collection - cameras and telephones. They will then learn about innovation, as they explore how both of these inventions changed over time, and eventually merged into today’s smartphones.

What Makes A Good Exhibit?
Tired of looking at rainbow font? This program introduces students to the design behind good exhibits and signs. Using hands-on examples, they will discover that the way information is arranged visually is key to helping the reader understand their message.

Early Chicago
Learn about the early history of Chicago - how it developed, why it grew, and the different ways in which Chicago and the suburbs are connected.

Grades 5-8                                                                    

Packing For Pioneer Life
(Grade: 3 - 5)
Experience westward expansion into Illinois in the 1830s. Students start by brainstorming what pioneers needed to settle Buffalo Grove. Next, the museum educator opens a pioneer trunk filled with reproduction artifacts, demonstrating the use of each item, and the need it filled. Finally, students make their own choices in a hands-on wagon packing activity.

Invention Versus Innovation
(Grade: 3 - 5)
Students learn about the power of invention by looking at 2 classic history-making examples from the museum’s collection - cameras and telephones. They will then learn about innovation, as they explore how both of these inventions changed over time, and eventually merged into today’s smartphones.

What Makes A Good Exhibit?
(Grade: 3 - 5)
Tired of looking at rainbow font? This program introduces students to the design behind good exhibits and signs. Using hands-on examples, they will discover that the way information is arranged visually is key to helping the reader understand their message.

Early Chicago
(Grade: 3 - 5)
Learn about the early history of Chicago - how it developed, why it grew, and the different ways in which Chicago and the suburbs are connected.

Archaeology
This exciting program introduces students to the history, science and practice of archaeology! After viewing a presentation about archaeology principles and techniques, students put their knowledge to work by participating in a mock dig and analyzing the artifacts that they uncover. (This program is only available at the Museum, and is outdoors)

WWII
From aircraft carriers on Lake Michigan to food rationing at home, WWII had an effect on everyone. Students will learn what life was like locally during this time period, and the role kids played in the war effort.

The Civil War
Students will learn the stories of local residents affected by the Civil War, and explore how the national issues involved in this conflict affected people on a local level.