Early+Childhood+Edu+at+Australian+National+Museum

Last thursday I visted the Australian National Museum to see the Yiwara Kuju The Canning Stock Route exhibition. I found it to be an absorbing, informative and educational experience. The artworks are striking and the curving layout of the exhibition leads you from one intriguing artefact to the next. A main feature of the exhibition is the interactive multimedia table where students can not only explore the journey of the Canning Stock Route, but they can also write in the sand and squash bull ants.

Regarding excursions, the Australian Museum offers programs which support and link with history, SoSE, Indigenous Studies, visual arts and literacy. Students are given the oppurtunity to explore the cultures and history of Australia's land, nation and people. Students are guided through programs facilitated by the museums educational officer. From an Early Childhood perspective, there is a program run for younger students. Aborignal Australia introduces students to the concept of Dreaming through interactive storytelling. Following handling Aboriginal artefacts, students explore the diversity of Aboriginal culture through activities in the Gallery. Further details: Year levels: Pre-school to Year 2 Group size: 30 students Duration: 75 minutes Cost: $4 per student

Much more details to follow!

I also visited the national Museum of Australia and agree The Canning Stock Route exhibition to be suitable for early childhood students. The various paintings give an insight into the aboriginal culture, many much like maps containing the main features of the land in which they live, such as water holes, bush shelters, lakes, rivers etc. Whilst I was there I was able to grab a pamphlet on the educational programes the Museum have running. Those which are suitable for younger children are as listed bellow. For further infomation on educational programs at the National Museum of Australia for 2010 go to: http://www.nma.gov.au/education/school_visits/2010_programs/

Students investigate changes in Australian life over the past 100 years. They handle and investigate a variety of historical objects from everyday life and then continue this exploration in the galleries.
 * Then and Now**

Students investigate some iconic objects that symbolise aspects of Australian life and history. They then explore the galleries to identify a range of Australian icons, symbols and legends.
 * Icons, Symbols and Legends**


 * Aboriginal Australia** (as mentioned already above)

Students handle objects that help them explore how different forms of transport and changes to transport have affected peoples lives in Australia's history. They then visit the Paddle Steamer Enterpise - a 130-year-old boat moored on Lake Burley Griffin (weather permitting) - and Museum galleries to continue their exploration.
 * Transport at the museum**