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Educational Programs

The museums and galleries in the Illinois State Museum system offer school and group programs tailored to their exhibits, events, and communities. To learn more about these programs visit the following pages for ISM-Springfield, ISM-Dickson Mounds, and the ISM-Lockport Gallery.

Collection Connection

Bring the museum into your classroom!
Made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services MA-249648-OMS-21.

Collection Connection invites students to explore art through close looking, critical thinking, and meaningful discussion. Through this lending program, educators can check out a curated set of 4–6 artworks each themed and ready to support classroom learning.

This free program is open to all Springfield area teachers and designed to make art an accessible, inspiring part of every school day. Click here to request your Collection Connection today! Please note sets are available on a first come, first served basis, and you may be placed on a waitlist depending on availability.

Illinois History Day

Illinois History Day is a 6-12th grade project-based program designed to enhance teaching and learning of history through research, analysis, and discovery.  Students research and develop their projects for regional competitions.  Superior projects advance to the statewide competition for consideration for the National History Day competition in Washington, D.C. 

Learn more about the program!

Mini Explorer's Club

 

The Mini Explorer's Club is designed for kids ages 18 months to 5 years and focuses on hands-on, learning opportunities designed to meet the needs of our youngest learners.

Learn more about the Mini Explorer's Club

Learning Online

Check out our Educator's Webpage with virtual exhibits, information, activities, and resources for educators. Our Family Fun Site also offers activities that can be adapted to the classroom. 

We also have a variety of online resources designed for K-12 teachers that covers a variety of subjects.

Field Trip Resources

Department of Natural Resources Biodiversity Field Trip Grants are available to support the costs of your field trip. 

Plan your class field trip here.