- Content: The resource that I chose is a field trip to the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. On Thursday May 14, 2026, the museum will feature a special exhibition; We the People: The World in Our Commonwealth. I found this museum while searching online for field trips in Virginia. (Website: https://secure.virginiahistory.org/4217/4947) (Additional website that provides examples of what is to be expected at the exhibition: https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/sponsored/explore-the-history-of-immigration-in-virginia)
- Context: This resource will work best for middle/high school (ages 12-18) students that are currently attending an American/Virginia history class. Since it is exploring the positive impact that immigrants have brought throughout Virginia’s history, I feel that this topic is more advanced than elementary school level. This will also work in an informal setting due to it being a field trip.
- Implementation/Ways to use this resource:
- Goal- For students to discover the impact of how immigrants have helped to shape Virginia to the unique place it is with the use of finding stories, objects etc. throughout the museum.
- Time- 60 minutes
- Materials- Pencil, paper, clip boards.
- (40 minutes) Instructions for scavenger hunt sheet (top 3 students who gets the most points in the end gets a prize):
- Find a journey story (+5 points)
- Who is it?
- Where did they come from?
- What was their impact?
- Pack the suitcase (+5 points)
- What is an object some brought/invented
- Why is it significant?
- Find an object that represents culture (+7 points)
- What culture is shown?
- How did it influence Virginia/America
- *Bring everyone back to the classroom*
- (20 minutes) Ask the group discussion questions such as:
- “What does immigration mean to America”
- “What story or person stood out to you the most, and why?”
- “Why do you think it’s important to learn about different backgrounds and experiences”
- “How do these stories connect to identity and belonging?”
- “What can people do to make immigrants feel more welcome?”
- “How can you support people from different backgrounds in your school or community?”
- Find a journey story (+5 points)
- ***(If you don’t have the ability to go to the museum, you can also do this in a classroom setting by putting pictures and objects around the classroom to mimic an exhibit setting)***.
- Goal:
- Types of education that are most supported by this resource:
- Multicultural peace education- Students learn about different identities and experiences which will help them be able to build more just and inclusive communities.
- Human rights education- Students are able to learn about basic rights and freedoms. They learn to respect human dignity and equality while also being able to recognize injustice and discrimination
- Experiential Learning- Students will actively explore artifacts, find answers, and actively engage rather than just listening. The museum turns into an interactive learning space.
- Constructivist Learning- They are able to build their own understanding on what they observe and interpret in the museum, rather than passively receiving information.
- Types of education that are most supported by this resource:
Peace Learner 