Overarching Themes Gallery Guide

Science

In our galleries we address the following Science and Engineering Practices:

• Asking questions and defining problems
• Analyzing and interpreting data
• Engaging in argument from evidence
• Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

Visit our galleries to interact and "make observations to construct an evidence-based account that objects can be seen only when illuminated" (1PS4-2).

Our museum staff will be happy to talk with students about “the effect of placing objects made from different materials in the path of a beam of light,” specifically its effects on paper and cloth (1PS4-3).

See our extensive collection to aid in “describ[ing] and classify[ing] different kinds of materials by their observable properties” (2PS1-1).

Observe the types of materials utilized by past Oklahomans “to determine which materials have the properties that are best suited for an intended purpose” (2PS1-2).

Engage with our interactives and observe our replicas “to construct an evidence-based account of how an object made of a small set of pieces can be disassembled and made into a new object” (2PS1-3).

Visit our galleries to observe “multiple solutions that use patterns to transfer information” (4PS4-3).

View the maps in our galleries or visit the research center to "analyze and interpret data from maps to describe patterns of Earth’s features" (4ESS2-2).

Learn about and observe how to “analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem.” See how innovative Oklahomans have “appl[ied] scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing human impact on the environment” (6MSLS2-1/6MSESS3-3-HSESS3-1, 2 &4).

Math

A visit to the museum addresses the following mathematics standards:

• Collect, organize and interpret information about objects and events in the environment (PK.D.1.1-A2.A.D.1).
• Draw conclusions from pictures and graphs, describe a data set using data displays, describe and compare data sets (1.D.1.3-A2.D.1).
• Analyze and draw conclusions based on a set of conditions using inductive and deductive reasoning. Assess the validity of a logical argument and give counterexamples to disprove a statement (G.RL.1.2-3).
• Analyze statistical thinking to draw inferences, make predictions, and justify conclusions (A2.D.2.2).

On a field trip students can begin to "recognize the importance of rules and responsibilities as a member of a family, class, and school" (K.CS.1.1).

As a museum of history, our exhibits can aid students in “us[ing] words and phrases related to chronology and time to explain how things change including before/after, past/present/future, and today/tomorrow/yesterday” (K.CS.4.3).

Throughout the galleries, multimedia displays "describe how historic figures display character traits of fairness, respect for others, stewardship of natural resources, courage, equality, hard work, self-discipline, and commitment to the common good" (1.CS.1.4).

Use the layout of our galleries and outside areas to help students “understand chronological sequencing of events” and “creat[e] basic timelines” (1.CS.4.1-3.CS.4.1).

Utilize our galleries and research center to allow students to “participate in shared research using biographies and informational text to discuss the contributions of historic figures in American history…” (1.CS.4.2-2.CS.4.1).

Learn about or visit our affiliated historic sites to “identify the significance of historic places and monuments and describe their connection to real events of the past…” (1.CS.4.3-4.CS.1.2.C).

Join us for programming focused on specific holidays/commemorative months to help students understand the “relationships between people and events of the past” as well as “commemorate the contributions to the American nation of significant groups” (1.CS.1.5-3.CS.1.3).

Visit our galleries and research center to “examine Oklahoma’s political and physical features using text features and search tools” (3.CS.3.1).

“Conduct short research projects and examine notable historic/present-day Oklahomans utilizing biographies/informational texts to describe their significant contributions…”(3.CS.4.10).

English

Through interaction with museum staff and observations in the galleries, students can “engage in collaborative discussions about appropriate topics and texts with peers and adults in small and large groups,” as well as “increase their knowledge of vocabulary through inquiry and context clues” (PK.R.1-12.R.1/PK.V.4-12.V.4).

In the galleries, students will “read independently for a variety of purposes and for extended periods of time.” Due to the variety of topics covered, students will be able to identify and “select appropriate texts for specific purposes” (PK.R.8-12.R.8).

By visiting our galleries or research center students will “locate and use print and digital resources with guidance and support,” as well as “participate in group or individual research” to “gather facts and evidence to support a main idea” (1.W.6-12.W.7).