Older Students

First Tennesseans Highlights Tour
4th-8th grade
Museum educator discusses life of prehistoric peoples in Tennessee including the Paleolithic, Archaic, Woodlands, and Mississippian culture. Tour highlights tools, weapons, jewelry and ceremonial pottery found in Tennessee.

Jackson and Polk: Common Man Heroes Tour
4th - 12th grade
Through this inquiry-discussion tour, students are introduced to the world of presidential politics and the historical importance of the men from Tennessee who served as president. Topics include the rise of the common man, Jacksonian Democracy, Manifest Destiny, and the lives of Andrew Jackson and James K. Polk. (Andrew Johnson is currently not covered by the tour since the Johnson cases are unavailable due to damage from a leak.)

Civil War Highlights Tour
4th - 12th grade
The tour addresses not only the horrific battles that occurred in Tennessee, but also the personal struggles and sacrifices made by the soldiers on both sides and those who stayed at home. Including flags, portraits and weapons, this tour will encourage students to consider the personal costs of such a terrible war. May be paired with Civil War Haversacks or Civil War Soldier's Life.

Hands-on-History: Civil War Haversacks
4th - 8th grade
A hands-on group activity wherein students using the technique of "What I need; What I want" decide what to carry in their Civil War haversack. After all groups have picked items (or reproduction of items), the guide will explain what are good or bad choices and which group did the best job.

Demonstration: Civil War Soldiers' Life
4th - 12th grade
A guide dressed in full Confederate or Union uniform (Tennesseans served on both sides!) discusses what life was like as a Civil War soldier. Discussions include food, clothing, weapons, disease, camp life, drills, and an exciting description of lice races.

First-Person Interpretation: On the Homefront
4th - 12th grade Tennessean Dot Harris tells students about her life on the homefront during WWII. She tells them about rationing, victory gardens, women working in factories, shortages and the hardships of losing loved ones in the war.

Clipboard Capers
4th - 8th grade
Scavenger hunt activity available at the museum and State Capitol to help students understand and evaluate the historical exhibits. Clipboards, activity sheets and pencils are supplied. Please schedule in advance.

State Museum Self-guided Tour
All Ages
Although we strongly recommend a guided museum lesson, groups can pace themselves as they explore exhibits depicting Tennessee 's history. Be sure to ask about Clipboard Capers which are pencil and paper activities that go along with exhibits. Allow one hour for self-guided tours.

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