Museums are a significant TEKS teaching resource. Every schoolchild in the United States visits a museum at least once a year, on average. The materials preserved and exhibited in museums provide information that words alone cannot convey. The artifacts and ideas that museums and historic sites collect, preserve, and present constitute powerful and memorable learning experiences for students. Museums and historic sites inspire students.
Museums have the real thing.
The virtual environment created by TV, computers, and even magazines and books removes students from original art, artifacts, and culture. Museums provide a setting for students to encounter someone else's ideas, lifestyle, and creativity first hand. Some museums require students to practice their skills of observation and summarization. Other museums encourage interaction and learning by doing. Students may sweep floors, cook in a fireplace, or gather eggs.