Most students collect, preserve, and interpret something, whether it's baseball cards, stamps, dolls, or guppies. Help them understand the similarities between what they do and what the museum does. Think about what it takes to make an exhibit. Have the students design an exhibit on a topic of their choice, install it, and invite their parents to visit during an scheduled open-house. The TSHA administers regional and then a state-wide competition.
Winners move on to the national competition in Maryland.
Museum educators and curators are both resources and role models. Students can learn more about collecting and researching by talking with the people who do it for a living, the curators and educators who work in museums. Research museum-related professions. Invite museum representatives to the classroom as guest speakers. Ask them questions about the jobs they do, about the role of volunteers in museums, and how helping museums helps the community.