The Detroit Institute of Arts is collaborating with metro Detroit school districts to help K-12 teachers create tailored learning plans that can be used before, during and after field trips to the world-renowned museum.
“The DIA offers many educational opportunities that go beyond viewing pieces in our galleries and exhibitions,” said Sade Benjamin, DIA associate educator. “We work together with area educators to create one-of-a-kind learning experiences that use the museum’s diverse collection to give students opportunities to find their own meaning in art.”
The DIA offers a variety of curated and self-guided lesson plans that can be used during field trips to the museum. All learning resources are designed to meet state standards and focus on student learning as part of field trips to the museum. Learning resources are available at no cost to teachers or the school district.
All lesson plans use Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) – a constructionist model of learning that asks open-ended questions to help students make personal connections to the art. Learning resources cover a wide variety of topics including history, science, social-emotional learning, visual art and geography
The DIA also offers free professional development workshops for teachers in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne Counties covering topics such as VTS, art-making activities and educator introductions to the DIA.
“Our education staff works closely with local educators to develop tailored learning resources that help students make connections to art they wouldn’t get online, in books or on TV,” said Salvador Salort-Pons, DIA director. “We are proud to collaborate with school districts to create experiences that use the museum’s collection to expand students’ knowledge of art, history and culture.”
To schedule a group tour or field trip, contact the DIA at 313-833-7981. General admission to the DIA is free for residents of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties.
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