Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To "Explore Your Theater"

An American Story in Dance and Music Homepage

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 17:29:04 GMT

In 1943, Martha Graham, Aaron Copland, and Isamu Noguchi created Appalachian Spring, a ballet that told the story of an American pioneer community. By using this OurStory module, children and adults can enjoy exploring this history through children's literature, museum objects, and hands-on activities. Focused around Ballet for Martha an award-winning work of children's literature about the collaboration of three artists to create an American masterpiece, the module includes links to hands-on activities and a list of recommended readings for further exploration.

Reading Ballet for Martha

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 12:54:55 GMT

Use this guide to actively read Ballet for Martha an award-winning work of children's literature about the collaboration of three artists to create an American masterpiece. Part of an OurStory module entitled An American Story in Dance and Music, this activity includes discussion prompts, a glossary, and background information. OurStory is designed to help children and adults explore history together through the use of children's literature, museum objects, and hands-on activities.

Beauty All Around You

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 13:42:47 GMT

Discover the beauty in nature in your neighborhood or a local botanical garden in this activity related to First Lady Claudia "Lady Bird" Johnson and her work to protect the environment and bring beauty to every community. This activity guide includes tips for finding local botanical gardens, suggestions of activities to do while exploring the botanical garden or neighborhood, and background information on Lady Bird's environmental activism. This activity is a part of the OurStory module called First Lady for the Environment.

OurStory is a series of modules designed by the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through the use of objects from the Museum's vast collections, quality children's literature, and engaging hands-on activities. Ideal for afterschool use, OurStory resources allow students to think critically, to be creative, and to achieve academic standards both in and out of the classroom.