Teacher Resources

The Illinois State Museum offers a variety of resources for preK-12 teachers and students including exhibit-based school programs, self-guided tours, professional development opportunities for teachers, and online lesson plans.

The ISM is an exciting and educational field trip destination. Your group's Museum visit may be a self-guided tour, or include an exhibit-based school program taught by a Museum educator. You can reserve A Place for Discovery, the Museum's hands-on childrens's gallery, for your group. For older students, behind-the-scenes tours are available of the Museum's Research and Collections Center.

Planning Your Visit

Getting Here

The Illinois State Museum is located on the corner of Spring and Edwards Streets in the Capitol Complex.

Guided School or Group Programs

Lincoln Bicentennial School Programs, Exclusively in 2009

In addition to its other school programs, the Illinois State Museum is offering school programs in conjunction with its Lincoln Bicentennial exhibition, From Humble Beginnings: Lincoln's Illinois, 1830-1861.

Leveled independent activities are available for school groups visiting the Museum for this exhibition. Activities are lead by the classroom teacher and all materials are provided by the Museum. For more information on booking your school group, please contact Nina Walthall by email (walthall@museum.state.il.us) or by phone at (217) 782-0061.

This exhibit and its associated independent activities contain information that apply to one or more of the following Illinois State Learning Goals and Standards: 14F; 15A, B, C, and D; 16A, B, C, and D; and 17A and B.

Natural History Guided Program

Guided programs are led by a museum educator and feature hands-on activities. All programs are correlated to the Illinois Learning Standards.

Programs are currently being developed for the new exhibition Changes: Dynamic Illinois Environments To receive an e-mail notification of when these programs are available, click here.

Peoples of the Past - Guided Tour

Grades: PreK-12 Length: Grades PreK-2: 30 minutes Grades 3-12: 45 minutes Curriculum Links: Social Studies, Native Americans, Prehistory, History Pre and Post Visit Activity Packet Free

Offered in the Peoples of the Past exhibit, a series of four life-sized dioramas that depict Illinois Native American Lifeways from 2500 B.C. to the 19th century. Sutdents examine real and reproduction artifacts, explore lifestyles changes over time, and gain an appreciation for other cultures. Activities are tailored to grade level.

Peoples of the Past - Potterymaking (optional extension)

Grades: 3-6
Length: 45 minutes
Curriculum Links: Art, Social Studies, Native Americans, Prehistory, History
Material fee: $.50 per student

Potterymaking was an important innovation by Native Americans. Students will use tools from nature to create and decorate a pinch pot. This is an optional extension of the Peoples of the Past program.

Independent School or Group Programs (no guide)

Independent Activities

Independent activities include search sheets and other activities developed by the Museum to enhance your class' visit. They are not led by a Museum educator. The Museum provides activity sheets, clipboards, and pencils for you class. Free.

Programs are offered Tuesday through Friday, September through March.
Programs are available to students wil special needs. Please identify your students' needs when reserving your program
To schedule an independent activity, please call the Museum's Education Section at 217-782-0061.

Natural History
Changes: Dynamic Illinois Environments
Search Themes and Grades:
General (K-3)
Extinct and Endangered Animals (K-3)
Rocks and Minerals (4-6)
Fossils (4-6)
Birds of Illinois
Search Themes and Grades:
General (K-3)

Cultural History
Peoples of the Past
Search Themes and Grades:
General (K-3)
General with a focus on Pottery (K-3)
At Home in the Heartland
Search Themes and Grades:
General (4-6)

Reserve a Place for Discovery

Recommended for Grades PreK-5 Hours: 9:30a.m. - 5:00p.m. Tuesday - Saturday; 1:00 - 5:00p.m. Sunday. Closed on Mondays. Free. A Place for Discovery is the Museum's hands-on gallery for preschool and elementary-age children. Teachers can reserve the gallery for 30 minutes except for April, May, and the first week in June. To reserve A Place for Discovery for your group, please call 217-782-7011.

Self-guided Tours

Most school groups visit the Museum for a self-guided tour of the exhibits. Recommended visit time for school groups is 45 minutes. Self-guided tours are scheduled through the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau (SCVB) by calling 800-545-7300 or 217-789-2360. You can also download a SCVB reservation form at http://www.visit-springfieldillinois.com/home.htm