A field trip to the American Swedish Institute immerses students in art and culture, but what’s it like to be in a 100+ year old space? ASI’s Youth & Family team has described the experience in a new social narrative.
What will students experience during a field trip to the American Swedish Institute? How does it feel to be in a 100+ year old space? What will students see and do when they’re here?
ASI’s Youth & Family team has created a social narrative to help teachers and students get a step-by-step feel for the experience before they arrive.
The American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota is a museum that includes a 100-year-old house known as the Turnblad Mansion and a modern building attached to the Mansion called the Nelson Cultural Center.
Your group will arrive in the parking lot that is on the south side of the Nelson Cultural Center. Once inside, you’ll be in the lobby. Sometimes the lobby will be crowded and noisy, and sometimes the lobby will be quiet with only a few visitors. An ASI greet the group and help them get situated.
During the introduction, the ASI educator will also discuss some important rules:
- I will use an indoor voice
- I will not eat or drink in the museum
- I will use walking feet and stay with my class
- If I need a break, I can talk to my teacher. An ASI staff member will tell us where we can go
- I will not touch objects unless the ASI educator gives permission
- If I get lost or need help, I can trust an ASI staff member or volunteer
The first stop on the Mansion tour will be the Grand Hall, where the group with do an activity, like writing about or sketching the space or art on view in the galleries. Next, the group will walk through the Mansion to view many more rooms and works of art. This is a good time to look closely and be curious.
The ASI educator will bring the group down to classroom spaces if the field trip includes an optional activity. The Artifact Analysis activity gives students an opportunity to learn about Swedish immigration or Swedish celebrations throughout the year through educational artifacts. During a Handcraft Workshop, students will learn about Swedish slöjd (handcraft, and create a needle felted picture, a painted Dala horse, or a paper quilled ornament.
ASI welcomes K–12 school and homeschool groups to participate in educational museum tours. ASI’s educators work with classroom leaders, customizing each experience to meet class needs.
Please visit the Field Trips web page for more information.