The Fresno Metropolitan Museum, in partnership with the Reveas Foundation and Fresno County Office of Education, is pleased to announce a competitive mini-grant program in science. Grant awards will range from $500 - $1,000 and all teachers in Fresno County are eligible to apply.

Grant funds shall be used to implement quality, innovative hands-on science instruction in the applicant's classroom and/or their school. The funds may be used to purchase equipment and materials and/or enhance current science curriculum/programs. Creativity and originality in the implementation of how grant funds will be used to further science education are highly encouraged.

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Applications can be obtained via download here.

The Mobile Met Science Outreach program will be in full swing this summer.
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Professional Development Workshops in Visual Thinking Strategies at Your School Site
Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) Workshop will introduce audiences to key concepts and theories that underlie VTS, as well as offer opportunities for teachers to practice using the VTS method and curriculum. The workshop follows a six-hour, day-long format for teachers and other interested individuals. A 90-minute follow-up session is included as part of the workshop experience; participants can ask questions, discuss classroom experiences and practice with trained Met staff member during the follow-up

The cost to the school for the workshop is $25/per person (includes debriefing) plus the cost of VTS curriculum materials that can be purchased at www.crystalproductions.com. A minimum of 10 teachers and a maximum of 20 are required. Additional costs include round-trip mileage and lunch for each Met staff member, consisting of 2-3 trainers.

Workshops are offered on a quarterly and on a first-come, first serve basis. LINK: Further information on VTS can be found at vue.org.

I began working for the Fresno Metropolitan Museum of Art and Science due to my interest in the visual arts and science. Through the years I observed countless children viewing and examining artworks hung on the museum's beautifully lit walls. These young people would walk timidly towards a painting and spend a small amount of time observing it, making a face expressing astonishment or bewilderment at times. As I watched these customary events unfold, I wondered if there was a method that would not only inculcate young people how to look at art but how to think about it as well. In working with the Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) program of the museum, I have learned and personally experienced that art can do much more than amuse and satisfy the senses.

By being a Visual Thinking Strategies Specialist, I have been able to observe first hand the positive effects of this program on young people in kindergarten through 5th grade. The children study a set of images and are asked open ended questions which incite their minds to jump into the pictures and make meaning of what they see. The pictures serve as the data for the children to take apart; the discussion revolves around a simple framework of questions. My role in VTS discussions is not to teach the VTS program to the children but to facilitate and introduce the lessons in a manner that will encourage all students to participate in a friendly dialogue. The ideas and comments come from the students' minds; their energy is what drives the VTS discussions.

VTS discussions involve peer learning: students learn as a group how to observe, support their statements with evidence and think critically. When students observe an artwork for at least 30 seconds, their minds take in the colors, lines, shapes, and possible meanings seen in the picture. In the VTS program, students observe one work of art for 20 minutes. When students comment or express an idea about something they're seeing, they know that I am listening to their every word. What is so beneficial about the VTS program is that there is no right or wrong answer; all expressions are valuable to the whole class. I have seen that this factor is crucial in the structure of VTS, not only do the students learn how to convey their ideas via words but they also gain confidence in themselves.

Art can have endless meaning - VTS allows students to debate in a tranquil and facilitated manner. VTS has taught me that art can be used to teach critical and creative thinking in all grade levels. In taking this program to schools and students, I see more clearly than ever the connection between art, thought, and language. VTS is minimal in its composition yet its method of connecting minds to the valuable lessons learned through art is inestimable. Hearing children talk and express thinking about art is something that inspires and motivates me to continue doing this for the museum.

Classroom Activity: Camouflage
(PDF download)

Reeves ASK Science Center Remains Open For Field Trips
Schedule your May and summer field trips now!

Thanks to the generosity of the Pilibos family, the Reeves ASK Science Center's stay in its temporary location at 933 Van Ness has been extended through the completion of the Museum's renovation. The Science Center has reopened and Earth, Wind, Inspire! remains on view through the summer.

To book a tour Call Ann Wanger at 559.441.1444, extension 224.

Summer Camp at the Met
The Met is accepting bookings for weekly camp sessions now!
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Summer Art Programs for Year Round Schools
The Docent Outreach Project allows teachers in grades 1 through 3 to take advantage of the Met's high quality programming without traveling to the museum.
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Mark your Calendars
Educators Preview Night will be Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at the Reeves ASK Science Center at 933 Van Ness from 4:00 - 6:00pm.

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