University Museums is foremost an educational resource for Iowa State University students, faculty, and staff. As such, we have:
- Resources to integrate visual literacy to any course curriculum
- Flexible tour times
- In-person & digital options
- Dedicated staff with a variety of experience
Curriculum Resources
Each class is different with unique sets of learning objectives and curricula; therefore, a range of options is provided when scheduling a program.
In the video below, Dr. Michèle Schaal, Associate Professor of French and Women's & Gender Studies, shares why and how she incorporates University Museums into her curriculum at Iowa State University.
Ways You Can Integrate Museums into Your Curriculum
Visual Literacy Exploration and Guided Looking Sessions
Students are introduced to the concept of visual literacy and communication by practicing looking closely at works of art to develop interpretations.
Customized Programs with Permanent Collection Objects
Our staff develop specialized presentations with primary source objects from the permanent collection related to course material.
Examples include:
- Ancient Roman Glass for Classical Studies students
- Understanding Manliness and Gender Dynamics in Art for Women and Gender Studies students
- Applications of Wood in Art for Forestry students
- Aesthetics in the Victorian Era at the Farm House Museum for AESHM students
- History of Home Economics in Art for Family and Consumer Sciences students, and many more.
Tailored Lectures in the Classroom
If a visit to a University Museums’ facility is not possible, customized lectures in the classroom are available.
Examples include:
- Use of Lost Wax Casting in the Art on Campus Collection for Engineering Students
- Introduction to Campus Aesthetics for Design students
- Livestock and Art for Animal Sciences students, and others
Public Programs
Free educational public programs are offered each semester. Faculty are encouraged to assign students to attend programs as part of their course experience. Museums staff can have students swipe ID cards to confirm attendance.
Unguided Programs
Faculty can reserve time for classes to use museum facilities as unique teaching spaces.
Digital Resources
eMuseum Database
The entire collection of 30,000+ objects is searchable on the collections database: emuseum.its.iastate.edu/collections.
Customized Course Folders on eMuseum:
- Faculty select specific objects for students to study online
- Museums staff set it all up
Virtual Programs
Staff can design/create a custom virtual program or tour for use in a specific class. We also have an archive of digital programs on our YouTube channel @ISUMuseums.
Art on Campus Interactive Digital Map
Through a partnership with the University Library’s Digital Scholarship and Initiatives Department, University Museums is able to offer an interactive digital map of a selection of the Art on Campus Collection. Users can:
- Navigate through the campus virtually
- Explore highlights of the public art collection
- Read a brief history of the collection
- Connect with further information and images on eMuseums
Object Reading Worksheets
Downloadable PDFs can be used to help students organize their thoughts and explore different ways of looking. Click a button below to view and download.
Object Learning Worksheet Seven Ways to Read an Object
Support
To integrate University Museums into your curriculum, email museums@iastate.edu or fill out our Tour Request Form.