K–12 School Groups

Tour + Workshop = DESIGN program invites students to think like designers as they discuss key objects from the Museum's exhibitions and use them as sources of inspiration for their own designs. Tours are intended to foster an awareness of design and its impact on our everyday lives through dialogue and active observation which is then applied during the workshop session. Workshop sessions are based on lessons plans which align to both National and New York City Board of Education Standards.

Tour + Workshop = DESIGN programs are about 1.5 hours in length, led by Museum Educators who have design and teaching experience and are trained to provide the best experience possible for K–12 students.

Program/Tour Offerings

Design for a Living World

Green Product Design

Recommended for ages 8 through high school

FREE from October 1–January 4, 2010

The exhibition on view, Design for a Living World, showcases ten leading designers who have been commissioned to develop new uses for sustainably grown and harvested materials in order to tell a unique story about the life-cycle of materials and the power of conservation and design. Students will visit the exhibit and then, like the designers in the exhibit, be challenged to come up with an idea for a product using all natural materials. Students will work in teams to create a proposal for a sustainable product designs. Available May 15, 2009–Jan. 4, 2010.

Design USA: Contemporary Innovation

1. Chair Design Workshop
2. Graphic Identity Workshop

Both workshop options are recommended for ages 8 through high school

The exhibition, Design USA, celebrates the accomplishments of the winners honored during the first 10 years of the National Design Awards, including works of fashion, technology, graphics, architecture, landscape, and product design. Students will visit the exhibit and have two workshop options: In the Chair Design Workshop, students will be asked to design a chair with limited materials and time that can support an odd shaped form to mimic designing for the human form. In the Graphic Identity Workshop, students will design and create a graphic identity for themselves using the calling card as a starting point. Available October 26, 2009–April 4, 2010.

Policies

• Reservations must be made at least three weeks prior to scheduled visit.
• All groups visiting the Museum, whether participating in a Museum program, or self-guided must register.
• Sessions are available Monday–Friday from 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
• Groups are asked to arrive no later than 30 minutes past their scheduled start time; please plan accordingly and call the museum if you are running late: 212-849-8353.
• Maximum of 30 students. A group consists of 10–30 students.
• One adult chaperone required per 10 children. Four adult chaperones maximum. (Exceptions are made for special needs groups.)
• Adult chaperones are asked to be active participants and help the museum staff enforce museum policies while in the galleries.
• Cancellations must be made one week prior to scheduled visit in order to receive a refund.
• Please note there are no lunch room facilities available for school groups.

Fees

Tour + Workshop = DESIGN
$250 per group, maximum of 30 students and 4 chaperones. All materials are provided. Each student participant will also receive one free family pass to encourage a return visit.

Guided Exhibition Tour Only or Workshop Session only
$125 per group, maximum of 30 students and 4 chaperones. All materials are provided for workshop sessions. Each student participant will also receive one free family pass to encourage a return visit.

Registration

By Fax or Email

Fax 212.849.8328, email chtours2@si.edu

Download the registration form

By Telephone

To schedule a visit, call 212.849.8351