Investigation. Inquiry. Research. Fun?
The History Lab Learning Center is a one of a kind exhibit. You must see the History Lab at the
Washington State History Museum so that you can experience the enjoyment and excitement along with your
students!
The hands-on History Lab teaches students how to learn about history through engaging interactive
exhibits based upon the historical concepts —
Time,
Place,
Viewpoint,
Biography,
Exploration,
Causation, and
Precedent,— and introduces students to the
Tools of the History Trade. Students, in teams of two, explore the lab as Time Detectives to solve a History Mystery relating to Washington State. In the process, they research clues throughout the History Lab using computer stations, educational games, and hands-on learning. This approach helps students get a different look at history and realize it's actually fun! They always leave wanting more.
Discovering the Tools of the History Trade is entertaining as well as challenging. Investigating
pictures, researching books, listening to stories, navigating maps, and discovering ephemera stimulate
children's minds as history becomes real. The Time and Place galleries are hands-on experiences that
utilize computer games, puzzles, and videos to tell the stories of our state's past. Whether students
are evaluating "Transportation Through Time" while standing in an Oregon Trail wagon or testing their
steady hands at Hanford as they listen to various eastern Washington viewpoints, their minds are
expanding with a new appreciation for history.
And it's not just kids and teachers who give History Lab rave reviews. History Lab catches the
attention of scholarly institutions as well. The History Lab Learning Center won the 2002 award of
merit for making excellent use of new technology and history from the American Association of
Local and State History. In 2003, the History Lab To Go! outreach kit earned first prize for
educational resources from the American Association of Museums.
Check out
Inquiry in Action by Stephanie Lile for further
information on the groundwork for the History Lab Learning Center.
Take a
Virtual Tour of the History Lab Learning Center online.
Reserve time for a class visit to the History Lab today using our
online reservation form!
For more information please contact:
Joan Martin
School and Group Tours
(253) 798-5876
jmartin@wshs.wa.gov