Building Bridges Across Communities

Understanding Common Concerns, Different Responses

St. Paul of the Cross and Epiphany Schools Working Together

The Jr. Field Ambassador Program is an innovative cultural multiplicity project that is shared by The Field Museum, Chicago; St. Paul of the Cross, Park Ridge; and Epiphany School, Chicago. We all share common concerns—people everywhere must deal with the necessities of life, such as finding food, shelter, building relationships, defining ourselves, coming of age and much more.

But the way we respond to these concerns are different—our responses to the common concerns of life are shaped by our environment, by history—the actions and beliefs of those who have gone before us—and human creativity that depends on our use of language.

During the next year, these communities will be asking questions about community, home, and image through various Field Museum resources, such as The Harris Educational Loan Center, the Museum’s newest permanent exhibition, The Ancient Americas, and The Center for Cultural Understanding and Change.

Teachers will participate and experience:

• Hands-on professional development both at the Museum and at their schools,
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to map out pre, during, and post-activities enhancing existing curriculum.
• Develop an understanding of the resources and opportunities available to them at The Field Museum.
• Learn how to plan a Focused Field Trip using recommended strategies and best practices for a rich and rewarding experience.
• Deepen their understanding of cultural diversity in the classroom,
• And, much more!

Students will participate and experience:

• The rich traditions shared by communities near and far.
• Seek out pen-pals at their partner school and begin building bridges across communities.
• Shared collaborative projects, field trips, and hands-on activities at their schools.
• Focus on grade level specific topics to enhance learning using various resources from The Field Museum.
• Hands-on learning through The Harris Educational Loan Center resources, such as Experience Boxes, Traveling Dioramas Exhibit Cases, Music From Around the World, Audio Visuals including slides, CD-Roms, and videos, Literature, Posters and Print Material.
• Gain a better understanding of cultures around the world.

Over the course of the year the following themes will be explored:

Kindergarten, Holidays

1^st. Grade, Community Structure (Daily Life)

2^nd. Grade, Geography, Government, and Citizenship

3^rd. Grade, World Geography

4^th. Grade, US Regions, Southwest Meso-America

5^th. Grade, Indigenous Cultures of the Americas

6^th. – 8^th. Grade, Ancient & Modern Day History, Religion,

Literature, Economics of the Regions and Current Events.

These themes provide a deeper dialogue about one’s place in the world. We can understand the responses if we can understand any reasons behind it.

Teachers, Students, and the Communities-at-large will reap the benefits of this innovative initiative. The Field Museum will act as a liaison between both communities providing the guidance, resources, and expertise to ensure that the themes are thought provoking and help us to define and redefine culture and consider ways in which culture is learned, shared, and integrated in the classroom. The Museum should be looked at as an extension of the classroom, just not a destination to visit—but as a partner in building these bridges.

Join us as we launch this exciting journey into the rich cultures and traditions we share and can learn from. For more information on Building Bridges Across Communities, contact Anne Marie Hoversen, Field Ambassador, St. Paul of the Cross School at 847-825-6366 ext. 3638; or to learn more about The Field Museum, contact Monica Garcia, Manager of Teacher Programs and Partnerships at 312-665-7513.