From the Michigan Historical Museum website:
"Talking with historians, dressing up in period clothes, and reenacting the lives of historical figures are all part of the weeklong learning experience called The BIG History Lesson. Students and teacher use the Michigan Historical Museum as their classroom for an extended, in-depth study of Michigan history.
The BIG History Lesson began here at the Michigan Historical Museum and received a 2000 Certificate of Commendation from the American Association for State and Local History. The week's lessons are correlated with state standards, and assessment tools are used throughout the experience.
Activities during The BIG History Lesson week are teacher-led and student-centered and can include speakers, behind-the-scenes tours and students working cooperatively on research. Children participate in presentations, discussions, drama, writing, sketching and a variety of other interdisciplinary lessons while at the museum.
To prepare, teachers participate in a BIG History Lesson planning and professional development workshop, where they learn about the museum and its resources. (Cost for first-time BHL teachers, $50; returning BHL teachers, $15.) The workshop emphasizes object-based learning, thematic study and the use of community resources as teaching and learning tools. Teachers work with the program coordinator to develop a unit of study, including activities, resources and museum support needed for their BIG History Lesson week. "