Science Museum Field Trip funded by Target

Last week, we took the entire second grade to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. Field trips were cut several years ago due to budgetary issues, but thanks to the Target Field Trip Grant I applied for back in August, our students were able to experience authentic, hands-on learning.

Texas Boys Choir Sings at The Modern

My son is a member of the Texas Boys Choir. This past weekend they sang at The Modern Museum of Art.  They are working very hard preparing for a big trip to Argentina in the spring.  Here is a rough video of rehearsing for the program:

Don't Miss this Stunning Exhibit!

My family and I went to the Irving Arts Center today to visit the Genghis Khan Exhibit.  I was so impressed with the many items on display and the amount of information provided. My husband and kids had a good time too!

A Few Tips:

• Take a light jacket.  The temperature is kept at a cool 64 degrees due to the mummy and other rare objects on display. Blankets are available.  
• Even though there is a lot to read, this exhibit is little-kid friendly because there are screens located throughout the space with short videos that explain different aspects of Genghis Khan's life.  
• You are also given a character bookmark.  Throughout the exhibit there are touchscreens where you can follow the life of your character. Very cool.
• There are several hands-on activities, one of which is an archaeological digging area.  The kids can search for treasures just like real archaeologists!
• While we were there, 2 musicians played beautiful traditional music.  Check the Irving Art Center website for events occurring on the day you plan to visit.
• The exhibit runs until September 30, 2011

"Although he ruled with an iron fist, he rewarded loyalty and merit.  He established the rule of law and opened trade and exchange across Asia."

Brought to you by....Genghis Khan in the 13th century:
One of our favorite parts of the exhibit was the "brought to you by..." display. Modern day items, jobs, and laws that we take for granted were developed during the reign of Genghis Kahn!

Food and Personal Items:

• Chopped Meat/Steak Tartare:  Mongolian warriors didn't have time to stop and cook.  They minced up meat and stored it under their saddles for food on the go! Today it is considered a gourmet classic. Here's the recipe (sorry my #vegan friends)
• Baklava:  A sweet layered dough filled with nuts and honey. Here's the recipe
• Charcoal:  When the nomadic tribes and warriors did have time to cook they liked to do a little grillin'!
• Forks:  Eating raw minced meat with their hands probably encouraged this invention!
• Eyeglasses
• Pants

Jobs/Government/Environment:

• Librarians
• Pony Express
• Tax Relief for teachers and religious leaders (I like this one)
• Environmental Protection: laws prohibiting the polluting of water
• Diplomatic Immunity
• National Parks: laws which preserved his favorite hunting grounds
• Paper money
• Passports

One last word...the gift shop!

The items in the gift shop were very unique.  There were handmade felt shoes and hats, cashmere sweaters, games, toys, and lots of  "Genghis" memorabilia.  We spent a lot of time in there!

We left these at the store just in case YOU wanted them!

*This post is sponsored by the Irving Arts Center, host of the Genghis Khan Exhibit. I was provided with tickets to the exhibit and compensation for my time. All opinions expressed are my own.

**Recipes courtesy of www.allrecipes.com

Genghis Khan..Barbaric Conqueror or Brilliant Innovator?

If you have been following my blog, you know that I am giving away 4 free tickets to the Genghis Khan Exhibit at the Irving Arts Center.  The exhibit opened on June 1 and will run until September 30.

My family is planning to visit on Monday when everyone pays kids prices:

Mondays, June 20, July 18, August 15 and Sept. 19 - special price of just $8 per person. 

We have read about the exhibit at the Irving Arts Center website and are looking forward to exploring the exhibit and learning more about: 

• Genghis Khan the man: Genghis Khan is remembered for his conquests, he is also noted for his cultural influence on the world, his appreciation of the arts and his creation of a stable government.
• Exploring the exhibit which features the largest collection of 13th century Mongolian artifacts ever gathered in a single showing.
• A Mummy!  The exhibition features the recently uncovered mummy and tomb treasures of a Mongolian noble woman, nicknamed The Princess Giant because of her unusual height.
• Hands-on experience: The interactive aspect of the exhibition leads visitors through a life-size ger (traditional nomadic dwelling); and allows visitors to shoot a model trebuchet, create a Mongolian style hat and use computer touch screens to live out the lives of characters from the 13th century.

As a teacher, I am particularly interested in the enrichment activities and study guides that are available. These study guides connect to the objects, videos, and activities within the exhibition. There are also a host of activities including teacher workshops, Family Fundays, lectures and events. The workshops feature a guided tour of the exhibition and discussion on how to incorporate Genghis Khan activities in the classroom. These events and others can be found on the "Events" page.  

Over the years we have explored many of the museums in Fort Worth and Dallas, but  we have never been to The Irving Arts Center.  I can't wait to share our experience with you...stay tuned


This post is sponsored by the Irving Arts Center, host of the Genghis Khan Exhibit. I was provided with tickets to the exhibit and compensation for my time. All opinions expressed are my own.

Genghis Khan Ticket Giveaway Begins Today!

I am so excited about this giveaway!  I have 4 tickets to the Genghis Khan Exhibit at the Irving Arts Center.

The exhibit runs from June 1 to September 30, 2011, Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. & Sunday from 1-8 p.m. (Last ticket sold at 6:30 p.m.seven days a week)

The exhibit tells the story of Genghis Khan, the conqueror, through more than 200 artifacts including gold jewelry, weaponry, silk robes, currency, tomb treasures, a mummy, and much more.  There are video screens, handicraft and weaponry activity stations, and role-playing kiosks to make learning about this legend a fun and engaging experience for all ages.

The ticket giveaway only lasts a week, so hurry and get your entry in.  You can also get bonus entries by sharing this giveaway with your friends on Facebook and Twitter. 

click here to enter (entry form is located on my Giveaways page)

Deadline for entries:Thursday June 16 at 11:59 pm CST.

The winner will be announced on Friday June 17th.

Good Luck!

The Invasion Has Begun....

In the next few weeks you will have the opportunity to win 4 tickets to the Genghis Khan exhibit at the Irving Arts Center....Stay tuned....if you dare!

Aspiring artists - this sounds like fun!

Did you know that you can take a FREE art class at The Modern the first Sunday of each month? How cool is that?

Join us and become acquainted with the Modern’s collection while developing drawing skills by looking and learning with local artists as they lead informal, basic drawing classes in the galleries. Open to adults at all skill levels. Bring a sketchbook and pencils or purchase materials from The Modern Shop. This class is free. Registration is not required, but participants should sign in at the front desk.  www.themodern.org