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For parents who want to supplement their children's water-park visits and Disneyland trips with education this summer, BYU's Museum of Peoples and Cultures offers a biweekly program called "Mornings at the Museum."
It has nothing to do with "Night at the Museum" nor its sequel -- both Ben Stiller movies -- said education curator Kari Nelson. The Museum of Peoples and Cultures had the name first, Nelson emphasized, laughing.
Instead it's a program for children 3 to 11 in which kids are taught about anthropology in a hands-on way.
Last week, a group of 14 parents and youngsters met to learn about Polynesia.
Instead of standing behind a velvet rope, children handled artifacts such as a tiki mask, straw basket, lei and tapa cloth, a fabric made out of bark which was used to make clothing. The children listened to a reading of Pele and the Rivers of Fire and then designed their own "tapa cloth" by crumpling up brown grocery-bag paper and using crayons to decorate it.
"[Hands-on learning] is just what makes an impression," Nelson said. "Later on in life, they'll remember this."
Since the Museum of Peoples and Cultures started the program three years ago, Karen Stavast has brought her children to the educational summer activity. Last week, she brought Kirsten, 7; Madeleine, 5; Eva, 3; and Larissa, 18 months. It's an event they look forward to, Stavast said.
"They always have a lot of fun. They learn a lot
For Emily Everett, a BYU history major who works at the museum, it's fulfilling to pass along to young people her passion for the past.
"They ask questions," she said. "They're excited to do the activities. ... When we teach kids, we're teaching the future."
Upcoming themes include: "Native Cultures of the American Southwest," "Island Tour," "Archeology," and "Special Expedition: Africa."
"Mornings at the Museum" is free. It takes place Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. and Thursdays at 1:30 p.m., and runs through Aug. 13. Reservations and an accompanying parent are required. Call 801-422-0022.
