Seventh Graders Host Pop-Up Children’s Museum Focusing on Equality, Equity, and Empathy

Seventh grade Quest program students hosted a special pop-up Children’s Museum on March 14 for Grades 2-5 in the Diller Library during which they presented books and accompanying displays that focused on themes of equality, equity and empathy through the lens of “Hidden Figures” in our society. Quest is a multi-disciplinary, inquiry-based approach to learning that encompasses seventh grade English, science, and social studies classes.

Students spoke to their peers during the museum about the significance of the subjects of their books. The unit focusing on equality, equity, and empathy was launched with a screening of the movie Hidden Figures. Leading up to the museum, students in science classes examined “Hidden Figures” of the past by researching the discoveries of scientists from historically marginalized groups. During social studies classes, students explored American monuments and the Civil Rights Movement before students developed their own monuments (displayed at the museum) to celebrate the achievements of people representing these groups. In English classes, students researched how the scientists they studied in science class were affected by and overcame systemic racism and sexism. 

To provide a vehicle to enable them to put themselves in another’s shoes, students then drafted short children’s books (using artificial intelligence for the illustrations) to help share the story of the subjects featured in their books and displays.