Exciting Educational Activities at LSEM

At the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, education is one of the top priorities. Trained and enthusiastic staff members engage children in an interactive, exciting way and give students an experience they will never forget. Each year, more than 42,000 students from area schools visit the Museum.

Educational Programs

Little Friends of LSEM

Little Friends of LSEM is a program geared specifically for preschool- and kindergarten-aged children. Themes for this program rotate monthly and include the same three components: Story time, Hands-On Activity and Exploration.

Autographing History

This program focuses on the differences between autographs and signatures, explains primary and secondary documents, and teaches students about historic American figures. This program is adapted for two different age groups: grades K-4 and 5-12.  K-4 and 5-12 benchmarks are met by the Autographing History programs.
 

Diorama Experience

The 22 historic dioramas are the stars of the Museum. Teachers are invited to lead their groups via a self-guided tour that is available for all ages and gives lesson plans for after the visit. With the help of these printable-in-advance materials, the experience can bring this important part of the museum to life! See photos and additional information at Dynamic Dioramas at LSEM.  Benchmarks are met by the Diorama program.
 

Connecting to the Caddo

The Caddo Nation, the namesake of our parish, are an important part of our shared history. This program focuses on three distinct features based on grade benchmarks and content standards. K-2:  Delve into the community of the Caddo with a focus on the Caddo lifestyle. Benchmarks are met by this program.3-5:  This program focuses on the craftsmanship of the Caddo, including the creation of their tools, weapons, pottery and the canoe that is a landmark of our museum. Benchmarks are met by this program..5-12: The program for upper grades focuses on the government and lifestyle of the modern Caddo. Their current lifestyle and rituals are featured along with their residence in Oklahoma. Benchmarks are met by the Caddo program.
 
 

Teaching Materials for Teachers

Before visiting our museum, we encourage teachers to prepare their students by using the pre-visit materials provided. The downloadable teacher packets are highlighted below. Teaching packets related to past exhibits, such as the recent John James Audubon exhibit, are also available.
 

Diorama Experiences

The Museum offers a self-guided teacher tour that sheds new light on our famous dioramas. Help students use these treasures to the best of their ability as well as retain information for the future. Self-guided Tour Teacher Materials and Pre- and Post-visit Lesson Plans are available.
 

Teaching Materials for On-going Programs and Specific Exhibits

Grades K-4 Guide to the Depression-era Exhibits
Grades 5-8 Guide to the Depression-era Exhibits
John James Audubon PDF (Exhibit no longer on display but educational materials are available)
Autographing History program for K-4
Autographing History program for 5-12
Diorama Experience for Grades 3-4
Diorama Experience for Grades 5-12
The World of the Caddo and Louisiana Archaeology K-4 
The World of the Caddo and Louisiana Archaeology 5-8
The World of the Caddo and Louisiana Archaeology Bibliography
The Purse and the Person Educational Flyer
The Purse and the Person Educational Background Materials

John James Audubon: American Artist & Naturalist (February-April 2009)

John James Audubon, artist and author of Birds of America, is an icon of art and nature. His ties to Louisiana are strong and many of his most famous works were inspired by his time in St. Francisville, Louisiana. This teaching packet includes pre- and post-visit materials, as well as biographical information and worksheets. (Exhibit no longer on display but educational materials are available)

For further information please see

The Louisiana State Exhibit Museum - At a Glance
Map and Directions to our Location at the State Fairgrounds
List of Exhibits
Amazing & Educational - Our Gardens & Grounds
Museum Calendar
We're in the News
Plan Your Event at the Museum
 

To volunteer at the Museum, please accept our thanks and call the Museum at 318-632-2020 or email info@friendsofLSEM.com.