Content area
Full Text
Aided by an inquisitive and bright group of fifth-graders, King Manor Museum in Jamaica recently broke new ground.
After months of collaboration with educators and scientists, the museum-the early 19th century homestead of statesman and diplomat Rufus King-launched an archaeology education program for public school students. The curriculum is the first of its kind in Queens and only the second in New York City.
"It's pretty cool," said Gianna Rose-Acosta, a student at PS 121 in South Ozone Park and one of the program's first young clients. "You really learn a lot about the past and how Rufus King lived."
Located at King Park at 150th Street and Jamaica Avenue, King Manor has long been a popular destination for school trips. Like the regular museum tours, the archaeology curriculum teaches children about life in the early United States, but it goes a step further by giving kids a hands-on experience.
"Archaeology is not just stuff you find in the ground," said Carlos Pomares, the museum's education director. "This program combines history, social studies and science and makes the students think critically."
The curriculum spans several days, spent both in class and...