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Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is bringing museum-like experiences into the classroom through their partnership with the Chicago Children’s Museum. This initiative, primarily aimed at pre-kindergarten to 2nd-grade students, involves the creation of Curiosity Classrooms throughout the district. These spaces are designed to offer sensory-rich environments where students can engage with the physical world.
"Every child in Chicago should have access to fun and safe spaces where they can explore, play, and learn about the world around them," stated CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. He highlighted that not all families have the chance to visit high-quality museums, emphasizing the project's significance in bringing valuable experiences directly into classrooms, especially in schools serving socioeconomically disadvantaged students.
CPS leadership and partners from Chicago Children's Museum recently observed students interacting with one of the new Curiosity Classrooms at Burke Elementary School. Exhibits included wind tunnels, animal skins, a guinea pig, and a goldfish named "Princess."
According to Amy Spar, Chicago Children’s Museum Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, "For young children, play IS learning." Spar explained that the Curiosity Classrooms help children become lifelong learners by allowing them to think creatively and explore their curiosity. The initiative aligns with CPS’s goals for inclusive partnerships and high-quality student experiences.
Fifteen new rooms were opened this year, expanding the project to 25 schools in total. Features of these classrooms include art spaces, book nooks, sensory tables, and more. The initiative is complemented by museum visits and further teacher training to integrate similar learning strategies within regular curricula. CPS also plans to offer parent training to support learning at home.
"STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) learning starts in pre-kindergarten and this is a really wonderful way to promote early learning through a play-based model," said Leslie McKinily, CPS’ Chief of Early Childhood Education.
The CPS and Chicago Children's Museum partnership is funded by Crown Family Philanthropies, the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, and the CME Group Foundation. The initiative plays a part in CPS’s broader five-year strategic plan emphasizing foundational academic skills through comprehensive educational experiences.
