MOORE SQUARE'S MUSEUM COMPONENTS
CLASSROOM DOCENT
A student is selected from each grade level that serves as a greeter for any visitors that may come into the classroom. The class docent introduces themselves and explains to the visitors what is happening in the classroom. This docent changes throughout the year based on the teacher’s assignment.
CAM DOCENT PROGRAM
CAM Raleigh's middle school docents attend a series of after-school sessions with a Museum Educator. Training sessions use an inquiry-based approach to teach students the skills needed to decode and analyze works of art featured in CAM Raleigh's exhibitions. When training is complete, these young docents use the same approach to engage museum visitors in a conversation about the work on view. The application process is done through our Art Teacher, Ms. Vinson.
COACHED /EXTENSION PROJECTS
Coached projects are projects that occur in every grade that are the end product of a unit of study. It is the expectation that sixth through eighth grade students carry out at least three coached projects each year. These projects typically last between one to three weeks. During this time, students are making, creating, researching, presenting, etc. The work for coached projects may occur in and/or outside of the classroom. The information displayed through each project is to demonstrate student understanding of the curriculum.
EXHIBITS BOARDS/DISPLAYS
Moore Square students have the wonderful opportunity to exhibit their work at our Evening at the Square events each quarter. Throughout our school, we have exhibit boards, and display cases in which students share with our parents and visitors their work as it relates to their coached projects and assignments. There are also many free standing exhibits throughout our school that displays student work.
STUDENT LED CONFERENCES
Each quarter, students and their families participate in student led conferences at Moore Square. This is a way for students to show their parents work samples, goals, and accomplishments they have made. These student led conferences create a way for our students to take ownership of their learning and to be reflective in their daily classroom performance. Teachers will be available to talk with and answer any questions although they will not participate in the student–led portion of the conference.
WALKING LEARNING TRIPS TO LOCAL MUSEUMS
With downtown access to the local museums, students at Moore Square participate in Learning Trips planned by their classroom teachers to reinforce and enrich what they are learning daily in class. Students will participate in class specific trips as well as have museum experiences through encore classes and afterschool activities.
MUSEUM EXPERIENCES
Each grade level plans one big museum trip per school year. These trips can require overnight stays or may take an entire school day to experience. These trips are planned by the classroom teacher in conjunction with the Magnet Coordinator to bring various classroom topics to life while having them to apply their knowledge of professional museums.
THE PAIDEIA SOCRATIC SEMINAR
Socratic Seminars are a big part of our magnet program. Sixth through eighth grade students are involved in a least four (4) seminars each year. These seminars are purposed to achieve a deeper understanding about the ideas and values in a text. In the Seminar, participants systematically question and examine issues and principles related to a particular content, and articulate different points-of-view. The group conversation assists participants in constructing meaning through disciplined analysis, interpretation, listening, and participation.