Bring NMIH to you using Zoom video conferencing technology! Interact LIVE with a Museum expert as you are guided through this synchronous learning experience.
These 45-minute, fun, interactive experiences are hosted by a Museum or industry expert and may include collection highlights, conservation conversations, oral history, workshops, or facilitated hands-on activities.
Our Interactive Distance Learning programs are easily adjusted to fit the learning needs of your group. Connect with us from anywhere using a computer, webcam, and the internet.
Interactive Distance Learning programs can accommodate up to 30 students in the following formats:
- • All students in one physical room. **Optimal use
- • Each student connects individually from different locations
- • Hybrid (some students in 1 physical room and others connecting independently)
COST
$125 for a 45-minute session for one classroom.
WHEN
Monday – Friday between 9am- 4pm EST (Federal holidays excluded).
PARTICIPANTS
5-30 students (and at least 1 teacher/supervising adult is mandatory).
DETAILS
Included post scheduling and payment:
- • Tech Check live video session with Museum staff at least 2 days prior
MATERIALS
Any relevant materials will be emailed to the teacher upon receipt of payment.
PAYMENT
Full payment must be received no later than 14 days prior to the date of your Interactive Distance Learning program. Accepted forms of payment include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or checks. Checks can be made out to the National Museum of Industrial History. The Museum does NOT accept purchase orders as a form of payment.
CANCELLATION
Cancellations up to 7 days prior to your Interactive Distance Learning date are eligible for a full refund. After that, the Museum is unable to issue a refund.
A DAY IN THE LIFE: SPEAK WITH A FORMER STEEL WORKER
This program complements Voices of America: The Bethlehem Steel Story Digital Resource.
Grades: 3-5; 6-8; 9-12
Iron and Steel are the building blocks of the Industrial Revolution and bedrock of modern, Industrial America as it rose to become a world power. But who were the people behind it all, building the America we know today? Spend 45 minutes with a former Steel Worker, learn their story, and ask them your questions.
TECHNOLOGY IN SILK: COMPUTER CODING
This program complements the American Silk Story Digital Resource.
Grades: 3-5; 6-8
Have you ever seen the origin of our modern computers? This Interactive Distance Learning is a deep-dive on the Jacquard Loom, whose innovation of the Jacquard punch-card system for weaving led to computer programming as we know it today. Students will be guided through a paper-weaving activity or coding activity that resembles the Jacquard punch-cards system.
MACHINES AT WORK
Grades: 6-8
Live from our Machinery Hall gallery, view American industrial power on display at the 1876 Centennial in Philadelphia. These machines introduced America as a center for innovation, transformation, and large scale. Learn the story of moving from foot-powered woodworking machinery to larger, steam-powered metal machining tools.
TECHNOLOGY IN STEEL
This program complements Voices of America: The Bethlehem Steel Story Digital Resource.
Grades: 3-5; 6-8; 9-12
Industry led to the rise of technology as we know it today. Engineering, applied sciences, machinery—all require scientific knowledge and technology. This 45-minute session will include an in-depth artifact tour of our Iron & Steel galleries, showcasing the significant machinery and technology behind the Steel Industry. Students will also learn about the innovation from Bethlehem Steel’s Homer Research Labs facility.
THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
Grades: 6-8; 9-12
The Industrial Revolution reshaped every aspect of society, from working conditions, to definitions of community, and technological advances. Get into character and debate between the workers, inventors, and innovators detailing their lives, experiences, and arguing the pros/cons of the Industrial Revolution. We will then discuss our current revolution, the Internet Revolution, and how it is reshaping society today.
WHAT IS A FACTORY?
Grades: K-2
During this highlights tour of our galleries, students will connect with a different place and time through a discussion of what a factory is and what working conditions were like during the late 19th century. We consider what a factory might have sounded like as we create a soundscape, and we recreate the setting as we play tableau.
Interested to learn more from Historic Bethlehem Museums and Sites? Check out their Virtual Education programs that complement Voices of America: The Bethlehem Steel Story” Digital Resource here.
FAQ
What do I do if I am experiencing technological difficulties?
Work with your IT service for any technological support.
I’m not a teaching professional. Can I still book an Interactive Distance Learning program?
Absolutely! If you have any questions about whether the Interactive Distance Learning offerings are a good fit for your group, we are happy to discuss your needs and help you find which program will be the best fit. Reach out to the Education Team via our contact page.
Is there a minimum/maximum of students who can participate in an Interactive Distance Learning program?
Yes! Our Interactive Distance Learning programs have been designed for groups of learners, rather than individual students. Therefore, we require a minimum group size of 5 participants. To ensure the best experience for every student, the maximum group size is 30 participants.
Can I book more than one Interactive Distance Learning program?
Yes!
Can I make changes to my program or cancel?
You can cancel up to 7 days prior to your scheduled Interactive Distance Learning program and receive a full refund. If you cancel later than that, the Museum cannot issue a refund.
Do you offer cost assistance or scholarships for the Interactive Distance Learning programs?
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer cost assistance or scholarships at this time.
How does your reservation process work?
If you have any questions, please contact our Education Team via our contact page before submitting your request. When you’re ready, you can submit your request via our online form on the website. Once we receive your request, we will reach out with more information and to schedule. Once your program is finalized, you will receive an invoice via email. You can pay for your program by check or credit card. If you choose to pay by credit card, you can do so via our online portal or by phone. Payment is due 14 days prior to your scheduled program.
Our school is physically closed. Can we book an Interactive Distance Learning program if all students are in different locations?
Yes! The great thing about being digital, is that all you need to do is provide your students with the Zoom link and passcode so they can join the program. However, we do recommend all students to be in one physical classroom for an optimal experience.
What if my school is currently doing hybrid learning? Can we still book an Interactive Distance Learning program?
Yes! Interactive Distance Learning can accommodate both a physical classroom and students who are learning virtually.