Community of Learning
Connect live with field specialists from renowned museums, zoos, science centers, historic sites, aquariums, and more to chat about topics in art, literacy, STEM, and history.
FREE SERIES. Register for an easy one-click connection link.
This live educational series airs at 1:00 PM ET. Can’t make it? Catch up on CILC’s YouTube channel and access free activities here!
Thank you to the American Society for Deaf Children (ASDC), who has been supporting families with children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing since 1967, for their partnership in providing American Sign Language (ASL) Interpretation for select livestreams. If you need ASL interpretation for a program, please contact us at info@cilc.org.
Upcoming Community of Learning Programs
Nature in our Holiday Traditions
When you think of this time of year, what smells and colours come to mind? Pine, gingerbread, mulled cider, green, and red? These are related to plants that have been used to celebrate our winter holidays for 1000s of years within different cultures. In fact, most of the plants that we use today for holidays have long histories and amazing stories from ancient times. These stories come from all around the world, and are part of many religions and beliefs.
Thursday, December 5, 2024
1:00 PM ET
45 minutes
Draw with Us: Arctic Adventures
What does it take to live in some of the coldest habitats in the world? Lets take an icy adventrue to explore, and draw, who lives in the Arctic and Antarctic and what adaptations these animals use to survive.
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
1:00 PM ET
45 minutes
Practice of Gift-Giving
When do people give gifts? Why do people give gifts? How do you feel when you give or receive a gift? What do gifts look like in cultures across Asia? Students will explore gifts exchanged for holidays, religious customs, and other rituals with example objects from countries such as China and India.
Thursday, December 12, 2024
1:00 PM ET
45 minutes
Winter Animal Adaptations
Ever wonder what animals do in the winter? Join a ranger to discover the hidden life on animals in the winter in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
1:00 PM ET
45 minutes
Jingle Shells
Make a splash with your class this SEA-son by diving into some undersea mysteries. Where do ocean animals migrate? How do they adapt to freezing temperatures? Why does ice float? Does it snow in the ocean? Then meet Sandy Claws and some festive friends as we shell-ebrate with winter craftivities. It's an oceanic adventure that's sure to bring waves of joy and curiosity to your classroom!
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
1:00 PM ET
45 minutes
Chinese New Year from Taipei, Taiwan
Chinese New Year is celebrated by over 1 billion people worldwide. In this trip we take students to local shops and street decorations to see how Taiwanese citizens are celebrating this great holiday. We learn the history of the holiday, the meaning of current zodiac sign, and more. The trip continues with some exploration of the night markets, local temples and other exciting locations.
Thursday, December 19, 2024
1:00 PM ET
45 minutes
Full STEAM Ahead: Technologies of the American West
Students will utilize subject matter from artwork in the Booth collection to discuss technology and innovation during Westward Expansion through a look at communication, transportation, commerce and other technology. It's STEAM through a historical lens!
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
STEM in Gaming/Jobs in Game Industry
This program talks about all the different jobs available in the game industry, and what students can do now to plan for a career in interactive entertainment! We also cover personal branding and dignity/respect in online spaces.
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Timber! Impacts of the Great Lakes Lumber Boom
Learn about life in a lumber camp and explore the positive & negative impacts of the lumber industry in the Great Lakes region between 1840-1910.
Thursday, January 9, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Colorful Coral Reefs
Let's trave somewhere warm and explore a tropical coral reef. Join the Aquarium for a virtual beach snorkel to see what tropical wonders live in a coral reef. We will explore this unqiue habitat and create a colorful coral reef drawing along the way.
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Ready Set Recyle
Trash; it’s everywhere! What impacts does it have? How can we reduce its negative impacts on our planet? We’ll answer these questions, and more, in this engaging program. Students will meet 2-3 Ambassador Animals as they explore the impact trash has and devise a way to reduce how much trash they make in a day.
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Condor Conservation
California Condors soar above Zion National Park! Join us to learn how these endangered birds have come back from the brink of extinction.
Thursday, January 16, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Great Ocean Voyage: Shark Adaptations
Walk through the Aquarium and learn about stingray adaptations in The Shallows. Then “dive into” the deepest tank in North America: our Great Ocean Tank! The Great Ocean Tank holds four different shark species and over 550 individual animals. Learn all about the adaptations that help sharks to survive, and how they should be protected -- not feared!
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Visual Art and the Hall of Fame Experience
This program examines the architectural features of the museum in addition to sculptures, paintings, prints, photographs, videography and commercial/graphic art.
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Life Cycles
In this investigative class, student scientists are challenged to use their senses to observe and interact with three live animals on camera to solve the mystery of their connection–metamorphosis!
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
The History of Storytelling
The Durham Museum's storytelling program will head back as early in history as the early 1800's to discuss what storytelling looked like for Native American nations in the Great Plains. We will also discuss storytelling in the late 1800s from the lense of our one-room schoolhouse. Moving a bit farther ahead in history, a live look at our worker's cottage and American dreamhome will include a discussion around newspapers, the printing press, telephone communication, and much more!
Thursday, January 30, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Celebrating Black History Month through Art
Celebrate Black History Month with the Cleveland Museum of Art. Explore the collection highlighting artworks by Black artists through live, interactive video sessions. Explore artworks through discussion, writing, and drawing.
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Cave Creatures
What organisms can survive in the cold, dark environment of cave ecosystems? Become a cave detective and find out at Great Basin National Park!
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Early Black Baseball
Learn about early Black baseball players and the history of the game.
Thursday, February 6, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Art of India: Hindu Gods and Goddesses
Visit the MFA’s Art of South and Southeast Asia galleries to explore Indian sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses. Students build an understanding of how these artworks originate from a religious tradition that developed in ancient South Asia, as well as how they continue to have modern relevance for the Hindu faith worldwide. Program Duration: 30-40 minutes. Recommended for Grades 3-6.
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Weather Wow! Up in the Air
Did you know a typical cumulonimbus cloud can weigh 105.8 MILLION pounds?! How does it stay up in the sky?! Explore how the sun affects our Earth’s weather with an interactive experiment comparing hot and cold air. Transform your students into science sleuths and cloud detectives as we explore this mystery together and learn how air behaves when it changes temperature.
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Tracing the Life of Frederick Douglass
Explore Frederick Douglass’s extraordinary life as an abolitionist, statesman, and author in Maryland and beyond. Students will analyze primary source documents from Douglass and view photographs, speeches, and other sources that explore the fruitful legacy he left behind.
Thursday, February 13, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Diversity of the American West
Learn about the diverse culture of the American West through art and artifacts in the Booth collection! Explore diverse cultures and contributions (American Indians, African-American homesteaders, Chinese-American immigrants, Mexican-American vaqueros, women, Indigenous removal), history of cowboy culture (vaqueros, African-American cowboys, cattle drive trails), The Oregon trail and transportation.
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
George Washington Carver - The Scientist (lab)
This lesson focuses on the scientific and
humanitarian work of George Washington Carver during his years at Tuskegee
Institute in Alabama. After a review of his work promoting soil conservation,
the park ranger will demonstrate how to make peanut milk, incorporating the
scientific method.
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
No Mail, Low Moral: Charity Adams & the Women of the 6888th
This program will teach learners about the remarkable story of LTC Charity Adams and her incredible group of women-the first and only all-female, predominately African American women sent overseas to Europe during WW2.
Thursday, February 20, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
African American Artists
The lives of African American artists lend insight into the context of
their works. Learn about the diverse body of artwork created by African
American artists and the historical, social, and cultural events, as
well as the life experiences, that inspired their work.
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
African American Trailblazers
This program examines the contributions of African American pioneers in pro football, beginning in 1904 with the signing of Charles Follis to modern day players and coaches.
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Different Paths to Freedom
Discover the implications that the American Revolution had on ideas of freedom and liberty. Students will examine the relationship between enslaved African Americans and the American Revolution through an investigation of Lord Dunmore’s Proclamation, James Lafayette’s petition, and Peter Sublett’s manumission.
Thursday, February 27, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
2025 Read Around the Planet Kick off Event
2025 Read Around the Planet Kick off Event with Center for Puppetry Arts and the Poe Museum
Friday, February 28, 2025
1:00 PM ET
45 Minutes
Women's History: Dirt on Their Skirts
If your students believe baseball is only for boys, they should think again. Rich with the history of women who broke barriers to play the National Pastime, this thematic unit covers 150 years of striving for equity and diversity on the diamond. Meet the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League of the World War II era, as well as the young ladies of the 19th century who played the game long before they even had the right to vote. What do skirts and strawberries, charm school and chaperones have to do with baseball? Each teaches an important lesson in the story of gals who gave their all so that boys and girls can play side-by-side today.
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Marine Mammal Adaptations
Observe and discuss how blubber, fur, teeth, whiskers and other adaptations help Alaska's marine mammals survive in their habitat. The program features Steller sea lions, arctic seals, and sea otters.
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Rightfully Hers: American Women and the Vote
During this program, students will use the records of the National Archives to determine how and why women fought for the right to vote. Students will explore the challenges suffragists faced and discover why the fight for women’s voting rights persisted even after the ratification of the 19th Amendment.
Thursday, March 6, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Shamrock Physics: Enjoy A Good Luck Folktale, Do Action Science - Push, Pull, Gravity, Incline
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Women in Conservation
Explore the great outdoors, and dive into history with us to learn about a few of the women who have impacted the field of conservation! During this program students will learn about a few of the women who dedicated their lives to celebrating, understanding, and preserving the outdoors.
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Women in Classical Music
Women' and 'Greatness' - throughout the course of all history, these two words have not been used in the same sentence too often. This program will provide a fascinating exploration into the lives and stories of women who enriched Music History in spite of many obstacles.
Thursday, March 13, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Reptiles & Art: a HISStory of Inspiration
Science and art combine! Western reptiles have been inspiring artists for thousands of years. Students will explore reptile-themed art and artifacts in the Booth's collection while interacting with LIVE REPTILES courtesy of Georgia Reptile Society. Students will discover the roles these animals play in their environments and in different cultures and why protecting these animals and habitats are important. Students finish the program by creating their own reptile themed artwork!
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Women of Rocky Mountain National Park
Learn about the women of Rocky Mountain National Park
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Spy School 101
In this skill-based program, interactive challenges with real-world stories are woven together to explore the shadow-world of espionage and answer the question…do you have what it takes to be a spy?
Thursday, March 20, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Cherry Blossoms
What is it about cherry trees, or sakura, that makes them so beloved? During this virtual field trip, students will explore hanami, the traditional Japanese custom of “flower viewing.” Through paintings, woodblock prints, and other art forms, students will discover Japanese symbols, values, and traditions associated with blooming cherry trees.
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Exploring Dinosuars
Dinosaurs. They're big! But were they all big? What color were they? Did they really have feathers? Be a paleontologist as we discover how we know dinosaurs existed, how to tell the difference between dinosaurs and reptiles, and what adaptations these strange and interesting animals had to survive the prehistoric world. Dinosaurs are in your neighborhood right now - can you guess what we call them today?
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Trailblazers: Women in Archeology
Women were integral to the development of archeology as a profession. This interactive program explores key women in archeology and how their contributions have enriched our understanding of history and the scientific methods we use in archeology today.
Thursday, March 27, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Art of the American Revolution
Delving into the art of colonial Boston, students look at objects made during this pivotal time in American history and learn how these historic artworks tell multiple stories about race, identity, and power during the time of the American Revolution.
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Gray Wolf 101
In this program, we cover the basics of gray wolf biology and behavior. Join us as we address a variety of topics including where wolves live, what they eat, and how they have adapted to different environments.
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Adventures at the Museum: Learning About Civil War History
What's it like to work in a museum? What kinds of artifacts do historians work with when studying the past? In this program, Historian/Curator Nick Sacco will discuss what it's like to work for the National Park Service and highlight some of the historical artifacts used to study General and President Ulysses S. Grant's life.
Thursday, April 3, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Illustrating Poe
Students will listen to and read a selection of Edgar Allan Poe’s poetry
including "Alone," "Annabel Lee," and "Eldorado.” Throughout the
reading, students will pay attention to the imagery in the poems. Then, students will create their own artwork inspired by the poems and
showcase their creations to their fellow classmates.
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Adaptations
Explore the diversity of adaptations with live animal guests! Your students will meet Ambassador Animals as they discover the importance of adaptations for survival.
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Jamestown - Cultures in Contact, Early America 1600-1620
Students are carried on a dynamic, inquiry-based exploration of the three cultures that converged at Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America. Using reproduction artifacts and primary sources, students compare and contrast the cultures of the Powhatan (an Eastern Woodlands people), West Central Africans and English who lived in early America during the beginning of the 17th century. Using this knowledge, students can answer why the English traveled across the Atlantic to an unfamiliar land and discover how the convergence of
three distinct cultures at Jamestown influenced the start of America.
Thursday, April 10, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Art in Zion National Park
Artists have long tried to capture the beauty of Zion National Park. Join a ranger to learn about some of the artists who have passed by these canyon walls - and even create something of your own!
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Habitats
All animals play an important role in their habitat and these habitats are all connected. Join us as we dive into some amazing ocean habitats and explore how the health of each habitat and their inhabitants has an impact on the health of the whole ocean. Make sure to bring your drawing tools along for the ride as we draw along as we explore.
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Anishinaabe: Past and Present
The story of the Sleeping Bear comes from the Anishinaabe people. Learn more about who the Anishinaabe are, as well as some of their traditional lifeways through the various seasons.
Thursday, April 17, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Sustainable Sounds - Building Instruments from Trash
Sustainable Sounds is far and away our most popular virtual program. Rooted in the live version running for 30+ years, we’ve upped the engagement level by adding a baked-in in-school instrument-building component that’s fun for students… and easy on teachers! Our live performer will show students how to build their own instruments while using all their senses to discover the science behind them. Throughout the show we incorporate timely and important information about the fight against Plastic Pollution and Climate Change, and how students can get involved; finally culminating in the fun and noisy Thing Jam!
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Earth Day Estuary Exploration
Go on a seashore safari without getting wet during our Earth Day excursion into Sarasota Bay. Embark on a sightseeing adventure over mudflats, seagrass meadows, and mangrove trees. Uncover the challenges sea creatures face between the tides and maybe wave to a scientist working with us on the docks. You never know what we will find when we explore the estuary together. A Suncoast Remake Learning Days event made possible by the generous support of the Patterson Foundation. #SuncoastRemakeDays
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Civics and Democracy in the Early United States: A Monticello Digital Learning Experience
Students will explore Monticello, the plantation home of Thomas Jefferson, with a Monticello guide to uncover the ideas of self-government, citizenship, and liberty in the early United States. Students interact with the Guide and use primary sources including objects and letters, as well as experience a 360-degree virtual tour of Monticello.
Thursday, April 24, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Storytelling and Writing
Two fun and easy ways to write using art! If your students are 'reluctant writers,' create excitement by using the unique writing methods of paper-cutting and drawing. Your students enjoy a paper-cutting story and a draw and tell story. Then they can create their own fiction, nonfiction or personal narratives using these hands-on techniques!
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Snakes and the Scientific Method
After practicing observational skills of reptiles such as snakes, students will use the scientific method as they attempt to discover one of the snake's natural habitats. We'll perform an experiment, learn how to use evidence to solve problems and answer questions, and even test our new knowledge with a snake in a mystery habitat!
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Asian American Artists
Asian American artists are integral to the multifaceted story of
American art. Explore their artwork and discuss the
life experiences, historic events, and cultural connections that
inspire their artistic practice.
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Swimming With Sharks, the Daring Discoveries of Eugenie Clark
We will read the story "Swimming With Sharks: The Daring Discoveries of Eugenie Clark," in celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Dr. Eugenie Clark, a Japanese-American scientist, broke barriers in marine biology at a time when few women ventured into the depths of the ocean. Known as 'the Shark Lady,' Genie wasn’t afraid to explore the unknown and uncover the secrets of the sea. Join us as we read this inspiring story aloud, then dive into activities that promote critical thinking, oral language skills, fluency, pronunciation, STEM engagement, and reading comprehension.
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Cultural Diversity: Diversity in the Dugout
Thursday, May 8, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Stories in Art Across Asia
Explore a work of art and an Asian folktale in this interactive virtual program!
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
BONE-voyage! A Fossil's Journey from the Field to the Lab
From discovery to seeing enormous dinosaurs in the museum, a fossil’s journey is fascinating. MOR Paleontology Lab and Field Manager, Lee Hall, will tell the story of the process of paleontology - from first discovering a fossil in the field to exhibiting entire dinosaurs in a museum in a fun and engaging way. From very young students to high school, this program will help illustrate the importance of paleontology and its role within the sciences, and as an exciting career for students interested in studying the history of life on Earth.
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Art of Ancient Greece and Rome: Gods and Goddesses
Visit the MFA’s Gods and Goddesses gallery to explore the heroes and deities depicted in ancient Greek and Roman artworks. By looking at large-scale sculptures and small intimate objects, students see how ancient artworks convey the personalities and stories of these celebrated mythical figures. Program Duration: 30-40 minutes. Recommended for Grades 3-6.
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
National Paper Airplane Day with the US Air Force
It's National Paper Airplane Day! Celebrate by learning the basics of flight from the US Air Force. Learn about the forces that allow your airplane to fly with maximum performance. Whose airplane can fly fastest and furthest?
Each student should have a sheet (or two!) of paper as we will be folding paper airplanes during the session.
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Chinese Folktales
Marty brings Chinese folktales to life using tech tricks, improv and audience participation.
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
Mountain - Swamp Trek: a Habitat Adventure!
Start at the top of the mountains, meet our resident river otters and
learn all about their special adaptations. Then travel to the swamp and
discover the differences and similarities between these two amazing habitats! Meet many different animals along the way
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
1:00 pm ET
45 minutes
I am an elementary teacher from Brazil. I signed up today to see how this would work and see if I could use this in my classes. This is great! The instructor is great, the cameras (with different angles) are helpful. Just wanted to say I love it!
Teacher
In Spring 2020, CILC launched the Community of Learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as an interactive virtual learning resource for learners of all ages. The videos below capture testimonials from learners who continue to enjoy the Community of Learning educational livestream series. The videos below capture testimonials, reactions from some who have enjoyed the programming so far.
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