History by Design: Program Features and FAQs

Middle school teachers (grades 6-8) who have previously participated in the program are invited to be part of the first ever virtual History by Design program. History by Design is a program for teachers and students who are interested in diving deeper into social studies, history, and the arts in an experiential learning environment that encourages student voice and multiple perspectives.

• Each Curator Crew will select a pathway within one of four critical lenses: Art That Inspires Change, NYC’s Changing Landscape, Evolving Roles of Wo/men, and What Makes a Leader.
• In addition to meeting weekly between the weeks of October 26 and February 8, Curator Crews will participate in 2-4 synchronous and 3-5 asynchronous virtual field trips that will inspire the creation of their culminating project, designing a virtual museum exhibit.
• All History by Design Curator Crews will create an exhibit based on their research topic and present their exhibit at the virtual Culminating Exhibition that will take place in winter 2021.

Participating teacher(s) will attend four virtual professional learning sessions and two professional collaboration sessions. At each session, teachers will explore topics in social studies, history, and the arts through the social studies practices, the process of creating an exhibition, and how to leverage cultural institutions to complement their Curator Crew’s project. Professional learning days will take place virtually on school days and will be 60-90 minutes long.

What is History by Design?

• The History by Design Curator Crew after-school club is a weekly program for students in grades 6-8 interested in social studies, history, and the arts. The program consists of 12-15 weekly synchronous sessions facilitated by the participating teacher(s) to lead students through research, go on virtual field trips, and create a student exhibit. In addition to weekly synchronous sessions, students will also complete asynchronous activities to build background knowledge on their research topic and work on their contributions to the Crew's exhibit. All participating schools will present their exhibits at a virtual culminating event in winter 2021.

Who is eligible to participate in the 2020-21 History by Design program?

• The program is open to teachers who previously participated in History by Design and will be teaching students in grades 6-8 during the 2020-21 school year.

Will there be field trips associated with the program this year?

• Yes! Each Curator Crew will participate in 2-4 synchronous and 3-5 asynchronous virtual field trips. There will opportunities to go on a "Meet An Artist" virtual field trip to learn more about how art and exhibits are made as well as opportunities to go on content-specific virtual field trips. In addition, Curator Crews in need of a little extra help with their research, can "Phone An Expert" where Crews can book Zoom calls with research experts from the National Archives at NYC and/or New York Public Library. 

What is expected of teachers participating in the 2020-21 History by Design program? 

• Participating teachers are expected to hold 12-15 weekly face-to-face synchronous sessions with students between the weeks of October 26 and February 8. These sessions may be in-person, remote, or blended. Additionally, teachers will participate in four 90-minute professional learning sessions (during the weeks of October 19, November 23, December 14, and January 25) that will highlight promising practices for blended and remote experiential learning, resources and opportunities for engaging with local cultural institutions, and strategies for online engagement. Teachers will also participate in two 60-minute professional collaboration sessions to share student progress and collaborate with a small group of colleagues on promising practices for engaging students in research and completing a long-term creative project. Participating teachers will be eligible to earn up to 12 hours of CTLE credit for participation in the professional learning and learning community group sessions, and completing associated asynchronous activities. Finally, participating teachers will guide their students through the completion of an online exhibit and the students' participation in the virtual culminating event in winter 2021. 

How can teachers implement the History by Design program? Does it have to be run as an after-school club? 

• The synchronous weekly sessions should be held on a consistent schedule and in as consistent a format as is possible. Participants are encouraged to hold sessions during one academic period each week (in-person, blended, or remote). Other options include holding sessions during weekly advisory or social-emotional class periods, or as a remote after-school club that meets on a consistent schedule. Please note that there is no per session funding available as part of the program. If you have questions about how History by Design could work with your teaching schedule, email historybydesign@schools.nyc.gov with three times you are available for a call.

Can two teachers work together on the History by Design program? 

• Yes! One teacher must have previously participated in the History by Design program but the other teacher can be any colleague who will consistently support the implementation of the program with students. If you have questions about options and expectations for colleague collaboration in the History by Design program, email historybydesign@schools.nyc.gov.

What are the benefits of participating in the 2020-21 History by Design program? 

• For students, the program offers the opportunity to engage in a fun, creative, student-driven project. Curator Crews will spend time researching a topic that's interesting to them, go on cool virtual live and asynchronous field trips, and make digital art all while adhering to public health guidelines. The structure and content of weekly sessions allow for social emotional learning and high levels of peer engagement in remote or blended settings. The virtual culminating event in winter 2021 will give students the opportunity to showcase their learning as well as an opportunity to connect with students from other schools. 
• For teachers, the History by Design program offers a supportive learning community for history, social studies, and art enthusiasts, access to digital resources to structure weekly synchronous and asynchronous sessions, opportunities to incorporate experiential learning into remote or blended instruction, and personalized support from the History by Design manager.

What role should the principal play in History by Design?

• Principal support for the History by Design program is important for ensuring the teacher(s) and their students are able to successfully research and develop a museum exhibition, attend virtual field trips, and present at the virtual Culminating Exhibition.
• While a principal is not involved in the day-to-day operations of the program, it is expected that they will support the teacher(s) in the successful launch and implementation of the Curator Crew.
• Additionally, principals and/or other school administrators are encouraged to check out the virtual Culminating Exhibition in winter 2021 where students will present their exhibit.