Beginning this fall, seventh graders in Philly will have the opportunity to travel back and forth to ancient civilizations and take full advantage of free educational resources at the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of Pennsylvania.

Through the program "Unpacking the Past" participating students will discover and learn about ancient civilizations while tapping into “common core” curriculum topics in language, arts, math, and science, through a multi-stage program.

“This is a meaningful partnership with the city’s public and charter schools,” said Amy Gutmann, president of the University of Pennsylvania. “This is the kind of program that showcases what Penn is uniquely qualified to do: share its deep history and educational resources to make a positive difference in the local community.“

One goal of the program is to spark interest in world cultures, museums, and informal learning. Students will also have an opportunity to delve deeper into culture and traditions of ancient Egypt and the ancient Roman Empire.

The program not only aims at the development of students, it will also provide resources and support for the teachers.

Opportunities like teacher professional development days, presented in part by PECO, will be held at Penn Museum multiple times throughout the year.

The events are free and open to middle school teachers. They will  feature an overview of the museum’s collections and resources, opportunities to meet some of the curators and faculty conducting research in the field today, as well as sample workshops and tours to prepare them to better understand the program.

“This multi-faceted educational program in an object-based museum environment—with touch-points for teachers, students, and families,” said Julian Siggers, the Williams Director of Penn Museum. “It has multiple opportunities for those exceptional revelations that can be the sparks to inspire lifelong learning.”

The program is available for any seventh grade student at a Philadelphia School District school, in a Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) or Mastery Charter Schools.The only requirement is that you need to register.

“The School District of Philadelphia is very excited about the potential of this new program, which was developed in close collaboration with teachers and curriculum advisors to teach and reinforce the 'Common Core' curriculum standards that our students need to be successful academically,” said William Hite, superintendent of the Philadelphia School District.

Penn Museum hopes to eventually reach as many as 10,000 students and their teachers each year.

Teachers may register their students by sending an email to [email protected], or by calling the museum’s Learning Programs Department at (215) 898-4033.

For more information visit Penn Museum.