Elementary School Programs
Three Branches of Government
See the three branches of the federal government in action through the life of President Ford. In this foundational lesson students will learn about each of branch—legislative, executive, and judicial—and their knowledge about each will be strengthened through exploring Ford’s impact in each during his career. Exploration will occur by learning from Museum exhibits, original source materials, and hands-on activities.
Grades: 3-5; 60 students maximum
Program Lengths: 2 hours, 3 hours, or 4 hours
Primary Source Detectives
Rooted in the energy crisis of the 1970s, this lessons helps Students learn the difference between primary and secondary sources. Students will explore the Museum and learn how analyzing primary sources like photographs, videos, and documents can help us discover the past.
Grades: 3-5; 60 students maximum
Program Lengths: 2 hours, 3 hours, or 4 hours
Unlocking the Character Code: The Gerald R. Ford BREAKOUT Game
This activity helps students to engage with the Museum in new ways. After a guided tour of the Museum, students work together in teams to solve character-related clues throughout the exhibits in order to unlock a secret code and reap the reward. This activity is great for team-building and developing critical thinking skills. “Unlocking the Character Code” can be added onto one of our other programs, or can serve as a stand-alone experience.
Grades: 4-5
Program Length: 2 hours or 3 hours
Liberty’s Lessons of Character
A very special guide, the Ford family’s cherished dog Liberty, will help students learn about having good character through the example of President Ford. Storytelling and replicated artifacts will be used to illustrate different character traits. Students will also make a special craft.
Grades: PK-K; 60 student maximum
Program Length: 1.5 hours
Communities in Action: Learning from the Example of President Ford to Better Our World
Students learn the meaning of civic engagement through the lives of President and Mrs. Ford using class discussion, activities, and an interactive Museum tour. Students create booklets about the theme of active citizenship. They then get active themselves by engaging in a group service project.
Grades: 1-5 (Adapted for grade level); 60 student maximum
Program Length: 2 hours, 3 hours, or 4 hours