darren milligan

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Cover of Smithsonian in Your Classroom: World War II on the Home Front, Civic Responsibility, showing an image of Rosie the Riveter.

"Smithsonian in Your Classroom" was a free, printed teacher's guide and magazine published by the Smithsonian Institution spanning over three decades, evolving from "Art to Zoo" to "Smithsonian in Your Classroom" and serving as a valuable resource for educators during that period. The publications included:

Reaching Classrooms Nationwide: Distributed to every elementary and secondary school in the United States, it aimed to bridge the gap between the Smithsonian's vast resources and classroom instruction.

Classroom-Ready Materials: The guide featured illustrated lesson plans directly connected to Smithsonian collections, exhibitions, and expertise.

Alignment with Standards: The lesson plans were aligned with national and state educational standards, making them readily usable by teachers.

Focus on Educational Power: The publication's purpose was to help educators use the educational power of museums and other community resources.

Interdisciplinary and Multicultural Approach: Each issue explored a single topic through an interdisciplinary and multicultural lens, providing a comprehensive learning experience.

Organization: Smithsonian Institution in collaboration with Design Army

Audiences: School librarians, media specialists, classroom teachers, and students

Roles: Producer and art director

Achievements: American Association of Museums Publications Design Competition, Educational Resources Second Prize (2010), American Association of Museums Publications Design Competition, Educational Resources Honorable Mention (2009), National Association of Government Communicators Blue Pencil and Gold Screen Award, Art Direction First Place (2007)



Cover of Smithsonian in Your Classroom: Tale of a Whale and Why It Can Be Told, showing snapshots of Right Whales.

Inside spread of Smithsonian in Your Classroom: Tale of a Whale and Why It Can Be Told, showing a map of the US eastern coast and a worksheet for identifying parts of the whale.

Cover of Smithsonian in Your Classroom: Abraham Lincoln The Face of War, showing a glass plate negative of the face of Lincoln.

Inside spread of Smithsonian in Your Classroom: Abraham Lincoln The Face of War, various photographs of Lincoln.

Cover of Smithsonian in Your Classroom: The Universe An Introduction, showing a colorful supernova.

Inside spread of Smithsonian in Your Classroom: The Universe An Introduction, showing a focus on Lisa Kaltenegger, Planet Hunter with text and a photograph of the scientist looking through a telescrope.