Immerse

    One of the flagship educational programs of the GRPM is Immerse. Annually this program serves approximately 52 classes, representing a mix of public, private and charter schools. The GRPM Immerse program provides a week-long learning experience for schools from the greater Grand Rapids region. The experience is crafted and led by the visiting teachers, leveraging exhibition spaces, Museum artifacts and various enrichment programs. All together, the GRPM Immerse experience provides students with local, hands-on examples of history, science and culture. These experiences connect them deeply to their curriculum and community.

    Immerse teachers use the Museum as their classroom and challenge students to think critically and creatively about how they view the world and their place in it. The opportunities to achieve customized learning objectives are endless. Teachers can select from a wide range of guided education programs, planetarium presentations and other resources, all aligned with grade-level curriculum standards.

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    Teacher professional development is an important aspect of Immerse. Teachers are trained and supported through a rigorous orientation program in the summer where they learn how to leverage exhibit spaces, primary sources and objects in their instruction and receive access to a shared resource folder with materials to support this work. Teachers also receive individualized planning support from GRPM Education staff. Support is available and resources are also shared throughout the school year.

    There is a student-driven project requirement for participating Immerse teachers. Projects are presented in a year-end Education Showcase event. Project ideas across many subject areas have been explored, including: developing exhibit dioramas, researching artifacts, building websites, creating historical timelines and more.

    Watch a Video From the Steelcase Foundation About Immerse

    Immerse Applications

    Applications for the 2024-25 school year are now closed.

    For questions, please reach out to Erin Koren, Director of Education at ekoren@grpm.org.

    The 5-day Immerse program includes:

    • Admission to the Museum for five days. 
    • Access to all exhibits and add-on experiences that are included with general admission.
    • Dedicated classroom space and materials.
    • Professional development to learn techniques for integrating Museum resources into instruction.
    • Individualized planning with Museum Education staff to select guided education programs and planetarium presentations that will address classroom goals and objectives.
    • Access to exclusive curriculum materials.
    • Free admission to the Museum for students and families to attend the program’s culminating Education Showcase.

    2023-24 Immerse Program Summary & Evaluation

    DOWNLOAD PDF

    Immerse in the Media

    Testimonials

    We love that the Immerse program gets students out of the classroom and allows them to explore, touch, and learn facts about our history that brings it to life! Not only does the Immerse program cover many standards in ELA, Science, and Social Studies, but it also gives students a chance to be curious and get excited about topics that might be new to them or that they weren't excited about before going to the museum. It is hard to think about what it was like before going to the museum with our students. We now rely on this program to teach so many content standards. When we reflect on what was most memorable at the end of the school year, it is always this trip! Past students come up to us and say, “Remember when we went to the museum for a week?” We love that!
    Teresa Timmer4th grade teacher, South Elementary
    We had a great week! We had a lot of connections to things we are learning at school and things to reflect on when we return to school! I loved all of the museum programs but especially the CARC tour and STEAM: Watershed Decision Making. These activities have a lot of good content but also develop skills that students can use throughout life.
    Jeremy Kamper7th grade teacher, West Side Christian
    The Immerse Program is a quality program that offers hands on experiences, meaningful discussions, and wonderful opportunities for my English Language Learners. The chance to go to the Museum is a life changing experience for many of my students who rarely leave their neighborhoods. It is a proven fact that ESL students benefit from visual learning, hands on experiences, and small group discussions. The Immerse program captures all of these elements. I have seen many of my students excel in this environment! The smiles I see when my students are enjoying Docent led activities and the questions I hear them ask are memories I will cherish forever. It has been a blessing to be part of the Immerse program in past years and I hope to continue for many more years to come.
    Kristina Morton5th grade teacher, Burton Elementary
    I learned that history is not just in a book or in a movie, but history is influencing your life and how you live. My favorite parts of Immerse were going to the planetarium, going to the TOYS! exhibit, and spending time exploring the museum with my friends. I really enjoyed coming to this museum and I wish to come back.
    Yamiles 5th grade student, Stocking Elementary
    As a parent volunteer, I spend a whole day with our students at the museum. As a teacher, a college professor, I was impressed at how well organized, patient and knowledgeable the museum staff were. They spent time teaching literacy skills through various experiences. It great to see how they served as guides on the side when working with students. They gave students opportunities to experience productive struggle while offering appropriate support when needed. Our students learned a lot.
    MarkParent of a 5th grade Immerse participant from Grand Rapids Montessori
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