Teachers & Schools
Welcome, educators! We can’t wait to help your students discover The Cowboy!
What is the American West? If you’re looking to extend learning beyond the classroom, we provide several programs that bring that history to life, from the cowboy era to Native American cultures and Western art.
With hands-on activities and interactive displays, students will gain a deeper understanding of historical events, cultural traditions and artistic achievements.
Find the perfect tour, program, or event for your classroom and let your students find their place in the West!
School Tours & Programs
Animal Tales
Foster imagination and critical thinking through animal folklore! Engage with tall tales, fables, legends and stories that impart lessons, values, insights and creative explanations for nature.
(60-minute tour)
American Cowboy
Trace the heart of cowboy culture from its vibrant origin story to the adrenaline-pumping world of modern rodeo. Compete in a cattle drive challenge and identify the tools and technology on which survival depends. Leave with an understanding and deep appreciation for what the cowboy represents
(60-minute tour)
First Americans
This land is the ancestral home to many First American nations. The arrival of immigrants introduced new trade items and materials for daily use, however it also brought about the loss of land and lifeways. Explore these defining challenges and the perseverance of Native people and culture.
(60-minute tour)
People on the Move
Discover the forces that expanded a nation through the dreams, challenges and motivations that sparked westward movement and settlement. The results transformed America’s landscape, added to its complex history and continue to impact our society.
(60-minute tour)
Masters of Western Art
Study the artists who defined Western art and the contemporary visionaries shaping its future. Dive into the techniques and stories behind these great works. Optional add-on includes video of a Prix de West artist sharing encouragement and advice for art students.
(60-minute tour)
Oklahoma History
Journey through time with Indigenous cultures, pioneer life, cattle ranching, the oil boom and statehood. Meet people and experience events through stories and artifacts that shaped Oklahoma’s unique heritage.
(60-minute tour)
Self-Guided Tours
Teacher-directed tours are welcome anytime. Think about the Museum as an extension of your classroom. Create your own lessons, scavenger hunts, and self-guided field experiences or utilize one of the Museum’s inquiry-based gallery guides to explore. When you schedule your visit, staff can provide suggestions.
Teacher Resources
The Dickinson Research Center
The Dickinson Research Center (DRC) is a specialized library and archive dedicated to preserving and providing access to an extensive collection of materials related to the American West. It includes significant documents, books, periodicals, films, photograph, oral histories and more. The DRC offers public access to its collections, as well as assistance in academic research, to engage and inform guests about the significance of the American West in national and global contexts.
Digital Discovery
This dynamic collection of video content is built upon the Museum’s art, artifacts and exhibitions. Each piece of content is crafted to complement and enhance your educational objectives, making history resonate with today’s tech-savvy learners. With Digital Discovery, you’re connecting students to the experts and history makers that define Western heritage!
Traveling Trunks
Whether setting the stage for a Museum visit or enhancing your curriculum, Traveling Trunks are the perfect resource. They include artifacts, tools, clothing, images of artwork from the Museum’s collection, primary source activities, assessment suggestions, and story books to share with students. Best of all? They’re yours to borrow – free of charge! Simply pick them up and return them when you’re done. Don’t miss this opportunity to bring history to life in your classroom!
