For two days, the Merton Williams (MW) Middle School library in Hilton was transformed into a Museum of Modern Technology. Eighth grade social studies teachers, Sarah Boily and Jaime Kermis, decided to create a museum featuring technology from the 70s, 80s and 90s as a fun way to teach their Industrial Revolution unit and the progression of technology. All 68 items – from a boombox to an overhead projector – were donated or loaned by MW staff. Students had a few minutes to look over the “artifacts,” using proper museum etiquette (speaking quietly, and not touching the items, leaning on displays, or eating around them). Their teachers then gave them a packet with pictures of the artifacts and asked the students to pick four to identify, guess what they did and the year they were introduced. “It was fun to compare these items to what we use today. For example, the overhead projector compared to the SMART Board,” said Boily. The teachers are hoping to save the items so they can create the museum again for future eighth graders.
Provided information and photos
