Smithsonian x KiDS Democracy in Dialogue Camp

Democracy in Dialogue Virtual Exchange Program

Presented in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution

Kids Discovery Station is proud to be part of the Democracy in Dialogue Virtual Exchange Program, a national initiative led by the Smithsonian that connects youth across the country to explore the meaning of democracy in their communities.

Through this exciting program, local youth will work with our museum to discover and share stories about what democracy looks like where they live. They'll explore themes like fairness, civic participation, leadership, and how everyday people — including kids! — have helped shape the story of democracy.

As part of the experience, our young participants have been matched with a partner museum in a different part of the U.S. Together, with Hertiage Village Pinellas in Largo Florida, the groups will create and exchange videos to learn from each other’s perspectives and experiences.

Through creativity, reflection, and storytelling, they will explore how their local history connects to our nation’s ongoing democratic journey. This program helps children become thoughtful, active participants in their communities — and shows that every voice matters.

This program is designed for children ages 10 to 16 years old and will take place from Monday, July 21st to Friday, July 25th from 5 to 6:30pm.

At the end of the week the children will receive a participation certificate from the Smithsonian and will present their city to the public!

Lesson Overview:

Day 1: 

• Students will learn what makes a city, a community, and what cultures we have here in Merced that make us stand out as a community.

• Students will introduce themselves to our exchange partners at Heritage Village in Florida. 

• Students will do Ice Breaker games to learn more about their classmates.

• Students will learn local history through photography.

• Students will begin their Local History Scavenger Hunt/Photography Challenge.

Day 2:

• Students will do a virtual tour of Heritage Village.

• Students will exchange local history photography and a description with classmates and on Padlet for our friends in Largo, Florida. 

• Students will work together in teams and learn about the importance of voting and using their voices to make a difference in their community. 

• Students will vote on what buildings they would like to be in their My City Model/Exhibit.

• Students will vote on their favorite exhibits in the museum. 

• Students will plan and design their My City Model.

Day 3:

• Students will work together in their group to build their My City Model.

• Students will discuss how Merced has changed over time and compare photos they’ve taken of historic buildings now to historical photographs.

Day 4: 

• Students will finish up their city models.

• Students will begin prepping their presentations and picking photographs they want to share with guests.

Day 5:

• Students will interview real city professionals. 

• Students will share their photography and their city model with families and guests.

• Students will do a presentation on why they chose the buildings in their city and how will these buildings help Merced be a better place. How can we plan or vote to contribute or help the community grow or be a better, safer place to live?

• Students and families will explore the museum together with a scavenger hunt and vote on their favorite exhibits.