Outreach program about to hit the road!

In less than a month, the Kentucky Derby Museum Outreach program will be back on the road and visiting schools throughout the Commonwealth.  The education department has some really exciting things lined up, and I can’t wait to get started! 

This summer, we stayed quite busy at the museum.  YMCA camps and summer groups kept us teaching and touring at a steady pace, but we also partnered with the Kentucky Science Center for a number of local outreaches.  Once a week, I ventured downtown to Museum Row and taught our program “Science on the Track” to their summer camps and public visitors, demonstrating the importance of dirt and how the racetrack composition makes Churchill Downs a safe course for these thousand pound thoroughbreds.  

The break from the road this summer also allowed me the opportunity to be more involved with the filming of our YouTube Series “Derby Academy.” The first Monday of each month, we debut a new episode with the goal of teachers utilizing the short videos in the classroom to keep kids engaged before and after their visit.  Although the clips are geared towards students, the material is engaging and interesting to viewers of all ages, intertwining Derby history, core curriculum and horse knowledge. 

The new school year always brings new stories and adventures.  Stay tuned to see the surprises the education department has in store!