Collectible Treasures

Museum Box ,which did make the 2010 ALA AASL Top 25 Websites for Teaching and Learning list under Manage and Organize, allows you to build up an argument or description of an event, person or historical period by placing items in a virtual box.  

Begin by clicking on the Start label on the home page.  A working screen appears.  At this screen the user can determine how many layers  (1-3) will be a part of this box.  Within each layer a different amount of cubes can be chosen; 1, 2, 4, 6 or 8.  Images, text, sounds, videos, files and links can be added to cubes within each layer of each box.  Items are added to the six sides of each cube. 

To change the format of the original box click on Change Box.  At this screen the number of layers, number of cubes, color and texture of the box and cubes are chosen. 

By clicking on each of the icons beneath the box, images, text, sounds, videos, files, or links can be placed in your drawer.  Searching can be done in the Museum Box galleries or uploaded from your own computer.  Items that have been placed in your drawer then can be added to the sides of each cube by clicking on the cube.  Each cube can be named and captions can be placed beneath each of the six sides.

To upload or save you must register.  It is as simple as selecting a log in name and password.  You must also select a school name.  Charlevoix Public Schools was already on the list.

When you are sure that your box is completed submit it for review by a moderator or a teacher that has registered their students.  There is a complete explanation on how to add students.  Messages can be left for creators of boxes to read.  A box can not be loaded or changed once submitted until it has been placed in the gallery. 

This is a very user friendly, interesting and unique application that can be used across the curriculum.  I already have two Museum Boxes in the works.