The mission of the Alden B. and Vada B. Dow Creativity Foundation is to
"preserve, share and encourage exploration of the philosophies of Alden B.
Dow through public access to educational programs, tours and researcher
opportunities provided by the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio, a National
Historic Landmark, and the Alden B. Dow Archives, the repository of Mr.
Dow's architectural records."
Collaborating with educators, we have been developing educational
programming for all grade levels. The educational experience is not limited
to only 4th through 12th grade students. College and University students
conduct primary research in the Archives in Interior and Landscape Design.
Creativity and Humanities classes explore the ideals and philosophy of Alden
B. Dow.
What you will find in this section:
Fourth Grade Program: The Chemist & The Architect
High School Humanities Program
Fourth Grade Program: The Chemist & The Architect
Students from Midland Public Schools and many other communities visit
Midland and the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio to learn about Alden B. Dow,
Architect and Entrepreneur, and his father, Herbert H. Dow, Chemist and
Entrepreneur at the Midland County Historical Society and the Herbert H. Dow
Museum. The program is a joint venture between these two organizations
designed to meet benchmarks in the fourth grade social studies curriculum,
specifically in economics and the three types of resources: human, capital
and natural.
As the children enter the Home and Studio, they are quick to point out how
Alden was an entrepreneur in the field of architecture. His use of color,
changes in level and integration of natural elements keeps the children
commenting and reacting to the spaces throughout their visit. They learn
about entrepreneurs, how resources can be used in unique ways and how the
Dows affected the economics of the Midland area. Their time at the Home and
Studio is split into three segments, introduction and discussion, a
"scavenger hunt" during their tour experience and a hands on group activity
where they design a residence. The program lasts two hours allowing the
fourth graders to fully experience and explore the work of Alden B. Dow. .
Click here to find out more about The Chemist & The Architect program.
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High School Humanities Program
The Home and Studio has a three-day program for high school classes focusing
on the humanities. This program was organized to coordinate with their
studies of the 1930s and 1940s. To strengthen their experience, the students
are introduced to Alden Dow and Frank Lloyd Wright prior to their visit.
The first day is spent touring the complex and discussing the history of
Midland and all aspects of life in the 1930's and 1940's. The group is then
divided into two sections for the second and third days. In the first
drafting room, one group creates original artwork relating to the time
period or work that is inspired by the architecture/artwork of the Home and
Studio. The students focused on the repetition of basic shapes and forms to
create stabiles and mobiles. The second half of the class is spent in the
Archives working on primary research projects. For many students this is a
first chance at doing primary research, using original, one of a kind
materials.
Students do not need to spend three days out of the classroom to benefit
from this experience. A two-hour tour, often accompanied by a worksheet
provided by their instructor, can be a strong asset to their study of the
1930s and 1940s.
Click here to find out more about High School Humanities program.
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