Select items from the Alice Paul Discovery Trunk

Discovery Trunks are available to middle school and high school teachers who are looking for innovative ways to bring their curriculum - and the stories of those who have struggled to help define freedom - to life. Discovery Trunks feature artifact reproductions and multimedia that illuminate the lives of historical figures listed below. Each kit relates either to a lesson plan or an exhibit on the Freedom Express, and allows students to engage in hands-on, object-based learning. The trunks will be available at no charge to Illinois teachers and can be ordered online from our Web site.

Discovery Trunks & Individual Kits

Individual Kit Descriptions

Requesting a Discovery Trunk

Delivery & Return Shipment Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Discovery Trunks & Individual Kits

Discovery Trunks are comprised of kits which you select from a menu of options. The materials included in each of the kits bring the story of someone who has struggled for freedom to life. Each kit provides insight to the experiences of a particular individual, as well as the movement and era with which that individual is associated. Each kit includes an Educator Guide, a biographical sketch, descriptions of all contents, a student warm-up activity and a student Artifact Exploration Worksheet. To create your Discovery Trunk, you may select one kit and request up to 3 sets of duplicate items OR you may select different kits (limit is five and each kit will have only one set of items).

Individual Kit Descriptions

Requesting a Discovery Trunk

To request a Discovery Trunk, educators need to complete the online request form. We encourage educators to reserve their Discovery Trunks at least three weeks in advance. Requests will be on a first come, first served basis depending on availability; if part of your request is not able to be fulfilled, we will follow up to discuss possible substitutions or alternative scheduling. Please allow five business days to process your request. You will receive confirmation materials via email; your reservation will not be final until you receive confirmation from the McCormick Foundation.

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Delivery and Return Shipment Information

Discovery Trunks are available to be shipped at no charge to any school in Illinois. The entire duration of a Discovery Trunk loan is three weeks, which includes time for shipping. The loan periods available for 2012-2013 school year are as follows:

*(abbreviated loan period due to holiday)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will I have the trunk once I receive it at my school?

The duration of a trunk loan is three weeks, which includes time for shipping. Depending on shipping time (1-2 days) you will have the trunk for 8-10 class days before it must be shipped back to the McCormick Foundation.

Will I have an opportunity to provide feedback on the Discovery Trunks program?

Yes. After returning your Discovery Trunk, you will receive a link to an online evaluation. The feedback helps us understand how educators are using the resource and helps us develop and improve the Discovery Trunks program.

What sort of liability do I assume for a Discovery Trunk?

Educators assume responsibility for the careful use of the Discovery Trunks. The educator is not liable for general wear and tear on the items that come from normal use. The educator is responsible for paying the replacement cost of all irreparably damaged or lost components/kits. In the online request form, educators will sign off on a loan agreement assuming financial responsibility for late, lost or damaged items. You should inventory your trunk and each of the kits when you receive it and once again before it is returned. The educator is responsible for contacting the McCormick Foundation regarding any damages.

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