Engaging Students Through Asian Popular Culture and Inquiry
Join us for a professional development workshop on Thursday, July 23rd, from 8:00 AM –12:00 PM CDT!
Asian popular culture can help shape how many students understand identity, history, and global culture. In this interactive professional learning experience, educators will explore how popular media can serve as a powerful entry point into inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and culturally responsive teaching.
Through hands-on item and image inquiry activities, participants will examine how popular culture reflects historical context, cultural values, migration, representation, and contemporary social issues across Asia and Asian diasporas. Educators will leave with adaptable strategies and classroom-ready activities that connect student interests to deeper learning across disciplines, from ancient history to current events.
Participants will:
Explore ways to leverage Asian popular culture to teach both historical and contemporary topics
Engage in inquiry-based learning using images, media, and cultural artifacts
Reflect on how popular media can communicate cultural identity and historical truths
Develop engaging, student-centered activities that center Asian stories and perspectives
Your registration includes:
Materials
Light breakfast
Parking
Private early-hour access at 8:00am (timed entry) to Pokémon Fossil Museum ! Please note, the Pokémon Fossil Museum exhibition store will not be open, and access to the exhibit does not include the trading card.
Looking to be more environmentally-friendly? You can find public transit options here .
Registration will remain open until Thursday, July 16, 2026, or until full.
All sales final.
Educators who complete the workshop will receive 4 hours of Illinois Professional Development Credit (CPDUs).
Questions? Contact Ria Pretekin, rpretekin@fieldmuseum.org
Get Tickets
Asian popular culture can help shape how many students understand identity, history, and global culture. In this interactive professional learning experience, educators will explore how popular media can serve as a powerful entry point into inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and culturally responsive teaching.
Through hands-on item and image inquiry activities, participants will examine how popular culture reflects historical context, cultural values, migration, representation, and contemporary social issues across Asia and Asian diasporas. Educators will leave with adaptable strategies and classroom-ready activities that connect student interests to deeper learning across disciplines, from ancient history to current events.
Participants will:
Explore ways to leverage Asian popular culture to teach both historical and contemporary topics
Engage in inquiry-based learning using images, media, and cultural artifacts
Reflect on how popular media can communicate cultural identity and historical truths
Develop engaging, student-centered activities that center Asian stories and perspectives
Your registration includes:
Materials
Light breakfast
Parking
Private early-hour access at 8:00am (timed entry) to Pokémon Fossil Museum ! Please note, the Pokémon Fossil Museum exhibition store will not be open, and access to the exhibit does not include the trading card.
Looking to be more environmentally-friendly? You can find public transit options here .
Registration will remain open until Thursday, July 16, 2026, or until full.
All sales final.
Educators who complete the workshop will receive 4 hours of Illinois Professional Development Credit (CPDUs).
Questions? Contact Ria Pretekin, rpretekin@fieldmuseum.org
Listed by Field Museum · last updated today