International Museum of Muslim Cultures

To challenge stereotypes about African history and scholarship, seventh grade students read parts of the young adult historic fiction novel Trouble in Timbuktu and then toured the Legacy of Timbuktu Exhibition at the International Museum of Muslim Cultures in Jackson, Miss.

Students were active participants during the tour, working in teams to answer Scavenger Hunt questions. The museum co-founder Karen Al-Turk and the tour guide were so impressed with the engagement of the students and their prior knowledge of Timbuktu that they asked for copies of the school district’s lesson and field trip materials.