Location
Scientists of the Lower Pecos activities were held at the SHUMLA campus at Shumla Ranch, 50 miles west of Del Rio, Texas. Part of the Knowledge Enriching Youth (KEY) Project, this program is one portion of a educational partnership between the SHUMLA; the Amistad National Recreation Area, National Park Service; and Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Instructors
SHUMLA instructors included Executive Assistant Angel Johnson, Curriculum Director Missy Harrington, Education Coordinator Craig Hensley, rancher Jack Harrington, Brenda Norman, Steve Norman, and Nathan Martinez.
Activities
On January 12, 2007, 88 students from the 4th grade at Ruben Chavira Elementary School in Del Rio, Texas, along with 12 teachers and parents, attended a full-day Scientists of the Lower Pecos KEY-Project program at the SHUMLA School campus. Using archeology and primitive technology as a foundation for teaching math and science skills, SHUMLA and National Parks representatives provided hands-on opportunities for enhancing classroom lessons. Students were divided into five groups: the Bear Clan, Deer Clan, Ringtail Clan, Wolf Clan, and Panther Clan. Upon their arrival at the SHUMLA campus each clan was directed to its first station and began a rotation of lessons and demonstrations. These stations included:
- Paint Making Experiment: Angel Johnson and Shannon Garard led students in a hands-on experiment replicating prehistoric paint making and discussed how prehistoric art was used to communicate information necessary for survival.
- Music from the Past: Nathan Martinez and Joshua Brown explored the prehistoric musical instruments of this area with the students. Students learned the science behind sound waves then made sound waves of their own using the replicas of ancient instruments in a jam/dance session.
- May the Force be with You, The Atlatl Advantage: Jack Harrington directed students in the use of the atlatl for spear throwing and students calculated the distances of the throws.
- The Adaptation Station: Missy Harrington instructed students about the nature of plant and animal adaptations. Students were able to analyze different materials, including an attention grabbing coprolite, underneath stereoscopes.
- Primitive Technology: Steve Norman shared stone tool technology with students by demonstrating flintknapping techniques used by early hunters. Brenda Norman showed prehistoric techniques for making cordage, sandals, and baskets. Students made bracelets from plant fibers.
Volunteers
Programs at SHUMLA are made possible through the help of our volunteers. This program's volunteers were NPS intern Shannon Garard, Joshua Brown, and four members of the Texas National Guard.
Cost
This program was underwritten by a grant to SHUMLA from Frank and Martha Mendoza of McDonald's and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Community Outreach Program.
Information
For more information contact the education division at education@shumla.org or call the office at
432-292-4848. |
