Location
The Pecos Day Camp activities were held on the SHUMLA campus at Shumla Ranch, 50 miles west of Del Rio, Texas.
Instructors
SHUMLA instructors included museum specialist Angel Johnson, artist and renowned flintknapper Steve Norman, artist and historical craftsman Brenda Norman, primitive technologist Neal Stilley, life science educator Missy Harrington, anthropologist Jack Johnson, and musician Nathan Martinez.
Activities
On February 15, 2006, 88 students from the 4th grade and 12 teachers/chaperones of Ruben Chavira elementary school in Del Rio, Texas attended a full-day Shumla Foragers Pecos River Kids Day Camp at SHUMLA. Using archeology as a foundation for teaching math and science skills, SHUMLA 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 SHUMLA each clan was directed to its first station to begin a rotation of lessons and demonstrations. These stations included:
- Paint Making Experiment: Angel Johnson 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: Jack Johnson and Nathan Martinez explored the archaeological records of musical instruments in this area with the students. Students learned the science behind sound waves. The students made sound waves of their own using the replicas of ancient instruments in a jam/dance session.
- 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.
- Friction Fire Starting: Neal Stilley used primitive fire starting techniques to teach about energy forms and transfer of energy.
- Demonstrations: Steve Norman demonstrated flintknapping techniques used by early hunters for students. Brenda Norman showed prehistoric techniques for making cordage, sandals, and baskets.
Volunteers
Programs at SHUMLA are made possible through the help of our volunteers. This program's volunteers were Jodi Wiese, Ron Wiley, Angel and Jack Johnson (Student Conservation Association interns from the National Park Service), Al and Nancy Morgan, and Jack Harrington.
Cost
This program was underwritten by a grant to SHUMLA from the Del Rio Bank and Trust, the Brown Foundation, 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. |
