KEY-Project Program:
Scientists of the Lower Pecos
December 7, 2006

Location
The 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 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, Neal Stilley, and Nathan Martinez.

Activities
On December 7, 2006, 64 students from the 4^th grade at Garfield Elementary School in Del Rio, Texas, along with 7 teachers and parents, attended a full-day Scientists of the Lower Pecos KEY-Project program at the SHUMLA 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 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 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, then students practiced measuring techniques using the skulls of  a javelina, a bobcat, and a raccoon.
• Friction Fire Starting: Neal Stilley used primitive fire starting techniques to teach about energy forms and transfer of energy.

Volunteers
Programs at SHUMLA are made possible through the help of our volunteers. This program's volunteers were five members from the Texas National Guard.

Cost
This program was underwritten by a grant to SHUMLA from the Del Rio Bank and Trust, 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.

Evaluation comments from students:

"Today was my best day because of all the things I learned."

"Today was fun!!!!!!!! because I made fire."

"Today was great because I learned a lot of things today and had fun too."

Teacher's comment:

To the question: "Was today a good learning experience for your students?"

"Excellent hands-on and problem solving opportunities."

"They were actively involved to make their learning more meaningful."

To the question: "What was the best part of today's activities? "

"All the interaction between students and instructors — Great instructors and Inspirational!"

"The best part is learning while having fun."