R9 Social Studies- Student Opps

Entry Deadline: May 31, 2025

Constituting America invites all students to enter the We The Future Contest. It is open to all grade levels and teachers, including college/graduate school, with such categories as best song, short film, public service announcement, essay, and more. They are now accepting entries through mid-September. $100-$5000 Scholarships available for students and teachers.

Teachers: Receive a $50 Amazon gift card when at least 10 of your students submit a contest entry! The teacher with the most entries will receive $1,000! See teacher category for details

This summer, students can embark on a historic journey through time with Youth Summer Camps at the Texas Historical Commission’s state historic sites Youth Summer Camps at the Texas Historical Commission’s state historic sites. Immerse your young historians in a unique blend of education and adventure, where the past comes to life.

The camps offer hands-on experience, allowing campers to step back in time and discover the rich heritage of Texas. Each historic site becomes a classroom, fostering a deep appreciation for our state's unique history.

Explore the descriptions of the camps listed on the Texas Historical Commission website and let the adventure begin! Costs vary per location.

Seven rural Texas communities have been selected by the Texas Historical Commission to host a travelling Smithsonian exhibit that takes a close look at the evolution of rural America in the last century. Experience the national story going on now!

Tour Dates:

San Augustine - August 24-October 6, 2024

Clifton - October 12-December 1, 2024

Brenham - December 7, 2024-January 19, 2025

Rockport - January 25–March 9, 2025

Buffalo Gap - March 15–April 27, 2025

Bandera - June 21–August 2, 2025

Plan your trip

Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Youth Development programs are FREE and a great way to add a hands-on element to your curriculum!

Below are just 3 of the many programs offered - MS Social Studies, HS Government, Texas History, and Personal Financial Literacy teachers can benefit from these programs specifically.

For more information, please contact Katrena Mitchell at katrena.mitchell@ag.tamu.edu or call 940-716-8610.

Explore more here!

Field Trip Information (FREE for Self-guided)

Virtual Tour (Check out the structures in the Outdoor Historical Park!)

Ranch Life Learning Center featuring Hank the Cowdog (new as of 10/2023)

Ranch Life Books with Science & Social Studies Activities for each chapter

Note: Books 1-4 are available to borrow from the R9 Library- email chelsea.howells@esc9.net for more information.

Hank the Cowdog Podcast

“It’s me again, Hank the Cowdog!” — this opening statement has been the start of over 74 children’s books in an ongoing series by John R. Erickson which has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide. Now, that very same line will open a brand-new podcast series starring Matthew McConaughey as none other than…”Hank the Cowdog.”

There are 5 episodes in the mystery genre with educational activities aligned to 3rd-5th grade ELAR and Science TEKS, based on Hank the Cowdog Book 11 Lost in the Dark Unchanted Forest.

Candlelight at the Ranch in December (free admission)

Ranch Day in April (free admission)

Vernon, TX 76384

rrvmuseum.org

Thanks in part to a generous grant the Red River Valley Museum is now able to offer FREE tours to school groups through this school year! The museum aims to give free tours to at least 2,000 students in the coming year.

Schedule a tour of the entire museum for your class or school! Staff will guide students through each exhibit allowing them to experience all the museum has to offer in the time you have set. Ample outdoor space is available for picnic lunches and field activities.

• The Berry Gallery- Prehistoric fossils, Native American Artifacts, Texas History, Cattle Drives, & more!
• The Bond Gallery- Animal Science, Biology, Conservation, Adaptation, Habitats, & more!
• The Waggoner Gallery- Texas & Local History, Cowboy Heritage, Arts & Culture, & more!

Schools must provide at least 1 adult for every 15 children.

Please schedule your field trip a month in advance so the Museum has time to schedule guides for your visit!

To schedule a FREE tour for a group of students call the museum at 940-553-1848.

Click the image for more information!

Check them out below:

🗽Celebrate Freedom Week Special Edition

📓Review Resources Special Edition

Region 9 ESC

Email: chelsea.howells@esc9.net

Location: 301 Texas 11 Loop, Wichita Falls, TX, USA

Phone: 940-397-8106
Twitter: @ChelseaHowells9