Whether students are learning from home or returning to the classroom they can connect to the historical, ethnological, cultural and scientific heritage of the Panhandle-Plains region of Texas and related areas of the Southwest. Programs are TEKS aligned and feature historic photographs, videos, first-person interviews and science experiments.
To request programs on specific dates and times contact education@pphm.wtamu.edu or (806) 651-2249.
A Look into Presidents' Day
Grades: Prek-12
Cost: $75
What is Presidents’ Day? How do we celebrate it? Who are we celebrating? These are just some of the questions that will be answered in our new distance learning program, ‘A look into Presidents' Day’. Presidents’ Day is a holiday that you might learn about in school, but do you really know the history behind this day? Join us as we jump back in time to find out what the holiday is all about.
A Native American's MVP
Grades: PreK-12
Cost: $75
An Indian’s life on the southern plains was not one of luxury. Indians were nomadic and had to carry all of their worldly possessions with them. This distance learning program will talk about the MVPs, or Most Valuable Possessions, of the southern plains Indian tribes.
Using artifacts from PPHM’s Southern Plains Indian Trunk along with historical photos, we will discuss life on the southern plains. Students will also have the opportunity to craft their own Indian name using symbols and pictures.
Dia de los Muertos: The history behind the celebration
Grades: Prek-12
Cost: $75
New to our Distance Learning platform, Dia de los Muertos: The history behind the celebration. Dia de los Muertos is a holiday celebrated by people of Mexican heritage honoring their relatives who have passed. From flowers to skeletons, we will dive into each element that plays a part in this important holiday. Join us October 19th-November 2nd as we explore the history behind this celebration of life and death.
Dinomite Dinosaurs
Grades: PreK-12
Cost: $75
Step back in time—way, way back in time—with a virtual stroll through our paleontology exhibit. During this In the News Program we will focus on fossils unique to the Panhandle-Plains, and others you may be more familiar with.
Many people are surprised to learn that the Texas Panhandle was once a marshy area, and our exhibit features a world-class emphasis on locally discovered reptiles and amphibians from the Late Triassic era (225-200 million years ago) and mammals from the Late Cenozoic era (10-1 million years ago). Join us as we also discuss what a paleontologist does and what may have happened to the dinosaurs.
From Boom to Dust
Grades: PreK-12
Cost: $75
The Dust Bowl was a period of severe dust storms causing major ecological and agricultural damage to American and Canadian prairie lands from 1930 to 1936 (in some areas until 1940). Using photos and videos unique to the Panhandle Plains, we will investigate the causes of the Dust Bowl, hear first-hand stories of people who lived through it, and discuss the methods used to stop the deadly storms.
Home on the Plains: A Bison's Journey
Grades: PreK-12
Cost: $75
Once numbered at an estimated 60 million, bison were hunted almost to extinction in the mid-1800s. Join us as we discuss the impact of the bison on the Plains Indians, the effects of the railroad and the people who rescued the bison from extinction. The program uses a PowerPoint, artifacts, a video and historic photographs to tell the story of this important American icon.
Panhandle Petroleum
Cost: $75
Petroleum and natural gas are an important part of the Panhandle economy. This program will explore the reasons why it’s present in the Texas Panhandle, how it was formed, the discovery of the resource and the many uses of petroleum and natural gas. Alternative energy sources like wind will also be discussed.
Quanah Parker: Adapting in a World of Change
Grades: PreK-12
Cost: $75
This is a story of human adaptation. For over 200 years the Comanches ruled the South Plains. They were called “Lords of the Plains” living a horse and bison centered culture. After the Red River War, Texas Panhandle Indians were placed on reservations. Quanah Parker, last chief of the Comanches, was faced with making many decisions, not only for himself and his family, but also for the Comanche people. Like most decision makers, Quanah was either loved or hated by both Comanches and whites.
Would it be as difficult in the 21st century to be placed in a strange country, not knowing the language or the customs of the people who live there as it was for Quanah Parker in the 19th century? We will explore answers to this question as we explore Quanah’s life through artifacts and historic photographs.
The Bedecked Buckaroo
Grades: PreK-12
Cost: $75
Cowboys in the Texas Panhandle faced many obstacles including weather, wildlife and wily livestock. Thus, the cowboy traveled light and owned very little. Every article of clothing and equipment had to be functional and serve a multitude of purposes. This program will discuss the role of cowboy clothing on the range and the purpose of each piece. We will also talk about the role of cattle drives, early Panhandle ranches and the origin of barbed wire.
Wild & Wacky Weather
Grades: PreK-12
Cost: $75
People on the Panhandle-Plains have adapted to weather for centuries. Come along with our friendly cricket, Thomas J, and learn all about wild and wacky weather. This science-based program will help your students understand what causes weather like blizzards, dust storms, floods and tornadoes, how to prepare for severe weather, and what plants and animals live in different climate zones.
Connect2Texas
Email: c2tx@esc11.net
Website: www.connect2texas.net
Location: Fort Worth, TX, United States
Phone: 817-740-7516
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Connect2Texas/178380812237957
Twitter: @connect2texas