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This program is a traveling trunk program that brings a piece of the museum into your classroom. Each trunk includes artifacts, hands-on activities, primary sources, and an interactive lecture presented by a member of the Gregg County Historical Museum staff.
LIFE OF THE CADDO - Introduces students to the Caddo an in depth introduction to the religion, food, housing, language, and artistry of the Caddo Indian tribe based in East Texas. Students will have the opportunity to touch actual artifacts, hear the language, and interact with the culture. This lesson also briefly touches on the mission system established by the Spanish here in Texas. Featured items of this trunk: arrow heads, pottery, sherds, corn, beans, gourds, animal hide, paint rocks, Paleolithic tools.
K-8th
ALL ROADS LEAD TO CADDO - Examines the migration of the Native Americans to Texas and how their culture shifted from hunter/gatherer to agriculture society engaged in trade. We will review the basics of Caddo culture, the study of Archeology, and the age of contact between Native Americans and European settlers. We will discuss the mission system, the trail of tears, the Dawes Act, and the creation of reservations that resulted from "Manifest Destiny". Featured items of this trunk: arrow heads, Paleolithic tools, pipes,animal hide, tomahawk
● (1) In Grade 7, students study the history of Texas from early times to the present. Content is presented with more depth and breadth than in Grade 4. Students examine the full scope of Texas history, including Natural Texas and its People; Age of Contact; Spanish Colonial; Mexican National; Revolution and Republic; Early Statehood; Texas in the Civil War and Reconstruction; Cotton, Cattle, and Railroads; Age of Oil; Texas in the Great Depression and World War II; Civil Rights and Conservatism; and Contemporary Texas eras. Students use primary and secondary sources to examine the rich and diverse cultural background of Texas as they identify the different racial and ethnic groups that settled in Texas to build a republic and then a state. Students analyze the impact of scientific discoveries and technological innovations on the development of Texas in various industries such as agricultural, energy, medical, computer, and aerospace. Students use primary and secondary sources to acquire information about Texas.
● (2) History. The student understands how individuals, events, and issues through the Mexican National Era shaped the history of Texas. The student is expected to:
(A) compare the cultures of American Indians in Texas prior to European colonization such as Gulf, Plains, Puebloan, and Southeastern;
● 18) Culture. The student understands the concept of diversity within unity in Texas. The student is expected to: (C) identify examples of Spanish influence and the influence of other cultures on Texas such as place names, vocabulary, religion, architecture, food, and the arts; and
● (20) Social studies skills. The student applies critical-thinking skills to organize and use information acquired through established research methodologies from a variety of valid sources, including technology. The student is expected to: (B) analyze information by applying absolute and relative chronology through sequencing, categorizing, identifying causeand-effect relationships, comparing, contrasting, finding the main idea, summarizing, making generalizations and predictions, and drawing inferences and conclusions;
Embracing Caddo - this bonus trunk is filled with enrichment activities such as crossword puzzles, word searches, stick games, atlatl use demonstration, etc.. The activities are on a variety of skill levels to allow for students of different ages. Featured items: craft sticks, word search, Caddo bingo, atlatl replica
6th-8th WOMAN IN THE WAR
When the war began, the United States faced a critical labor shortage as millions of men enlisted in the military. Women were called upon to step into roles that had previously been reserved for men, including factory work, skilled trades, and military support positions. They built airplanes, welded ships, served as nurses, and even flew planes as Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs). These contributions not only helped win the war but also challenged traditional gender roles by proving that women were capable of excelling in jobs once thought to be "men's work." Their service during the war marked a turning point in American society, planting the seeds for greater equality and opportunities for women in the decades to come.
Texas TEKS Alignment
Grade 6 TEKS (Social Studies):
6.2 History: Explain historical influences on contemporary societies.
6.21 Social Studies Skills: Use primary/secondary sources, maps, visuals.
Grade 7 TEKS (Texas History with U.S. connections):
7.7 History: Impact of WWII on Texas (military bases, industry, roles of women).
7.21 Citizenship: Influence of individuals on civic affairs.
7.22 Culture: Contributions of women and diverse groups.
Grade 8 TEKS (U.S. History to 1877, but connected through skill standards):
8.29 Social Studies Skills: Analyzing primary sources.
8.30 Citizenship: Contributions of individuals to American culture.
K-8th - TRAINS
Trains have played a vital role in shaping communities, connecting people, and transporting goods across the country. These lesson introduces students to the history, science, and impact of trains-from early steam engines to modern high-speed rail. Through interactive activities, students will explore how trains work, why they were important to the growth of towns like ours, and how they continue to influence transportation today. The goal is to inspire curiosity about innovation, teamwork, and the ways technology changes our world. 7-Day Train Lesson Plans with Differentiation & Texas TEKS
4th/5th grade THE TEXAS REVOLUTION
Travel Trunk
The Texas Revolution was a pivotal conflict (1835-1836) where Texian settlers and Tejano allies sought independence from Mexico.
Key causes included:
Cultural & Political Tensions: Mexican government's centralization under Santa Anna clashed with Texians' desire for local autonomy.
Slavery & Land Rights: Mexico abolished slavery, which conflicted with Anglo settlers' practices.
Broken Promises: Mexico restricted immigration and tightened control, angering settlers.
The revolution culminated in:
Battles of Gonzales, Goliad, the Alamo
Declaration of Independence (March 2, 1836)
Victory at San Jacinto (April 21, 1836)
The result: establishment of the Republic of Texas.
**DISCLAIMERS**
- The travel trunks contain genuine artifacts and some replicas included when the use of real objects is not appropriate. They are meant to be taken out of their containers and touched by the students under supervision.
- If an artifact/replica is damaged please contact Jennifer White as soon as possible. If a trunk is returned with unreported damage, that specific campus/teacher will not be allowed to check out a travel trunk for one year from original reservation date.
- To reserve a trunk, contact Jennifer White at 903-253-5840 or education@gregghistorical.org to arrange for pick up and return. Campus contact may pick up/return only Tuesday - Friday. Specific times will be arranged at time of reservation.
- Reservation requests will be considered on a first come - first serve basis
