Traveling Resource Trunks

Mexican American Experience in Kansas

Grades 4- 6

Ideas for using this trunk with different ages and youth groups.

This trunk is an exploration of a bicultural community - the Mexican American community in Kansas. Through photos, objects, maps, documents, and oral histories this trunk examines the concept of culture, the Mexican roots of Mexican Americans, immigration, societal relations, and ways Mexican culture and traditions are passed along to new generations of Kansans.

Trunk Specifications
Weight: 60 lbs.
Dimensions: 31" x 22" x 9"
Insure for $500 when shipping

This trunk is available through the Kansas History Museum and Library in Topeka.

Kansas Curricular Standards Connections

Trunk Manual

The activities in this trunk are directed at upper elementary age students. Lessons are divided into general categories. The manual included here only contains lesson plans. Worksheets, a recipe booklet, and a craft booklet are not included in this online version of the manual.

Introduction, Table of Contents and Trunk Contents

An Exploration of Culture

Lesson #1: What is Culture

An examination of what culture is and how it is reflected in our daily lives.

Lesson #2: Existing Side by Side: Bicultural Communities

Photos are used to examine what a bicultural community is.

Mexican Roots

Lesson #3: Mexicans: Old Roots, Young People

The Indian and Spanish cultural roots of Mexico are explored through reading and photos.

Lesson #4: Mayan Math

Math problems are done using the Mayan numerical system.

Lesson #5: The Aztec Calendar

The Aztec calendar is explored through a video and the creation of individualized calendars.

Immigration

Lesson #6: Was Kansas in Mexico?

A felt board timeline activity helps teach which nations claimed ownership of land that is Kansas today including Spain, France, England, Mexico, Texas and the United States.

Lesson #7: The Hispanic Face of Kansas

A video explores Mexican immigration to Kansas and how some young Kansans are keeping their traditions and culture alive.

Lesson #8: Immigration to Kansas: A Research Exercise

Use primary sources to explore Mexican immigration to Kansas.

Societal Relations

Lesson #9: "How to Handle Mexican Labor": An Exercise in Generalizations and Stereotypes

1914 publication is used to examine what stereotypes and discrimination are and how they are perpetuated.

Lesson #10: Do Photos Lie?

A historic photograph is used to explore the concepts of prejudice and stereotypes and how they are perpetuated.

Lesson #11: Bilingual Education: An Example of Discrimination?

Students explore issues related to discrimination as they debate the issue of bilingual education.

The Heritage Continues

Language

Lesson #12: Language Barriers

Oral histories are used to explore how language can create barriers.

Lesson #13: Learning the Language

Learn some Spanish words through games.

Celebrations

Lesson #14: Holding a Fiesta

Create your own fiesta.

Lesson #15: The Day of Three Kings (January 6)

Examine how celebrations are part of cultures.

Lesson #16: Quiñceanera

Use a video and newspaper article to learn about one rite of passage.

Lesson #17: Cinco de Mayo (May 5)

Use objects and photos to learn about an important day in the Mexican American community.

Lesson #18: Independence Day (September 16)

Explore the concept of independence by comparing the celebration of Mexico's independence with the United States's.

Lesson #19: Navidad (Christmas)

Compare this holiday celebration in Mexico and the United States.

Folk Stories

Lesson #20: Cuentos

Listen to Mexican folk stories.

Food

Lesson #21: Reflecting on Food

Learn about Mexican food from the diary of a traveler on the Santa Fe Trail.

Lesson #22: Making Tortillas

Make your own tortillas with step-by-step instructions on a power point presentation.

Presentation

Making Tortillas PDF | Powerpoint

Notes about using Traveling Resource Trunks:

Traveling resource trunks are loaned out within the state of Kansas. They are available for four weeks on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no charge except for shipping. Borrowers who do not pick up their trunks are responsible for round trip shipping costs. Reservations should be made two weeks in advance.

Please inventory trunks when you receive them and before you return them. An inventory sheet is provided in all trunks for your use. Return trunks in the same condition that you received them.

Objects and materials in the trunks are to be used as the instructor sees fit; however, please keep in mind that many students will be using the trunk after you this year and in the years to come. Use is encouraged; overuse, damage, and mutilation are not.

The materials included in this trunk may be reproduced for educational purposes only and must credit the Kansas Historical Society. Reproductions of these materials for any other purpose is prohibited without written permission from the Kansas Historical Society.

To assure that trunks you use will reach their next destination in time we ask that trunks be returned by their scheduled return date. Allow at least two days shipping time. If you have any questions or concerns contact the Education and Outreach Division of the Kansas Historical Society, 6425 SW Sixth Avenue, Topeka, KS 66615-1099; 785-272-8681, ext. 414, Fax 785-272-8682; or education@kshs.org.

Looking for other programs or activities?

The Kansas Historical Society has a variety of programs available for your use including other traveling resource trunks; traveling exhibits; guided tours of state historic sites, the state Capitol, and the Kansas Museum of History; and online resources. For more information on these contact the Education and Outreach Division at 6425 SW Sixth Avenue, Topeka, KS 66615-1099; 785-272-8681, ext. 414, Fax 785-272-8682; or education@kshs.org.

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