Bob Bullock State History Museum

Why Should You Go?

• √ The Museum has many first source artifacts
• √ See the impact of humans on their environment
• √ Multiple opportunities to do cross-curricular activities

Read teachers' impressions

For the History museum visit we were not quite sure what to expect. As educators we all know that science can be anywhere, but we needed to find activities that teachers and their students would also love. We have four recommended field experiences. Its Elemental involves the rare mining of "quicksilver," Modifying the Carbon Cycle allows exploration of oil in Texas, Mapping Matagorda connects the history of the La Belle shipwreck, geography, and estimation in measurement. Last, we invite teachers to use the history of Texas to explore energy in Energy: The Joule of Texas.

Recommended Field Experiences

It's Elemental
Students record observations as they view the quicksilver exhibit.

Modifying the Carbon Cycle
After viewing exhibits on deforestation and oil in Texas, have students diagram the carbon cycle.

Mapping Matagorda
Students explore the legend and details of the LaBelle shipwreck and record details of the shipwreck discovery.

Math Extension: Measuring LaBelle
When you are on the first floor of the museum, you can use the LaBelle Shipwreck exhibit to explore area in the Attention on Deck! Part A. The second Attention on Deck! Part B extends to the area measurement activity of the LaBelle scale drawing to explore the idea of limit.

Energy: The Joule of Texas
Students will identify locations of the major oil fields in Texas and research the types of changes oil instigated in Texas.

Other Great Resources

Community Involvement

The United States Geological Survey website has activities, videos, and maps to support exploration of geography and science just for teachers and students. We especially like the Schoolyard Geology which has many activities including an opportunity to download an aerial photo of your school!

Interdisciplinary Activities

Oil and Texas: A Cultural History
Texas has a long history of oil exploration, production and many careers in Texas depend on Oil.

Science and History:
This set of lessons involves National Science Standards Science as a Human Endeavor,Nature of Science, History of Science for both 8th and 12th grade.

Career Connections

The Conservation History Association of Texas invites you to explore their online archive of video, audio, text, and other materials collected through interviews and correspondence with the people who have shaped and continue to influence the protection of Texas natural resources."

Texas Legacy Project Coordinator: David Todd