Nebraska State Educational Standards
TWO HOUR H.A.T.S. CLASSES
A DAY AT THE FARM:
This one hour Kindergarten class takes place in the spring for approximately five weeks, from the middle of April until the middle of May. Typically four classes are taught back to back in a given day. The class begins in the 1890’s Barn. Here the students view family life and responsibilities, “chores”, centered around the family livelihood dealing with animal care. They view “Nanny” the goat and her twins as they consider the uses of goats, discover the methods used for sheering wool from sheep as they view “Ewenice”, pet her lambs, and participate in bottle feeding a calf. The second half of the class they move to the chicken coop, to hold a baby chick and gather eggs from the nests. Their visit ends with each child pumping water at the well and ringing the bell.
Nebraska Social Studies/History Standards: 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.4, 1.1.6, 1.1.7, 4.1.1 Nebraska Science Standards: 1.4.1
Nebraska Reading/Writing Standards: 1.3.1
Nebraska Mathematics Standards: 1.3.5
PAWNEE LIFE:
This two hour class takes place morning and afternoon from the first week of September until the last day of October and again from the middle of April until the end of May. It is typically taught to first grade students and is a look at the family life style of a six year old Pawnee child. The class begins near the Earth Lodge with a discussion of the Nebraska prairie in the 1840’s. They then visit “Sampson” in his prairie pasture and discover why the buffalo was the “Walmart” of the Pawnee people, providing their every need. The class moves to the garden area, the tipi and eventually into the Earth Lodge as an on going discussion takes place as to how the Pawnee people’s needs and wants were provided by the prairie. For hands-on experiences, corn is ground and a miniature tipi is set up by the students.
Nebraska Social Studies/History Standards: 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.4, 1.1.5, 1.1.6, 1.1.7, 4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.4, 4.1.5, 4.1.6, 4.1.7, 4.1.8, 8.1.1, 8.1.5, 12.1.1, 12.2.5
Nebraska Science Standards: 1.4.1, 1.5.3, 1.6.2, 1.7.2, 1.8.1, 4.3.1, 4.4.3, 4.5.1, 4.6.2, 4.6.3, 4.7.2, 4.7.3, 4.8.1, 8.7.2, 12.7.2, 12.7.4, 12.8.3
Nebraska Reading/Writing Standards: 1.3.1, 4.3.1
Nebraska Mathematics Standards: 1.3.5
FAMILIES ON THE FARM:
This two hour class takes place morning and afternoon from the first week in September until the middle of October. It is typically taught to first grade students and is a look at the family life style of a six year old living on the Nebraska Prairie in the late 1800’s. The class begins at the pump behind the Cleary Farmhouse as the children, for hands-on experience, help out with the household chores. They pump water and haul it using a yoke to fill wash tubs. Their laundry experience consists of scrubbing a towel on a wash board with lye soap and rinsing, hand wringing and hanging it on the clothes line. They then move to the sleigh, windmill and through out both levels of the barn as they discuss various family members’ responsibilities “working” the farm. The class moves to the granary and view hand held and horse drawn implements used to plant, weed and harvest the crop. For hands-on experience, an ear of corn is discovered in the field and is taken to the Cleary Farmhouse kitchen, where it is husked, shelled, ground and sifted for baking. The class ends in the carriage house as each child is allowed to sit in the buggy as they prepare to leave.
Nebraska Social Studies/History Standards: 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.4, 1.1.5, 1.1.6, 1.1.7, 4.1.1, 4.1.7, 4.1.8
Nebraska Science Standards: 1.4.1, 1.5.3, 1.6.2, 1.7.2, 1.8.1, 4.4.3, 4.6.2, 4.7.2, 4.8.1, 12.7.3, 12.8.3
Nebraska Reading/Writing Standards: 1.3.1, 4.3.1
Nebraska Mathematics Standards: 1.3.5
EARLY FAMILY LIFE:
This two hour class takes place morning and afternoon from the beginning of November until the end of December. It is typically taught to second grade students in the Vieregg Cabin, the Hiredman’s House and the Cleary Farmhouse. It is a detailed look through the eyes of a seven year old at the weekly household chores required for comfortable life on the winter Nebraska prairie. They view and discuss such items as kerosene lamps, wash tubs for laundry and bathing, many food preparation items and much more as they discover “Great Grandma’s” life without electricity. After learning about the uses and dangers of the wood burning stove they participate in popping corn, most of which is eaten. In preparation for Christmas, the remaining popcorn is strung with needles and thread and paper chains are made to decorate their own classroom. During a mock Christmas celebration, presents are opened and many items from the 1800’s are discussed when the children have no idea what they received. The class is completed with a tour of the individual structure they are experiencing.
Nebraska Social Studies/History Standards: 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.4, 1.1.5, 1.1.6, 1.1.7, 4.1.1, 4.1.7,
Nebraska Science Standards: 1.6.2, 1.7.2, 1.8.1, 4.6.2, 4.7.2, 4.8.1, 12.7.3, 12.8.3
Nebraska Reading/Writing Standards: 1.3.1, 4.3.1, 4.4.1
Nebraska Mathematics Standards: 1.3.5
EARLY TRANSPORTATION:
This two hour class takes place morning and afternoon from the first week of September until the last week in October and again from the middle of April until the end of May. It is typically taught to third grade students and older. The class begins near the Rotunda with a discussion of the three Overland Trails and the meaning of the terms transportation and migration. The class then moves into the Rotunda and they discover how the harness and the ox yoke are used to connect the horse or the ox to plows or wagons. The concept of animal muscle as a power source is established. The class then moves to the Railroad Town and every wagon is taught with emphasis on subjects such as tongues verses shafts, brakes, leaf springs and wheel size. In the second half of this class the focus shifts to coal powered steam engines, the railroad track is “switched”, and the section house studied. The life style of the Railroad employees, the Station Master, Engineer, Fireman, Conductor and Brakeman are experienced as the Depot and the Caboose are explored. The class ends with a hand-on Railroad handcart ride.
Nebraska Social Studies/History Standards: 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.4, 1.1.5, 1.1.6, 1.1.7, 4.1.1, 4.1.7, 4.1.8, 4.1.11, 8.1.5, 12.1.5
Nebraska Science Standards: 1.4.1, 1.6.2, 1.8.1, 4.4.3, 4.6.2, 4.8.1, 12.4.4, 12.8.3
Nebraska Reading/Writing Standards: 1.3.1, 4.3.1, 4.4.1, 8.3.1
Nebraska Mathematic Standards: 1.3.5
RURAL SCHOOL LIFE:
This two hour class takes place morning and afternoon from the first of October until the end of April. This class is typically taught to fourth grade students but does see some of our most diverse age groups. It begins by the flag pole outside the Rural School house as the flag is raised. The stable, the pump, play ground equipment and individual privies are taught. Upon entering the cloakroom daily procedures are discussed, period items viewed. Upon choosing their individual desks, period appropriate names are assigned, general information about rural life styles of 1880 Nebraska students and teachers are explained and first person presentation is taught and set up for the rest of the class period. At this point a bell is rung and the first person experience begins. The students study Reading and Arithmetic using reproduction textbooks and chalk slates, Penmanship in the Spenserian style using nib pens and ink, Geography viewing an 1888 reproduction map, History using pictures and paintings hanging on the walls and participate in a spelling bee. A great deal of period appropriate information and social customs are discussed in the course of the day. At the end of the class the final bell is rung signifying the end of the 1800’s and a question and answer period takes place.
Nebraska Social Studies/History Standards: 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3, 1.1.4, 1.1.5, 1.1.6, 1.1.7, 1.1.8, 1.1.9, 4.1.1, 4.1.11, 12.1.5
Nebraska Reading/Writing Standards: 1.3.1, 4.3.1, 4.4.1, 8.1.6, 8.3.1
Nebraska Mathematics Standards: 1.2.1, 1.3.3, 1.3.5, 4.2.1, 4.3.3
GREAT PLAINS PAWNEE:
This two hour class takes place morning and afternoon from the first week in September until the end of October and again from the middle of April until the end of May. This class is typically taught to fifth grade students and older. It begins in the Rotunda with a brief look at the seven Nebraska tribes, but the major focus is then turned on the Pawnee nation from the perspective of a ten to twelve year old. The pre-horse and “pre-traderman” periods are discussed as artifacts are viewed. The class moves to the Trail Marker and attention is focused on the impact of the Westward expansion and to “Sampson” to discuss the devastating impact of the commercial killing of the buffalo, on the Pawnee people. The class moves to the tipi and the Earth Lodge respectively and the remainder of the class focuses on the communication styles, social customs and family structures of the Pawnee people.
Nebraska Social Studies/History Standards: 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.4, 1.1.5, 1.1.6, 1.1.7, 4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.4, 4.1.5, 4.1.6, 4.1.7, 4.1.8, 8.1.1, 8.1.2, 8.1.5, 8.1.7, 8.4.3, 12.1.1, 12.1.4, 12.2.5, 12.2.7,12.4.6
Nebraska Science Standards: 1.4.1, 1.5.3, 1.6.2, 1.7.2, 1.8.1, 4.3.1, 4.4.3, 4.5.1, 4.6.2, 4.6.3, 4.7.2, 4.7.3, 4.8.1, 8.7.2, 12.4.4, 12.7.3, 12.7.4, 12.8.3
Nebraska Reading/Writing Standards: 1.3.1, 4.3.1, 4.4.1, 8.3.1
Nebraska Mathematics Standards: 1.3.5
ROAD RANCHE LIFE:
This two hour class is available from the first week in September until the end of October and again from the middle of April until the end of May. This class is typically taught to fifth grade students and older. The class begins in the Stuhr Building upstairs around the covered wagon display. A detailed look at the preparations for outfitting of the wagon takes place with distinctions made about the three Overland Trails that traveled through the Nebraska Platte Valley. A discussion takes place causing the students to look at a typical day on the trail and the potential dangers and problems that were common place. The class moves to the Log Cabin Complex and the discussion centers on the early trails period, and the impact the Road Ranches made in terms of time, convenience and life style for the immigrants. The entire complex is explored with the focus on the Pre and Post Train Periods. The farming life style is viewed as the plow and hand held tools are demonstrated and the butchering process discussed by the smoke house. Throughout the class the life style necessary for survival on the early Nebraska Prairie is explored. This class ends with the hands-on experience of the students making rope.
Nebraska Social Studies/History Standards: 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.4, 1.1.5, 1.1.6, 1.1.7, 4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.5, 4.1.6, 4.1.7, 4.1.8, 4.1.11, 4.1.12, 8.1.5, 8.1.7, 8.4.3, 12.1.4, 12.1.5, 12.2.5, 12.2.9, 12.4.3
Nebraska Science Standards: 1.4.1, 1.5.3, 1.6.2, 1.7.2, 1.8.1, 4.4.3, 4.5.1, 4.6.2, 4.7.2, 4.7.3, 4.8.1, 8.7.2, 8.7.3, 12.7.3, 12.8.3
Nebraska Reading/Writing Standards: 1.3.1, 4.3.1, 4.4.1, 8.3.1
Nebraska Mathematics Standards: 1.3.5
TOWN BUILDING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:
This two hour class is available throughout the months of September and May to take advantage of the experience of Railroad town being open. This class is typically taught to sixth grade students and older. It begins across the road from the Earth Lodge as the Pawnee communities are discussed. Emphasis is placed on their farming/hunting life style. The class moves to the Log Cabin Complex. The Rural Inland Communities established before the railway system are discussed in light of the effect the rail construction locations had on them and their future existence. The class relocates at the edge of Railroad Town and the impact of the Railroad on the architectural style and community member life styles are viewed. At this point, as much of Railroad Town as possible is explored with continual focus on the Rail system’s impact. An emphasis is placed on technology as the craftsmen needed for a strong community, those being, the Blacksmith, Tinsmith and Carpenter, are explored. Government is viewed from the various buildings needed and provided through taxation, and commerce is discussed as various businesses are explored. The class ends in one of the community’s private residence, as examples of the various community member services are identified by the students.
Nebraska Social Studies/History Standards: 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.4, 1.1.5, 1.1.6, 1.1.7, 4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.3, 4.1.4, 4.1.5, 4.1.6, 4.1.7, 4.1.8, 4.1.11, 8.1.1, 8.1.2, 8.1.5, 8.1.7, 8.3.5, 8.4.3, 12.1.1, 12.1.4, 12.1.5, 12.2.5, 12.2.7, 12.2.9, 12.4.3, 12.4.4, 12.4.6
Nebraska Science Standards: 1.4.1, 1.6.2, 1.8.1, 4.3.1, 4.4.3, 4.5.1, 4.6.2, 4.6.3, 4.7.2, 4.7.3, 4.8.1, 8.7.2, 8.7.3, 12.4.4, 12.7.3,12.7.4, 12.8.3
Nebraska Reading/Writing Standards: 1.3.1, 4.3.1, 4.4.1, 8.3.1
Nebraska Mathematics Standards: 1.3.5
FIVE HOUR H.A.T.S. CLASSES
A DAY AT RURAL SCHOOL:
This five hour class takes place at the Rural School site and is available from the first of October until the end of April. It is typically taught to fourth grade students and older. The class begins at the flag pole and moves to the stable. It is established that for the day the stable is an emergency privy and the ground rules for safety on the play ground equipment are set for the recess and lunch period. The stable, pump and two privies are then discussed in light of the 1880’s. The curriculum from the two hour Rural School Life is expanded upon. More subject matter is covered in each subject and more time is spent doing drills. New subject matter introduced includes the assigning and practicing of poems and such readings as the Gettysburg Address, for an afternoon program to be presented at the end of the class. The first person experience bell is rung at noon and since the students are encouraged to bring a period appropriate lunch, discussion is held about the typical 1880’s diet as well as recycling brought up because of modern packaging. Hands-on experiences include writing with nib pens and ink, the use of slates with chalk, oral reading from various reproduction texts and two recess periods, one in the morning and one at noon experiencing jump ropes, hoop and sticks and period play ground equipment.
Nebraska Social Studies/History Standards: 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3, 1.1.4, 1.1.5, 1.1.6, 1.1.7, 1.1.8, 1.1.9, 4.1.1, 4.1.6, 4.1.11, 12.1.5
Nebraska Reading/Writing Standards: 1.3.1, 4.3.1, 4.3.2, 4.4.1, 8.1.6, 8.3.1
Nebraska Mathematics Standards: 1.2.1, 1.3.5, 4.2.1, 4.3.3
CIVIL WAR:
This five hour class is available during the month of March. It is typically taught to fourth grade students and older. It begins in the barn classroom where a power point presentation is discussed in light of the causes and effects of the American Civil War. The emphasis areas deal with economics, technology, politics and slavery. The barn loft is set up with an 1860’s encampment as the life style of the soldier is viewed and discussed. For hands-on experiences students choose a profession and fill out papers of inscription into either the Northern or Southern Army. They touch and interact with artifacts, learn the discipline of marching and drilling and participate in a mock skirmish. After the battle, a mock amputation complete with the use of period surgical instruments is performed.
Nebraska Social Studies/History Standards: 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.4, 1.1.5, 1.1.6, 1.1.7, 1.1.8, 1.1.9, 4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.6, 4.1.7, 4.1.8, 8.1.5, 8.1.6, 8.1.7, 8.4.2, 8.4.3, 12.1.3, 12.2.9
Nebraska Science Standards: 1.6.2, 1.8.1, 4.4.3, 4.6.2, 4.6.3, 4.7.3, 4.8.1, 12.4.4, 12.8.3
Nebraska Reading/Writing Standards: 1.3.1, 4.3.1, 4.4.1, 8.1.6, 8.3.1
Nebraska Mathematics Standards: 1.3.5
OVERLAND TRAILS:
This five hour class is available from the middle of September until the second week in October. It is taught to fourth grade students and older. It begins in the barn loft with a power point presentation dealing with the Oregon, California and Mormon Trails and the reason for the Great Migration. Students draw an individual persona with problems to be solved, are assigned to one of four carts and each cart is assigned their own journal in which to record the day. The water is pumped in barrels, carts are loaded in front of the barn and the trail begins. Throughout the day significant period journal entries are read as the train moves to the Taylor Ranch Store to purchase supplies, the buffalo pasture, the Earth Lodge, the “junk” trail and finally the covered wagon at the open fire pit. The carts are unloaded, fires begun, bacon and beans cooked, butter churned and biscuits warmed. During the camp period the covered wagon is studied, more period journal entries are read and discussed and personal thoughts recorded. After the “noon day meal” the carts are reloaded and another stretch of the prairie is covered. The class ends at the barn as individual cart journals are read and students explain solutions they discovered to their problems.
Nebraska Social Studies/History Standards: 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3, 1.1.4, 1.1.6, 1.1.7, 1.1.8, 1.5.1, 4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.5, 4.1.6, 4.1.7, 4.1.11, 8.1.5, 8.1.7, 12.1.4, 12.2.5, 12.4.3
Nebraska Science Standards: 1.4.1, 1.5.3, 4.6.2, 4.7.2, 4.7.3, 4.8.1, 12.4.4, 12.7.4
Nebraska Reading/Writing Standards: 4.2.4, 4.3.1, 4.4.1, 8.1.6, 8.3.1
Nebraska Mathematics Standards: 1.3.5
PIONEER LIVING:
This five hour class is available from the first week of January until the end of March. It is taught to fourth grade students and older in the Vieregg Cabin, the Hiredman’s House and the Cleary Farmhouse. The students are greeted outside the individual sites and the exterior structures, such as summer kitchens, smoke houses, storage cellars and privies are explained. The hands-on activities involve students participating in the production of a meal from basic ingredients. Each student cuts vegetables for stew, husks, shells, grind and sift corn which is baked into corn gems, churns butter, and prepares corn cob jelly. All of this is done on a wood burning stove. The emphasis of the day is on survival on the frontier and the daily challenges. Opportunities through out the day to teach the impact of advancing technology and science present themselves. At the completion of the day dishes are hand washed, the sites are cleaned and candles are dipped. In the final discussion comparisons are made focusing on children’s physical work, responsibilities and family life styles on the prairie in the past to those of today.
Nebraska Social Studies/History Standards: 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.4, 1.1.5, 1.1.6, 1.1.7, 1.1.8, 4.1.1, 4.1.7, 4.1.8
Nebraska Science Standards: 1.4.1, 1.6.2, 1.7.2, 1.8.1, 4.3.1, 4.6.2, 4.7.2, 4.8.1, 8.3.1, 8.7.3, 12.7.3, 12.8.3
Nebraska Reading/Writing Standards: 1.3.1, 4.3.1, 4.4.1, 8.3.1
Nebraska Mathematics Standards: 1.3.5
