Skip to content Skip to navigation

Traveling Trunk Programs

 

We are in the process of revising our Traveling Trunks Program. Unfortunately, for the time being we are not able to offer volunteer-led presentations of our Traveling Trunks to your classes. Trunks are still available to be checked out by teachers for up to 2 weeks at a time. We will still drop off to and pick up from your classroom. If you would like to check out a trunk , please call 505-277-2924 or email maxeducation@unm.edu.

Consider volunteering with the education program.

Explore Southwest Archaeology

Practice using artifacts and ecofacts to investigate southwestern cultures dating from Paleo-Indian through early Pueblo periods. Your choices include:

Ancient Tools and Technologies

collection of tools

Recommended Ages: 1st - 5th grade

Learn about early technologies of the southwest by using "ancient" tools from our collection.  Your group will process yucca, make rope, set traps, "make fire" and use pump drills.

Download Inventory of Contents

Schedule here

Explore World Culture

Gain appreciation for other cultures by exploring their artistic traditions. Your choices include Music, Hispanic culture and Native American Culture.

Instruments From Around the World

Recommended Ages: all ages

Explore the richness of world cultures by experiencing folk music: Shake, rattle and explore our collection of musical instruments. Sing, dance and hear music from around the world!

Download Inventory of Contents

Schedule here

Explore Native American Culture

Encounter the Native American cultures of the Southwest through the study of their artistic traditions. Your choices include:

Pueblo Pottery

Pueblo Pottery

Recommended Ages: all ages

Compare and contrast the many types of Pueblo pottery. Identify the different Pueblo groups. Learn about the materials and techniques used to make a pot by participating in one of the following activities:

Activity Options:  

Yucca Paintbrush: Use stone scrapers to make paintbrushes from yucca leaves.  (This is an easy activity for all ages.)

Clay Pot (Add $10.00 per group for materials): Includes enough clay for each person to make a pot based on the traditional coil technique.  (Recommended for 3rd grade and up.)

Download Inventory of Contents

Schedule here

Weaving in the Southwest

Weaving in SW

Recommended Ages: all ages

Discover how the people of the Southwest used their environment to produce a variety of baskets and textiles.  Participate in one of the following activities and experience the complexity and skill involved in the weaving process: 

Activity Options: 

Paper Weaving: Use paper strips to make mats or baskets.  (Baskets are challenging for young hands.)

Loom Kit (Add $10.00 per group for materials): Includes one cardboard loom per individual plus enough yarn to complete a small rug.  (Recommended for 4th grade and up.)

Download Inventory of Contents

Schedule here

Explore Hispanic Culture

Study the Hispanic culture of New Mexico: Learn about the early colonists and how their struggle to survive influenced their cultural traditions.

Hearth and Home

Hearth and Home

Recommended Ages: all ages

Study the arrival of the Spaniards in New Mexico.  Learn about the lifestyle of the early colonists: what their homes, food and clothing were like and how they used their environment to survive. Choose an activity that reflects their domestic traditions:

Activity Options:

Ramillettes:  Cut "little paper bouquets" out of scrap paper.  (This easy activity is good for all ages.)

Tinwork (Add $10.00 per group for materials): Make a small frame from light gauge aluminum.   (Difficult for young hands.)

 

Download inventory of contents

Schedule here