The General Tommy Franks Road Show and mobile classroom began visiting all seven Comal ISD middle schools Tuesday and will wrap up its tour Friday, March 1. The Road Show is a 60-foot-long truck and trailer complete with graphics and images from around the world with exhibits inside sure to engage students.
The district has a long-standing history with the traveling exhibit, which makes its way to the Hill Country every year. Geared to students in the sixth grade, Spring Branch Middle School students walked through the museum Wednesday and Assistant Principal Bobby Watson said he is always impressed by how it is managed. For example, each student entering the exhibit was given a card with specific artifacts to look for within the truck, ensuring their attention.
“This exhibit exposes students to items they are not normally exposed to and goes along with what they are studying in the classroom,” Watson said.
Showcasing cultural, social and geographical pieces as well as information from 25 countries in Africa, the Middle East and South-Central Asia, the Road Show provides teachers with historical evidence that students generally see through pictures inside textbooks. Items include cultural dress and clothing, handcrafted items, children’s toys and ceremonial artifacts.
“An important part of our standards is for students to analyze primary sources and artifacts,” says Margaret Hamilton, CISD social studies instructional specialist. “This museum offers both of these in a very authentic manner. We could not duplicate this experience and are grateful for the visit.”
The Road Show tours Oklahoma and Texas schools free of charge. For more information, visit TommyFranksMuseum.org.
Photos courtesy of SBMS Yearbook Staff.
Photo 1: The General Tommy Franks Road Show and mobile classroom was parked outside the Spring Branch Middle School Gym on Wednesday, Feb. 20.
Photo 2: SBMS sixth graders Levi Aaron and Raelyn Hinojosa study artifacts in the General Tommy Franks Road Show and mobile classroom.
Photo 3: SBMS sixth grader Brooke Henri reads her guide sheet for the General Tommy Franks Road Show and mobile classroom.
Photo 4: SBMS sixth graders Saul Rico, Emily Williams and Jena Rust take turns looking through the Tommy Franks Road Show and mobile classroom.
Photo 5: Special Education Paraprofessional Cameron Eller talks with SBMS sixth grader Charles Heggie while going through the Tommy Franks Road Show and mobile classroom exhibit.