Journal Entry #1: Today we went out to the banks of Lake LBJ to learn about ancient civilizations in Texas. We had the opportunity to look at an archaeological site which revealed how native Americans once lived. We also got the chance to do some digging as well. We turned up arrow heads made of flint, burnt rocks from campfires, broken pottery, and some seashells from a last supper. We even got the chance to throw an Atl-Atl, which is a type of spear/projectile used to once hunt Bison about 5,000 years ago.

For further information, see these related topics on the Web: Ancient Civilizations, Indian Tribes, and Southwestern Archaeology.

History Grade 5- Journal Entry #1: Today we went to the Pioneer Museum Complex in Fredericksburg. We are studying a unit on frontier life, and today we get to see how early German and Czechoslovakian immigrants lived. We are using this as a model to compare to early Americans in the 1700's. We saw a neat General Store, an authentic log cabin, and some looms where early pioneers made their own clothing.

For further information, look on the Web: Pioneers ( Leaves of Grass), and Travel Org. Texas

History Grade 5 - Journal Entry #2: Today we took a tour of the State Capitol Complex, Governors Mansion, and Supreme Court Building. While at the Capitol, we saw the new underground extension, and got to see one of the State Representatives' office. At the Governors Mansion we learned all about the history of this magnificent structure and its past occupants. Then we took a tour of the Supreme Court Building and even got to sit in the Justices actual chairs. They fit pretty good; I think I will look into law school after I graduate from Kirby Hall School.

For further information, look on the Web: State of Texas Tourist Information; State Court Locator

History Grade 6- Journal Entry #1: Today we went to the Nimitz Museum in Fredericksburg. We saw fantastic displays from the war in the Pacific during World War II. The museum is located in an old hotel and is named after Admiral Chester Nimitz, whose family once ran the hotel. Inside the museum there is all kinds of memorabilia and interactive displays from World War II. Outside the museum, there is a Japanese Tea Garden which was a gift to the museum after Admiral Nimitz's death. There is also an awesome display of World War II fighter planes, submarines, tanks, and other related hardware. We even got to crawl through a series of tunnels which led to numerous foxholes.

History Grade 7- Journal Entry #1: As part of our unit on Spanish Missions in Texas, Mr. Rumrich took us to camp overnight at Goliad State Park. At the park there is one of the oldest missions in Texas. We took a tour to see where Spanish Friars taught the Native Americans about Christianity and about better ways to improve their everyday life.

We also got to see the Presidio "La Bahia", where General Fannin and his 300 troops were massacred in 1836. We even took some target practice with and authentic 18 pound cannon. After our tour of the Presidio, we took a walking tour of downtown Goliad. Included in the walk was a stop at the " hanging tree ", where Texas style justice was dispensed in quick fashion in the 1880's. Overall, it has been going to different field trips at Kirby Hall School. We learn the basics in the classroom but get to see some "hands-on" material which we cannot see in the classroom.

For further information of the Web, see: The Alamo and Old Town Interactive Project.