The Institute of Texan Cultures has partnered with the UT San Antonio Youth Artist Program and San Antonio Independent School District’s Mark Twain Dual Language Academy to test a new traveling trunk. As part of the museum's Texkit traveling trunk program, students in fourth-grade art classes explored fibers and textiles through touch, art, and experimentation right in their classrooms.
The newest ITC Texkit, entitled ‘Explore the Lone Star: Field to Fabric,’ has pathways into multiple subjects across various grade levels. Over the years, the institute’s Texkits program has offered educators a unique way to bring the essence of a museum to life in the classroom. These “portable exhibits” provide thoughtfully curated hands-on lessons that complement the curriculum and make learning interactive and memorable.
“Hands-on and classroom learning have been part of the institute’s mission since the beginning,” said Liz Lopez, ITC’s curator of education. “We’ve been redeveloping the Texkits to add new resources and fulfill the latest Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills requirements. They have the objects and lessons to create effective and impactful classroom experiences.”
Over three weeks, ITC educators guided students through a hands-on project. Week one introduced the Texkit objects and Texas textile history. Week two began an art project using paper plates as makeshift looms. Students drew and painted a landscape in the center reminding them of the many types of plants that can grow in different eco-regions, and then used the plate painting as a background for a woven tree using yarn. They completed the project in week three.
“Our students were completely engaged from the moment the Texkit arrived,” said Mark Twain art teacher Liz Diaz. “Being able to touch the fibers, see how yarn is made, and actually weave their own designs made the history and science of textiles come alive. It’s a great way to connect so many subjects through art.”
Testing the lessons with Mark Twain classes provided insights that will help the institute refine its approach and build a template for other subjects and disciplines such as music, dance and food.
“The program demonstrates how museum-quality learning can thrive outside museum walls, directly in the classroom,” said Lopez.
Explore the Lone Star: Field to Fabric kit can be used in multiple grade levels:
4th Grade: Cotton & Cloth
Students explore the history of the Texas cotton industry and its evolution to the present. Through an art project, they learn the process of making thread and weaving it into cloth.
7th Grade: Dyeing & Environment
Lessons focus on the chemical and environmental processes behind natural dye-making, connecting science and art.
High School: Industry & Economics
Older students study agricultural and industrial textile processes, the arts as a tourism generator, and textiles’ role in society.
The ITC continues to welcome outreach and in-school opportunities. To contact an ITC educator about lesson plans, classroom visits, Texkits and partnership opportunities, visit TexanCultures.utsa.edu/learn.