Field Trips
- Grade Level:
- Upper Elementary: Third Grade through Fifth Grade
- Subject:
- Social Studies
- State Standards:
- H.12.4.1 Create historical narratives using chronological sequences D2.His.1.3-5
H.12.4.5 Reference historic places and national parks to guide inquiry about history
H.13.4.1 Describe ways people’s perspectives shaped the historical sources they created
"Turning Water into Medicine" is a student-led history program exploring the transformation of Hot Springs from a mountainside of open thermal springs into Bathhouse Row with its highly sophisticated medical practices. The program begins along Bathhouse Row, at the Display Springs to briefly introduce the geology of the water. The bulk of the program takes place inside the historic Fordyce Bathhouse Museum, where students will examine how different parts of the bathhouse functioned by using historical analysis skills incorporating historical documents and images as well as public presentation skills.
Curriculum Connections
This program pairs well with classes on the history of science, using historical documents for analysis, early 20th century culture, and Arkansas History.Program Length and Grade Range
This program has been developed for 4th graders but has been successful for students grades 2-5. It lasts 1 to 1.5 hours.Program Logistics
Groups are ideally no larger than 20 students. Having 1 adult chaperone per 5 students is preferred.Due to high visitation during much of the year, “Turning Water into Medicine” program begins between 9am and 10am. Later start times may be approved on a case-by-case basis.
Last updated: January 18, 2024