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Mountain man School Presentation

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bjrogg:
I still remember when my oldest son asked me to do a demonstration on trapping at his school. I set a 220 cona bear in a bucket. Asked if anyone knew what it was? Explained how it worked, kinda like a big mouse trap. Then I touched trigger wire with broom stick. No further explanation was needed. Kids and adults do like visuals. Especially ones that give a reaction.
Bjrogg
PS pretty sure most of those kids remember it to. They also all really liked tanned fur hides. Might kick me out of school and paint my truck pink now, but I'd still give it a try.

Outbackbob48:
Brian, I have done quite a few knapping demo at schools , I always bring a striker and a pc of flint for a shower of sparks to show fire capability's, not sure if it's consider art, to me they are all functional tools , to some maybe art, all in the eye of the beholder. Bob

BrianS:
Thanks to all for their suggestions. This what I have so far:
1. Explain who Western Fur Trappers (Mountain Men) were
2. Explain that art can be much more than just paintings in a Gallery. Here is the description I plan to use, Art is the expression of human creative skill and imagination
3. Show gear that fits that description / bows, arrows, bead and quill work, scrimshaw, trade silver, clothing etc.
I will post after I do the presentation and let everyone know how it went. I am doing it in a couple of weeks.
Thanks again for the help,
brian

YosemiteBen:
You can start off talking about how things were made out of necessity and later as they were owned longer and needs were met (boredom takes over) art began to take over. Wood burning, etching/scrimshawing, beading etc. Being a cultural demonstrator I get to do that a lot.

JEB:
Mike Cook and I set up knapping displays at an Indian Information Center last fall for school kids to view. There several other presenters as well,black smiths, hut builders, re-enactors, net makers etc. We were scattered about the grounds and the kids went from station to station in groups of about 20.  Milke had a table set up with stone points and I had a table set up with stone knives. We also had other knapping tools and would show the kids how to make stone tools, knives and points.  Dang near every boy that came along tried to grab one of my knives and I had to explain they couldn't handle them.  They were so busy trying to get there hands on them that I could flint knap while they were around.

Moral of the story is that if you have a table display you may want to have someone with you to keep an eye on things while you do your presentation. 

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