Mission San Luis is carrying the story of Florida's Spanish missions throughout the state. This program is called Extensión San Luis. Its purpose is to create greater awareness among school children of the roles played by people of Spanish origin and by Native Americans in the history of Florida. Some Extensión San Luis programs also stress Spanish language skills and ESOL advancement.

Extensión San Luis programs feature hands-on, interactive learning. They each highlight important issues and themes of the Mission San Luis story as well as the history of Florida. Artifacts, activities, and role-playing are central to the experiences provided. An interactive timeline provides historical context for each program. Costumed museum teachers bring history alive in the classrooms they visit. As part of every program, students undertake individual "make and take" craft activities. Teachers are provided with pre- and post-visit materials including vocabulary, lesson plans, and additional materials that reinforce the educational impact of Extensión San Luis programs.

Each Extensión San Luis program

• Features hands-on learning
• Begins with an interactive timeline
• Highlights important issues and themes in Florida history
• Uses artifacts, activities, or role playing
• Includes at least one student "make and take" project
• Provides pre- and post-visit lesson plans and activities for teacher use
• Can be tailored to individual classroom needs

1) Apalachee Customs and Culture: The Ball Game

The Ball Game becomes a springboard to a better understanding of Apalachee mythology, religious beliefs, cultural change, and stability. Information is imparted using creative dramatics and historic documents. A game is then played. This program can be adapted to individual classrooms or a schoolyard setting.

Sunshine State Standards, Benchmark(s):
SS.A.1.2, SS.A.6.2
PE.A.1.2, PE.A.22, PE.B.2.2
LA.C.1.2, LA.C,3.2
TH.A.1.2, TH.C.1.2, TH.D.1.2

Grade Level: 3–5

2) From There to Here: Adventures of a Merchant Mariner

This program is a highly interactive learning experience designed to illuminate important information and concepts. It focuses on the techniques of navigation, international trade, the factors that encouraged colonization, and cultural diversity. It incorporates elements of history, science, mathematics, economics, and political and social science. The costumed museum teacher will transform your classroom into a 17th century market place by bringing along trade goods. The museum teacher will also facilitate role playing experiences that enhance learning.

Sunshine State Standards, Benchmark(s):
LA.C.A.1.2, LA.C.2.2, LA.C.3.2,
MA.A.1.2, MA.B.1.2, MA.B.3.2, MA.B.4.2, MA.D.1.2,
SC.C.1.2, SC.E.1.2, SC.H.3.2,
SS.A.1.2, SS.A.2.2, SS.A.4.2, SS.A.6.2, SS.B.1.2, SS.D.2.2

Grade Level: 3–5

3) A Child’s Life in 17th Century Florida

A 17th century child's life included work as well as play. Your students will participate in period games, play with toys the children of Spanish Florida were familiar with, and learn about their pastimes. The expectations that adults had of children, the chores they were expected to perform, and the schooling they received are also explored. Period clothing is used to facilitate role playing and the discussion of gender roles. Group activities are emphasized.

Sun Shine Sunshine State Standards, Benchmark(s):
LA.C.1.2, LA.C.3.2
MA.A.1.2
SS.A.1.2
MU.C.1.2
VA.C.1.2
PE.A.1.2, PE.A.2.2, PE.B.2.2

Grade Level: 3–5

4) Native Adventures: Apalachee Customs and Culture

Students explore the lifestyle and customs of the native people of Mission San Luis. Insights gleaned from understanding the work of archaeologists enable students to better comprehend Apalachee culture. This story comes to life in your classroom through a broad spectrum of student-oriented activities such as tanning, sewing, cordage making and corn grinding. Museum teachers stress adaptations to the natural environment as reflected in foodways and technology. Liberal use of artifacts is made to demonstrate and illuminate the lesson.

Sunshine State Standards, Benchmark(s):
LA.C.1.2, LA.C.2.2,
MA.A.1.2, MA.B.1.2, MA.B.4.2,
SC.D.2.2, SC.G.1.2, SC.G.2.2, SC.H.3.2,
SS.A.1.2, SS.A.6.2, SS.B.2.2, SS.D.1.2

Grade Level: 3–5

4) Florida's Hispanic Heritage

The roles, accomplishments, and impact of Florida's first European inhabitants as well as related developments in Florida's history are introduced to students employing an interactive timeline. By exploring this timeline and through the examination of artifacts, students become familiar with Florida's Spanish and Native American origins. Groups explore aspects of Spanish heritage through period clothing, calligraphy, and flag making. This program may be presented in Spanish or English or a combination of both. It also may be structured for ESOL students.

Sunshine State Standards, Benchmark(s):
LA.C.1.2, LA.C.2.2, LA.C.3.2,
SS.A1.2, SS.A.2.2, SS.A.4.2, SS.B.1.2, SS.B.2.2, SS.D.1.2, SS.D.2.2,
FL.B.1.2, FL.D.2.2,
VA.C.1.2

Grade Level: 1–8