Loan items are available free of charge and may be borrowed for two weeks. Items must be picked-up and returned to the Palo Alto Visitor Center. For more information, e-mail us or call (956) 541-2785, ext. 333.

Video: War on the Rio Grande
This 15-minute documentary provides a comprehensive overview of the Battle of Palo Alto and the U.S.-Mexican War. Vivid action scenes bring the story of the battle and war to life.

Video: Eyewitness to War News
This educational video targets elementary and middle school students. Based on a local news format, the Battle of Palo Alto and U.S.-Mexican War are the feature stories. Other segments include women, food, health, and weather. (Note: This half-hour video can be shown in segments.) Can be downloaded from the “For Kids” section of this website.

"Life of a Soldier" Traveling Trunk
Engage your students in hands-on, interactive learning!

By trying on and examining U.S. and Mexican military uniforms and equipment, your students will better understand the daily life of a U.S.-Mexican War soldier. TEKS-based lesson plans teach about the causes and consequences of the U.S.-Mexican War and the life of a soldier during the war. Materials include replica uniforms and accoutrements, an educator overview, lesson plans and student worksheets, and a timeline. Trunks target students in grades 4 –7.

In addition, these trunks can serve as mini-museums. They can be set up as exhibits or used to kick-off or conclude your studies on the U.S.-Mexican War.

Flat Ranger
Discover National Parks with Flat Ranger!

Children make paper cutout rangers and mail them to National Parks. These Flat Rangers travel with a passport and a letter to different National Parks, asking the Park to mail them information, stamp the passport, and forward the Ranger to another Park. When Palo Alto receives the Flat Ranger, they mail it back to the student.

Throughout the year students receive brochures, educational materials, stickers, and other items from National Parks. Their imagination is fueled as they explore wonderlands such as Denali and Yellowstone and learn about important historical events.

The Flat Ranger program is correlated to the Texas education standards with extensions in language arts, mathematics, and social studies.

Take a Hike Educational Kit
Discover National Parks while learning math and geography! This interactive educational game comes with lesson plans and student activities.

Yellowstone National Park Exploration Kit
Explore Yellowstone – the first National Park! This kit contains a video, lesson plans, and maps.