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students will examine how different parts of the bathhouse functioned by using historical analysis skills incorporating historical documents and images as well as public presentation skills.
This program has been developed for 4th graders but has been successful for students grades 2-5.
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This program pairs well with classes on the history of science, using historical documents for analysis, early 20th century culture, and Arkansas History.The program begins at the Display Spring behind the Fordyce Bathhouse where students will use historical images to create a park chronology. This allows students to begin using primary documents to build the story of people and place.
The program then moves through the 1st and 3rd floor of the Fordyce Bathhouse. Students will use historical images to build understanding of the operations of the Fordyce Bathhouse.
Teachers can download the materials below for a description of the state standards and program objectives related to this program.
*The education team is in the process of developing pre and post-visit presentation materials.
Program Logistics
In-park programs are typically scheduled for 1.5 hours. The first half-hour in the program time allows flexibility for arrival times and restroom needs. Students are able to use the restrooms either in our basement restrooms or the public restrooms along Bathhouse Row prior to the program beginning.Because the program takes place in a high volume museum, the program begins between 9am and 10am.
"Turning Water into Medicine" is primarily an indoor program, with a short introduction next to a thermal springs. Students will be walking on pavement during the entirety of the program. Due to the short time outside, appropriate layers are recommended. See the Hot Springs weather forecast here:7-Day Forecast 34.49N 93.06W (weather.gov)
After the ranger-led program, groups are welcome to explore other areas in the park.
* Fordyce Bathhouse: 17-minute park film.
* Junior Ranger program: Request books in advance or at the Fordyce front desk.
* Hot Springs Mountain Tower
* Hiking
* Picnic areas at Gulpha Gorge Picnic Area, Hot Springs Mountain, and West Mountain.
Chaperones
Groups are ideally no larger than 20 students. Having 1 adult chaperone per 5 students is preferred. Chaperones are expected to help group movement, help students make curriculum connections, and help during any emergency events.
Pick Up and Drop Off
For all social studies programs, groups will meet in front of the Fordyce Bathhouse Museum and Visitor Center in the middle of Bathhouse Row at 369 Central Ave.
Buses can drop off and pick up students in front of the Fordyce.
Nearby parking options include City of Hot Springs Visitor Center (629 Central Avenue), Exchange Street Parking Garage (274 Exchange Street), and street parking on nearby side streets.
Materials
Last updated: April 22, 2025