The excavation of the shipwreck La Belle grabbed public 
attention in Texas, across the nation, and overseas. Especially 
enthralled with the discoveries from the ship were schoolchildren.

    Pam Wheat-Stranahan, named by the Texas Historical 
Commission to head the educational efforts associated with the 
excavation's traveling exhibit, continued her work on this project 
after leaving the THC. Now, her teacher's guide, which includes a 
DVD of acclaimed documentary director Alan Govenar's films 
The Shipwreck of La Belle and Dreams of Conquest (about Fort 
St. Louis and Presidio La Bahia), is available for use in an 
exploration and discovery unit. Ideal for grades 4–8, the teacher's 
guide and films are designed for use with the book From a Watery 
Grave.

    Wheat-Stranahan has incorporated the standards for national 
social studies and the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. The 
resulting guide is user-friendly for teachers and provides interactive 
learning opportunities for students not just about Texas history 
but also concerning the age of discovery and the precursors to the 
American nation.

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PAM WHEAT-STRANAHAN is executive director of the Texas 
Archeological Society and a long-time educator. She currently 
resides in Fulton. ALAN GOVENAR is a writer, folklorist, 
photographer, and filmmaker. He is president and founder of the 
nonprofit Documentary Arts, Inc. He lives in Dallas.