“The Mob Museum educational outreach program was a breath of fresh air to our curriculum. Not only did the lesson being taught relate to the content of the unit and the standards of the state, but I was able to often refer to the presentation when we were studying other aspects of U.S. history. Our presenter was engaging and the kids loved her. We look forward to having them back again!”
Benjamin Lacombe, U.S. History teacher, Southwest Career & Technical Academy
Imagine closely examining a soda bottle from the Prohibition Era, discovering the tricks to staying cool in Las Vegas before air conditioning or analyzing fingerprints just like a crime scene investigator. Students can do that and more, right in the classroom.
Museum educators travel to schools with historical objects and activities to deliver hands-on presentations. Students use standards-based strategies to interpret primary sources and bring social studies and science curriculum to life.
50-minute presentations | Available in person or in a live virtual format.
For more information, please contact education@themobmuseum.org or 702.724.8687.
The creation of this program was generously funded by the Las Vegas Centennial Commission.
Program Topics
BUILDING LAS VEGAS: A RAILROAD TOWN (GRADES 2-7)
How did we build this community in the desert? Students learn how the railroad created Las Vegas as educators present artifacts and images related to the city’s 1905 settlement and its early years.
Please note: This program has a version for grades 2-3 and a version for grades 4-7.
Las Vegas and Hoover Dam (GRADES 2-7)
Why is Hoover Dam so important to Las Vegas? Students will discover why the dam was built and what life was like during construction.
Mob-Mobile Investigation Experience (GRADES 4-8)
Students step inside the Mob Museum’s specially outfitted “Mob-Mobile” surveillance vehicle and learn about audio and video surveillance technologies used by law enforcement. Outdoor space is required.
Las Vegas: Living with the Desert (GRADES 4-8)
What are the special considerations for a city in the Mojave Desert? This interdisciplinary presentation explores the history and environmental science of Las Vegas in its early years.
Las Vegas through the Ages (GRADES 4-12)
A crash course in Las Vegas history! Educators bring the history of Las Vegas to life through objects, images and stories — from the native Paiutes to the military and beyond.
Please note: This program has an elementary version and a middle/high version.
Fingerprints and Forensics (GRADES 4-12)
Learn how to identify fingerprints – including your own! Students investigate the science and history behind fingerprinting while they record and analyze their own prints.
Please note: This program has an elementary version and a middle/high version.
Engineering the Hoover Dam (GRADES 6-12)
One of America’s greatest engineering marvels is right in our backyard! Students explore how the Hoover Dam was built and how it provides vital resources to the American Southwest.
The Civil Rights Movement in Las Vegas (GRADES 6-12)
Step back in time to the Las Vegas civil rights movement. Learn about the discrimination faced by Black Las Vegans and how the Westside community — and beyond — helped establish equality.
Prohibition in America (GRADES 7-12)
See the explosive changes that took place during Prohibition. Through objects, historical documents and colorful characters, explore the lessons learned and how they continue to affect society.
Investigating the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre (GRADES 7-12)
True crime meets history class! Examine the crime that turned people against Prohibition and introduced them to forensic science. Students also discover how firearms examiners analyze bullets.
Las Vegas and the Mob (GRADES 9-12)
Many people think the Mob created Las Vegas. Students learn the real story behind how the Mob transformed Las Vegas and meet the criminals who ran the city’s early casinos.
