Traveling Trunks
Kapok: America’s Lifesaver
In the early 1900s, the United States Navy relied on life jackets made from cork, but they were heavy and rigid and could cause injuries to the wearer when jumping into water. In 1915, the United States Navy began using kapok fiber, a buoyant, lightweight fiber from a tropical tree, to help save the lives of those who traveled by sea throughout two world wars.
Learn about the development and use of the Kapok life jacket from WWI to WWII! Students can analyze the buoyant materials used from 1914 to 1945 and determine which was more suitable. Each trunk includes a cork life jacket, a Kapok life jacket, cork and Kapok materials, and worksheets to accompany the provided lesson.
Reserving a Trunk
Each Traveling Trunk may be borrowed from the Battleship Texas for up to two weeks. Borrowers may request additional time for the trunk, but approval will be based on availability. Trunks must be shipped and returned in the designated container in which they arrive. Failure to return the trunk will disqualify the borrower from the program and make them liable for lost property. Please do not email or call to request a trunk.
All borrowers assume responsibility for the contents of the trunk provided. If items are lost or damaged, please inform the Education Department immediately. Each trunk will contain an inventory of what is included.
Shipping the Trunk
Trunks will be shipped directly to the school before the requested dates. Trunks can not be sent to personal addresses or places of residence. The borrower will return the trunk using the provided return label.
Fill out the form below to sign up for email notifications when this and other educational programs become available!