Outdoor Classroom

Bring your students to our outdoor classroom! Here they can experience hands-on learning in a real-world environment. Our programs engage students in scientific observation, ecological relationships, Earth systems and conservation practices.

• Skins and Skulls (K-12)
• Raving About Raptors (K-12)
• Sounds of the Night (K-12)
• Phases of the Moon (K-8)
• Watershed and Aquifers (3-12)
• Damsels and Dragons/Frogs as Quality Indicators (30-12)
• Fossils and Fuels (3-12)
• Backyard Bass (3-12)

Skins and Skulls (K-12)

We will look at the skins and skulls of herbivores, carnivores and omnivores found in our park. We will discuss the physical characteristics of each animal and how they help scientists determine what that animal eats and the role it plays in the environment.

TEKS alignment:

K.10(A): Observe and describe living and nonliving components of environments

1.10(A): Investigate how animals use structures to survive

3.12(A): Describe how structures and functions help organisms survive

4.12(A): Investigate how adaptations help organisms survive in ecosystems

5.12(B): Describe how organisms interact within ecosystems

MS 7.12(A): Investigate and explain how internal and external structures support survival

Biology B.12(A): Analyze interdependence and interactions in ecosystems

Raving about Raptors (K-12)

In this program, we focus on the apex predators of the skies. Students will learn about birds of prey and the adaptations that make them successful hunters in their specific ecological niche. We also discuss how conservation has led to the recovery of bald eagles.

TEKS alignment:

K.10(A): Observe organisms in environments

3.12(B): Identify predator-prey relationships

4.12(B): Describe food chains and food webs

5.12(A): Observe how organisms interact in ecosystems

MS 7.12(B): Explain ecological relationships

Biology B.12(C): Analyze ecosystem stability and change

Sounds of the Night (K-12)

Nocturnal and crepuscular wildlife have different adaptations that allow them to thrive in low light. We’ll discuss these animals and their adaptations and spend time identifying animals by their sounds. We will also learn about the impact of artificial light on wildlife and circadian rhythms.

TEKS alignment:

1.10(A): Investigate animal structures and behaviors

3.12(A): Identify adaptations that help organisms survive

4.12(A): Examine how organisms respond to environmental changes

MS 7.13(A): Analyze how environmental changes affect organisms

Biology B.11(B): Investigate environmental factors affecting organisms

Phases of the Moon (K-8)

Students will learn about the phases of the moon and the relationship between the earth, moon and sun. We discuss how orbital changes affect the tides and wildlife, and why we only see one side of the moon. What causes phenomena such as eclipses, blood moons, super moons and new moons? We will talk about that!

TEKS Alignment:

1.11(A): Observe and record changes in the sky

3.11(B): Investigate the Sun, Earth, and Moon system

5.11(A): Explore the processes of the Earth-Moon-Sun system

MS 8.9(A): Model Earth-Moon-Sun interactions

Watershed and Aquifers (3-12)

Students will learn about aquifers (how rainwater soaks into the ground to create underground water sources) and watersheds (how rainwater fills lakes, creeks and rivers when soil is saturated). We’ll also discuss human impacts on the water we need to survive.

TEKS alignment:

3.10(A): Investigate how water moves through the environment

5.11(C): Describe how water cycles through Earth systems

MS 8.10(A): Describe interactions between water and Earth systems

Environmental Science E.6(A): Analyze water conservation and sustainability

Damsels & Dragons/Frogs as Quality Indicators (3-12)

 Students explore the life cycles of either frogs or damselflies and dragonflies and learn about the important role of water at every stage. After a demonstration, we will discuss how these creatures are indicators of the health of the environment.

TEKS alignment:

3.12(B): Describe life cycles of organisms

4.12(A): Investigate organism survival and adaptation

5.12(A): Investigate ecosystem relationships

MS 7.12(C): Explain organism-environment relationships

Biology B.12(B): Analyze ecosystem components

Fossils and Fuels (3-12)

Students learn how fossils and fossil fuels form over time using a hands-on activity. We  will discuss renewable versus nonrenewable resources, and possibly compare types of rocks.

TEKS alignment:

3.10(B): Observe natural processes

4.10(B): Identify slow changes to Earth’s surface

5.10(A): Explore Earth processes

MS 8.10(C): Identify renewable and nonrenewable resources

Environmental Science E.7(A): Analyze energy resources

Backyard Bass (3-12)

Using a fun, land-based fishing activity, students will learn about fishing regulations and fish population management. Students will practice casting a rod to catch a fish, and then determine if they can keep the fish. We will also cover Leave No Trace principles for environmental responsibility.

TEKS alignment:

3.12(A): Describe environmental effects on organisms

4.12(B): Investigate ecosystem interactions

5.12(C): Predict ecosystem changes

MS 7.13(B): Describe human impact on ecosystems

Environmental Science E.3(A): Analyze human-environment interactions