This weekend, on my family's road trip to eat some delicious BBQ at The Salt Lick, we happened to be driving by my old Alma Mater (I was the last graduating class of Southwest Texas State University, now called Texas State University) and I made my husband quickly pull off the interstate so that I could take my girls to see Aquarena Springs and ride on the glass-bottom boats.
We had a great time and the girls were amazed to see all of the life that was going on beneath the surface of the river. Thousands of springs were bubbling up from the Edwards Aquifer. Spring Lake is also home to one of the most dense turtle populations ever studied in the United States, so they saw their fair share of several different turtle species (up close).
But the part that really got the science teacher in me thinking was when we visited their indoor discovery hall and aquarium exhibit. We were able to see several Endangered Species, such as the Texas Blind Salamander, San Marcos Salamanders, and Fountain Darters. I started thinking how simple it would be to take a local (well...semi-local for me) spot like this, with so many educational opportunities and bring them into my classroom, or other classrooms across the state.
In 8th grade, we teach concepts, such as biodiversity, symbiotic relationships, and human impact on the environment. In 7th grade, students model the effects of human activity on groundwater and surface water in a watershed. All of these things could easily be tied in with a lesson about the local rivers in your area. Science is right outside the 4 walls of your classroom, if you just look for it.
I happen to be fortunate to be located just a few miles down the road from Enchanted Rock State Park. We have been able to partner up with the rangers on several occasions to have them speak to the students about the importance of conservation and keeping walking trails to a minimum. Students discover what vernal pools are (and the tiny creatures that are a part of this fragile habitat) and see primary succession occurring on the giant granite dome with lichens.
This year, I am having another Star Party for my 8th graders and their families. It is hosted by our local Hill Country Astronomers group and it gives my students a chance to look through some high-powered telescopes at the celestial objects we are studying in class. Talk about making learning tangible and real! Most students have never had the chance to look at these things up close. There's a big difference in looking at the moon in a textbook vs. seeing the craters up close with your own eyes.
Today I am going with some co-workers to check out a new science center that is coming to Johnson City, Texas called the Science Mill. They will be offering many different exciting and interactive exhibits and programs. With a special focus on middle and high schools students, the Science Mill hopes to help expand students' understanding of science and spark their curiosity and inspire them towards an interest in STEM careers.
The great part about working with these groups and organizations is that they really try and incorporate the concepts that are required by the state for each grade level into their activities and presentations. This is a constant concern of mine, since I teach 8th grade and have the stress and pressure of the STAAR test looming over my head at all times. It's difficult to give up precious instructional time, but when you know that your students are being exposed to the material in different ways, you can relax and know that it will all work out (and in a lot of cases, these experiences will have a much greater effect than anything you could have done within the confines of the 4 walls of your classroom.)
We had a great time and the girls were amazed to see all of the life that was going on beneath the surface of the river. Thousands of springs were bubbling up from the Edwards Aquifer. Spring Lake is also home to one of the most dense turtle populations ever studied in the United States, so they saw their fair share of several different turtle species (up close).
But the part that really got the science teacher in me thinking was when we visited their indoor discovery hall and aquarium exhibit. We were able to see several Endangered Species, such as the Texas Blind Salamander, San Marcos Salamanders, and Fountain Darters. I started thinking how simple it would be to take a local (well...semi-local for me) spot like this, with so many educational opportunities and bring them into my classroom, or other classrooms across the state.
In 8th grade, we teach concepts, such as biodiversity, symbiotic relationships, and human impact on the environment. In 7th grade, students model the effects of human activity on groundwater and surface water in a watershed. All of these things could easily be tied in with a lesson about the local rivers in your area. Science is right outside the 4 walls of your classroom, if you just look for it.
I happen to be fortunate to be located just a few miles down the road from Enchanted Rock State Park. We have been able to partner up with the rangers on several occasions to have them speak to the students about the importance of conservation and keeping walking trails to a minimum. Students discover what vernal pools are (and the tiny creatures that are a part of this fragile habitat) and see primary succession occurring on the giant granite dome with lichens.
This year, I am having another Star Party for my 8th graders and their families. It is hosted by our local Hill Country Astronomers group and it gives my students a chance to look through some high-powered telescopes at the celestial objects we are studying in class. Talk about making learning tangible and real! Most students have never had the chance to look at these things up close. There's a big difference in looking at the moon in a textbook vs. seeing the craters up close with your own eyes.
Today I am going with some co-workers to check out a new science center that is coming to Johnson City, Texas called the Science Mill. They will be offering many different exciting and interactive exhibits and programs. With a special focus on middle and high schools students, the Science Mill hopes to help expand students' understanding of science and spark their curiosity and inspire them towards an interest in STEM careers.
The great part about working with these groups and organizations is that they really try and incorporate the concepts that are required by the state for each grade level into their activities and presentations. This is a constant concern of mine, since I teach 8th grade and have the stress and pressure of the STAAR test looming over my head at all times. It's difficult to give up precious instructional time, but when you know that your students are being exposed to the material in different ways, you can relax and know that it will all work out (and in a lot of cases, these experiences will have a much greater effect than anything you could have done within the confines of the 4 walls of your classroom.)
Very excited about The Science Mill in our area. PS I too am a SWT (Texas State University) graduate. eat'em Up Cats!
ReplyDeleteVery excited about The Science Mill in our area. PS I too am a SWT (Texas State University) graduate. eat'em Up Cats!
ReplyDelete