Field Trips
Our School Field Trips are set up as an a la carte menu of activities that range from TEKS oriented Science and Math Studies that will target the objectives required by the Texas Education Agency to High Adventure Programs designed to provide unique experiences that build confidence, communication skills and teamwork. Our motto is Education through Experience, let us build an experience your students will never forget!
Click here for Field Trip Instruction List.
NOTE: Some of these can be self-led, as indicated by an *
OBJECTIVES: Have fun catching fish while learning about fish species living in the pond at the Irma Lewis Seguin Outdoor Learning Center, and their habitat.
SUBJECT AREAS: Life Science
KEY WORDS: Fishing safety, species, habitat
SCIENCE TEKS: Scientific Investigations and Reasoning; Science Concepts (Matter and Energy, Force Motion and Energy; Earth and Space; Organisms and Environments)
OBJECTIVES: A role playing activity introducing students to water cycle, and the changing states of matter within the water cycle.
SUBJECT AREAS: Science (Water Cycle)
KEY WORDS: Water Cycle, Evaporation, Condensation, Precipitation, Accumulation
SCIENCE TEKS: 2.5(A)(B); 3.5(B)(C)
OBJECTIVES: Students will observe nature by walking on ILSOLC trails. The students connect with the plants and animals they encounter in order to develop an understanding of nature and the environment using their senses of sight, smell, touch, and hearing. Students will make observations of both living and non-living things using a Nature Detective Bingo Card.
SUBJECT AREAS: Organisms and Environments
KEY WORDS: Plant, insect, animal, bird, spider, feeding, living organisms, environment, life cycle, food chain, behavior
SCIENCE TEKS: K.2(A)(B)(D)(E), K.3(B), K.4(B), K.5(A), K.6(A)(C)(D), K.9(A)(B), K.10(A)(B)(C)(D); 1.1(B), 1.2(A)(B)(D)(E), 1.4(8), 1.5(A), 1.6(A), 1.9(A)(C), 1.10(A)(D); 2.2(A)(D), 2.7(A), 2.9(A)(C), 2.10(A); 3.2(F), 3.9(A)(B)(C), 3.10(A)
OBJECTIVES: Through books, pictures, and hands-on activities the students will learn: the difference between bugs and insects, how to identify an insect, why it is important to study insects, and the benefits of good insects, the problems with "pesky" insects. The session will end with students catching their own insects and then releasing them.
SUBJECT AREAS: Life Science
KEY WORDS: Insects, abdomen, head, thorax, benefits, tools
SCIENCE TEKS: K.2(A)(C)(D); K.3(C), K.4(A); K.9(B), K.10(A)(B); 1.1(A), 1.2(A)(C)(E), 1.4(A), 1.10(A); 2.1(A), 2.2(A)(C)(E,) 2.4(A), 2.10(A)(C); 2.2(A), 2.4(A)(B), 2.9(A); 3.2(A)(E), 3.3(A), 3.10(A); 4.9(A), 4.10(A)
OBJECTIVES: Learn about the fish anatomy, body shape and other adaptations that give certain fish advantages. Students will produce a fish print they can take with them and be able to distinguish its various body parts.
SUBJECT AREAS: Science and Art
KEY WORDS: Shape, size, larger, smaller, scales, fins, habitat, float, sink, environment, survive
SCIENCE TEKS: 2.4(A)(B), 2.9(A), 2.10(A); 3.4(A)(B), 3.10(A)
OBJECTIVES: Students are introduced to the basic properties of water. Students demonstrate how water is measurable, how it can dissolve substances, how its' surface tension can support objects and how some objects sink and some float. After hands on water experiments, students go on a walk to see a pond and a flowing stream to discover how the properties of water create habitat. Observations and correlations can be more in-depth with grade level.
SUBJECT AREAS: Matter and Energy, Motion and Energy, Earth and Space, Organisms & Environment
KEY WORDS: Water, flow, pond, stream, surface tension, dissolve, habitat, aquarium
SCIENCE TEKS: K.2(B)(C)(E), K.4(A), K.5(A), K.6(D); 1.4(A),1.5(A), 1.6(C), 1.7(A)(B); 2.2(A)(B)(E), 2.4(A)(B), 2.7(B), 2.9(A); 3.4, 3.5(B)(D), 3.9(A)(C), 3.10(A)
OBJECTIVES: Learn what a fossil is. Learn how a fossil is made. Learn there are cast and mold fossils. Learn that the fossil is not the real item that once lived. Learn how to and then AND make your own fossil that can be taken home. (Time will need to be provided to let them dry.
SUBJECT AREAS: Earth Science
KEY WORDS: fossils, sediments, layers, pressure, weight, dissolve, cast, mold, sediments
SCIENCE TEKS: 1.4(B),1.9(A); 2.4(B), 2.7(C)
OBJECTIVES: Students will discuss and explore the characteristics and behaviors of several types of Texas animals using Folkmanis Puppets and scientific data. Students will ask questions, discuss "Facts of Interest," and make observations. Students may also construct their own graphic organizers to organize, examine, and evaluate data.
SUBJECT AREAS: Life Science and Literature
KEY WORDS: Living and NonLiving Things, Habitat, Food, Shelter
SCIENCE TEKS: K.2 (A)(B)(C)(D)(E); 1.2(A)(B)(C)(D)(E); 2.2(A)(B)(C)(D); 3.2(B)(C); 4.2(B)(C)
OBJECTIVES: Student will be led on a hike and will observe the natural world - the functions of forest, and how organisms survive. Discussion will include comparison of the activities and sights seen in their community, i.e. roads, grocery stores, power; and an explanation that some of those same activities can be found in nature. The students can relate their basic needs and activities to those of the plants and animals they encounter along the hike. Students will observe both living and non-living things.
SUBJECT AREAS: Organisms and Environment
KEY WORDS: Forest, Sustainability, Ecosystem, Food Chain, Plant, Insect, Animal, Bird, Spider, Feeding, Living Organisms, Environment, Life Cycle, Behavior
SCIENCE TEKS: K.2(A)(B)(D)(E), K.3(B), K.4(B), K.5(A), K.6(A)(C), K.9(A)(B), K.10(A)(B)(C); 1.1(B), 1.2(A)(B), 1.4(B), 1.5(A), 1.6(A), 1.9(A)(C), 1.10(A)(B); 2.1(B)(A), 2.2(B)(D)(E)(F), 2.5(A), 2.9(A)(B)(C), 2.10(A); 3.2(A), 3.2(F), 3.7(A), 3.9(A)(B), 3.10(A)(B); 4.9(B), 4.10(A)
OBJECTIVES: With the help of binoculars (real or "fun-oculars") and their own senses, the students will study and learn about the shape, shades, and sizes of birds. The sounds, surroundings and speed of real birds will be discussed and observed (as possible) to help identify them.
SUBJECT AREAS: Life Sciences, Ecosystems, Organisms, and the Environment
KEY WORDS: Shape, Shade, Size, Sound, Surroundings, Speed, Senses (observing)
SCIENCE TEKS: K.2(A)(B)(E), K.3(C), K.4(A)(B); 1.2(A)(B)(E),1.4(A)(B); 2.2(A)(C)(E), 2.4(A)(B); 3.4, 4.2(A)(D)(F), 4.9(A), 4.10(A)
OBJECTIVES: Tracks found in the dirt will be explored; an investigative walk will look for nests, habitats, and other hidden clues; examples of bones and skins will be studied; ending with a shared discussion of how and why the animals lived that were discovered through the exploration.
SUBJECT AREAS: Life Science
KEY WORDS: Tracks, bones, skulls, feathers, habitat, adapting, survival
SCIENCE TEKS: K.2(A)(B), K.9(B), K.10(A); 1.2(A)(B), 1.9(A), 1.10(A); 2.2(A)(B)(D), 2.9(A), 2.10(A); 3.2(D), 3.9(A), 3.10(A)(B); 4.2(A), 4.9(A), 4.10(A); 5.9(A)(C), 5.10(A)
OBJECTIVES: Students will learn that birds have different beaks, dependent upon their environment and their food source. They will play a game wherein they use simulated beaks to pick up food.
SUBJECT AREAS: Organisms and the Environment; Adaptations
KEY WORDS: Bird, Beak, Predator, Nectar, Adaptations, Ecosystem, Habitat
SCIENCE TEKS: 2.1(A), 2.2(A, B, C), 2.4(A), 2.9(A, B, C) 2.10 (A); 3.1(A), 3.2(A), 3.9(A), 3.10; 4.1(A), 4.2(A), 4.9, 4.10 (B); 5.1(A), 5.9, 5.10(B)
OBJECTIVES: Students will learn about the science of archaeology, specifically what archaeologists do, and the tools and practices archeologists employ to learn more about history and culture.
SUBJECT AREAS: Social Studies, Science, Math, Language Arts
KEY WORDS: Archaeology, archaeologist, artifact, ecofact, culture, excavation, hand tools, grid, data, survey, map, legend
SOCIAL STUDIES TEKS: 1.3(A), 1.17(B); 2.2(A)(B), 2.18(B); 3.3(A);4.6(A), 4/.21(A) 5.6(A), 5.24
MATH TEKS: 1.7(A), 1.8(A); 2.9(A)(D); 3.8(A); 4.3(F), 4.9(A); 5.9(A), 5.1(D); 6.4(F), 6.12(C)(D)
LANGUAGE ARTS TEKS: 1.1(A), 1.11(B), 1.2(F); 2.12(B); 3.12(B); 4.12(B); 5.12(B)
SCIENCE TEKS: 1.1A, 1.2(A,C,D), 1.3(C), 1.5(A), 1.7(C); 3.1(A), 3.2(A); 3.1(A), 3.2(A); 4.1(A), 4.2(A); 5.2(A), 6.1(A), 6.(2)A
OBJECTIVES: Students will hear how soil is formed, will see it forms layers, will feel and understand that soil is a dynamic natural resource, and will conduct their own weathering-type of experiments utilizing various sizes of screens.
SUBJECT AREAS: Earth Science / Matter
KEY WORDS: Rocks/bedrock, Parent Material, Weathering, Erosion, Climate, Organisms, Relief (or topography)
SCIENCE TEKS: 3.2(A), 3.3(A), 3.5(A)(B), 3.6(A); 4.2(A),4.3, 4.5(A), 4.6(A); 5.4, 5.5(B), 5.6(A)
OBJECTIVES: Students will participate in a water test u sing the pH (potential of Hydrogen) scale. Students will determine the pH of different water samples while examining other physical qualities of those samples. Students will apply what they learn towards solving problems that are created by water pollution and its effect on animals and plants.
SUBJECT AREAS: Earth and Life Science, Chemistry
KEY WORDS: Water pollution, remediation, land use
SCIENCE TEKS: 4.2(A)(B)(D)(E); 4.3(C); 5.2(A)(B)(C)(D)(E)(F); 5.9(C)
OBJECTIVES: Students will deepen their knowledge of classification and identification of Texas Wildflowers. Students will investigate the biodiversity of the prairies found in their local area. Students will recognize patterns to help identify flowers.
SUBJECT AREAS: Earth Science, Life Science (lesson adapted from National Wildlife Federation, "Basic Wildflower Classification")
KEY WORDS: Observation, comprehension, classification, various wildflowers of Texas, biodiversity, kingdom, Inherited traits
SCIENCE TEKS: K.10(A)(B)(C); 1.10(A)(B)(C); 2 .9(A)(B)(C); 3.9 (A)(B); 4.9(A)(B), 4.10(B); 5.9(A)(B) 5.10 (B); 6.12(C)
OBJECTIVES: Students will learn how to determine facts about dinosaurs by examining the foot prints. They will be able to calculate size and speed, know their diet requirements.
SUBJECT AREAS: Science, Math
KEY WORDS: Cast, Mold, Trace, Carbon Film, Original Remains, Herbivores, Carnivores, estimation, speed, multiply, Acrocanthosaurus, Iguanodon, Direction
SCIENCE TEKS: 5.7A, 5.9D
MATH TEKS: 4.8C, 5.3I, 6.3B, 6.3E, 4.1C, 5.1C, 6.1C, 7.1C, 8.1C
OBJECTIVES: Students will use a Journal to record written and artistic observations, promoting a deeper awareness of their relationship with the environment.
SUBJECT AREAS: Life and Earth Science, Language Arts
KEY WORDS: Journal, narrative, creative, persuasive, informative
SCIENCE TEKS: 3.2(B), 3.4, 3.9(A); 4.2(B), 4.4, 4.9(A); 5.4; 6.4(A); 7.4(A); 8.4(A)
OBJECTIVES: Students will use their senses to focus on the world and them and document their feelings/observations. Students can document anything they want- flowers, bugs, leaves, trees, weather, etc. This is a time for inspiration, medication, observation, reflection and becoming one with nature!
SUBJECT AREAS: Art, Science
KEY WORDS: Environment, living and non-living things, five senses
SCIENCE TEKS: 3.2(B), 3.4, 3.9(A); 4.2(B), 4.4, 4.9(A); 5.4; 6.4(A); 7.4(A); 8.4(A)
OBJECTIVES: Students will demonstrate basic observations and identification skills. With these skills they will be able to identify trees found at the ILSOLC.
SUBJECT AREAS: Earth Science, Life Science
KEY WORDS: Observation, comprehension, classification, various trees
SCIENCE TEKS: 3.2(B), 3.4, 3.9(A): 4.2(B), 4.4, 4.9(A): 5.2(B), 5.4, 5.9(A): 6.2(B), 6.4(A), 6.9(A): 7.2(B), 7.4(A): 8.2(B), 8.4(A)
OBJECTIVES: Using binoculars, students will demonstrate basic observations and identification skills. With these skills they will be able to identify birds found in their local area.
SUBJECT AREAS: Life Science
KEY WORDS: Observation, comprehension, classification, various birds found in the local area
SCIENCE TEKS: 3.2(B), 3.4, 3.9(A): 4.2(B), 4.4, 4.9(A): 5.2(B), 5.4, 5.9(A): 6.2(B), 6.4(A), 6.9(A): 7.2(B), 7.4(A): 8.2(B), 8.4(A)
OBJECTIVES: Students will learn the definition of the term ‘watershed' and observe how different lands uses have an impact on our water quality. The wrap up activity provides a playful way to reinforce learned concepts.
SUBJECT AREAS: Science - Human-Environment Interaction
KEY WORDS: Watershed, Water Quality, Water Cycle; Land Uses, Pollution, Non-Point Source Pollution
SCIENCE TEKS: 3.1(B), 3.2(A), 3.2(C), 3.3(B), 3.5(B); 4.1(B), 4.2(A), 4.2(C), 4.3(B), 4.8(B); 5.5(A), 5.2(G), 5.7(B), 5.8(B), 5.9(C)
SOCIAL STUDIES TEKS: 3.4(A)(B)(C)(D); 4.9(A)(B)(C); 5.8(A); 5.9(A)(B)
OBJECTIVES: Students will describe the movement of water within the water cycle and identify the changing states of matter as water moves through the cycle. The effects of pollution and possible sources of bacterial pollution will be discussed.
SUBJECT AREAS: Earth Systems, Water Cycle
KEY WORDS: Condensation, Evaporation, Accumulation, Precipitation, Water Cycle, Molecule, Solid, Liquid, Gas, Gravity, Transpiration, Deposition, Bacteria, Nonpoint Source Pollution
SCIENCE TEKS: 4.8(B); 5.8(B)
OBJECTIVES: Students will investigate macroinvertebrates found in Geronimo Creek (or fishing pond.) Counting and classification of these aquatic insects will help students to determine the water quality of the creek (pond).
SUBJECT AREAS: Science - Water Quality, Life Cycle
KEY WORDS: Macroinvertebrates; Water Quality; Pollution; Non-Point Source Pollution
SCIENCE TEKS: 3.2(D)(F), 3.4, 3.9(A)(B)(C), 3.10(A)(B); 4.2(B)(D)(F), 4.4(A), 4.9(B), 4.10(A)(C); 5.2(C)(D)(F), 5.4, 5.9(A), 5.9(B)(C), 5.10(A)(B); 6.2(A)(C)(E), 6.4(A), 6.12(E); 7.2(B)(E), 7.4(A), 7.8(A)(B)(C), 7.10(A)(B), 7.11(A)(B), 7.12(A); 8.2(B)(E), 8.4(A), 8.11(A)(B)
OBJECTIVES: As a class, students will participate in the formation of stream systems with a 19 ft. Stream Table Trailer. Observations and discussion on erosion, deposition, deltas, effects of pollution due to human interaction with the environment.
SUBJECT AREAS: Earth Science, Environmental Science
KEY WORDS: Sediment, Erosion, deposition, channel, valley, headwaters, delta, sinuosity, meandering, straight line, non-point source pollution, stream bank vegetation, flooding, land uses
SCIENCE TEKS: 4.3(B), 4.7(B); 5.3(B), 5.7(B); 6.1(B), 6.3(B), 6.5(B), 6.12(E); 7.3(B), 7.8(A)(B)(C), 7.10(A)(B), 7.12(A); 8.11(B)
OBJECTIVES: After some with basic directional activities, the compass will be introduced and explored, with each student using a compass. Following directions of the instructor, students use their compass, resulting in walking a square, rectangle, triangle, and possibly completing a treasure hunt.
SUBJECT AREAS: Compassing, Directions (cardinal and ordinal)
KEY WORDS: Cardinal directions
SCIENCE TEKS: 4.2(B), 4.4; 5.2(B), 5.3(A), 5.4
OBJECTIVES: Students will be introduced to the Riparian Zone of Geronimo Creek through exploration of a program on the internet (Chromebooks available), then head outdoors for a hike along the Riparian Trail. Discussions include parts of a Riparian System (uplands, riparian and stream), water quality, biotic and abiotic parts of a system, food web.
SUBJECT AREAS: Life Science, Human Interaction with the Environment, Food Web; Living and Non-Living
KEY WORDS: Riparian, Uplands, Stream
SCIENCE TEKS: 4.7(B)(C), 4.9(B); 5.9(A)(B)(C); 6.12(E); 7.5(B),7.8(A(B)(C), 7.10(B)
OBJECTIVES: Students will create a giant sling shot to launch objects. The objects will be weighted differently to create different results. Each student will make a hypothesis, manipulate the launch and formulate a conclusion.
SUBJECT AREAS: Physics (Newton's Laws)
KEY WORDS: Hypothesis, scientific methods, Kinetic energy, potential energy, Newton's laws of Motion
SCIENCE TEKS: 5.2, 5.6.(A)(B)(C)(D); 6.2, 6.8(A)(B)(C)(D); 7.2; 8.1(A)(B); 8.2(A)(B)(C)(D)(E), 8.3(D), 8.4(A)(B), 8.6(B)(C)
OBJECTIVES: An educational geocaching activity where students will use GPS units to explore the Riparian System of Geronimo Creek.
SUBJECT AREAS: Technology, Earth Science, Life Science
KEY WORDS: GPS (Global Positioning System), Riparian System, waypoints
SCIENCE TEKS: 5.2(B); 6.2(A); 7,2(A); 7.8(B)(C); 8.2(A); AS.4(A)(B)(C); ESS.2(F)(G)
OBJECTIVES: By taking students on a walk along the trails through the Outdoor Learning Center and along Geronimo Creek, students observe the components of the riparian zone, the uplands, the riparian zone and the stream. Students learn how these areas work as one system, impacting water quality and creating habitat in the stream.
SUBJECT AREAS: Organisms and Environment, Physical Geography
KEY WORDS: Riparian, uplands, stream, floodplain, grasses, forbes, livestock, oxbow, runoff, catchment, watershed, impervious cover, riparian sponge, erosion, aquatic life, sedges, rushes, woody debris
SCIENCE TEKS: AS9(C), AS12(A); ES5(A)(B), ES6(E), ES8(A), AS9(A)(E)
OBJECTIVES: Students will hypothesis the water quality in Geronimo Creek, then test water from using Texas Stream Team kits and methodology. Data collected will be used to determine the health of the creek. Results will be used in a discussion about human impact on an aquatic environment.
SUBJECT AREAS: Chemistry, Environmental Science, Aquatic Science
KEY WORDS: Watershed; Water Quality; Pollution; NonPoint Source Pollution; pH, Dissolved Oxygen, Conductivity
SCIENCE TEKS: AS7(B), AS7(C), AS12(C); ES2(E), ES2(F), ES2(G). ES2(K), ES9(A); ES9(B), ES9(C)
Learn safety, sound shooting techniques and get plenty of practice on our archery range. We use Matthews Genesis bows in our instruction which is the official bow of the National Archery in the Schools Program. We also have have several traditional recurve bows.
Learn to safely shoot BB/Pellet Guns, .22 calibar rifles and shotguns with us.
Our stocked pond and pier will provide hours of catch and release fun! Learn the basics of fishing such as knots, bait and handling fish safely.
Learn to paddle safely on our pond and see that is the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Learn different paddle strokes and safety basics.
*Two instructors for safety
Our well mulched trails wind through the woods and interpretive signs along the way will teach you about the various plants and trees.
Learn the essentials of camping such as good tent site selection, pitching a tent, starting a fire, cooking in the outdoors and map/compass use. All skills learned will follow the Leave No Trace ethics for Outdoor Adventure to teach responsibility in the outdoors.
In this course, students will learn the basics of how to build a shelter in the wilderness. Students will work in a small group to develop a plan and build their own shelters. Topics will also include Leave No Trace practices.
This course provides a great introduction for students on how to plot a bearing with a compass. Students will find north with a compass and then complete a small course that guides them back to the starting point.
This is a high tech scavenger hunt using GPS technology. Learn the basics of the sport such as finding a waypoint and placing one. After one lesson you will be ready to apply those skills to seek out your own hidden cache! Want more info on this growing sport? Visit www.geocaching.com
Learn to leave behind signs telling people where to go to look for a special destination. Useful for helping rescuers and friends find your location or getting back to that favorite spot without a GPS.
Learn basic climbing technique and challenge yourself on our 45' vertical wall.
Go for an extreme swing ride here at the center. You will be attached to a cable and then pulled up to a point that you wish to stop. Let go of your release rope and enjoy the sensation of flying! Also a great class to teach momentum and energy.
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