Outreach Program- Eco-Kit Adventures

An Eco-Kit Adventure is a traveling environmental education program that RBNC brings directly to your classroom. It includes hands-on activities and one-on-one learning with an experienced field guide. The cost for an Eco-Kit Adventure is $100.00. There are numerous topics from which to choose, such as:

*

Eco-Kit Adventure Descriptions

worm

Worm Wonders

By observing and handling live earthworms students will learn worm structure, behavior, life cycles, and how worms compost waste into topsoil, a process called vermiculture. From simple worm experiments to detailed dissection (4th – 6th), learn the secrets of soil recyclers.

Native Birdnativbirds

Learn about the characteristics and habits of birds from North Texas. This Eco-Kit includes nine real bird’s nests from the local area, a variety of eggs, feathers to inspect, and full-color photos of the nest’s inhabitants.

wildsideWild Side of the City

Discover where and how animals live in our urban environment. Students will learn about the behaviors, adaptations, habitat requirements, and characteristics of urban wildlife.

Renewable Energsunandcloudy

Students will learn the difference between renewable and nonrenewable energy. They will discuss the Law of the Conservation of Energy, look at and model the process of coal and oil formation, create a model of a windmill, and look at and reconfigure various renewable energy models.

whats in the pondWetlands and Wildlife

Students will learn the formal definition of wetland, but also why swamps, bogs, and marshes are habitats we must protect. Filtration and percolation activities emphasize wetland components and functions.

Nocturnal Animalsnocanim

Explore nature’s nightlife. Discover the adaptations animals develop for nocturnal living. Students will explore the varied senses used by nocturnal animals and insects to live, hunt, and defend themselves.

Introduction to Butterfliesbutterfly

Explore the amazing world of butterflies in your classroom. Investigate a butterflies five senses through hands-on activities. Learn about the butterfly life cycle and their natural defenses. See preserved life cycles of the butterfly from egg to adult.

Inspecta Insectinspetaa

Using microscopes and live specimens, students will observe the anatomy, life cycle, senses, and defenses of a variety of insects along with amazing facts of the animal world’s hidden majority.

Erocksarth Rocks

Explore the building blocks of our earth! Students will learn the difference between igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. They will also gain an understanding of the factors that affect them including temperature, erosion, and acid rain.

Plants Everywhereleaves

Students will look at plant structure, examine plant parts with digital scope, view pollen and discuss pollination, plant a seed, consider seed diversity and methods of dispersal, and play a game to learn the equation for photosynthesis.

treesWe All Need Trees

Students will view and analyze tree slice, learn to identify native trees, make a bracelet with tree slices and beads to represent different layers of a tree, sing a tree chant, measure the diameter of a tree, make clinometers to measure the height and make bark rubbings.

Weather Watchweatherer

Students will use tools to measure the temperature of the air, soil, and water, humidity, rainfall, wind direction, and speed. They will also look for weather signs outdoors, view weather maps, and will make a mini weather station.

Rrecyclingecycling

Students will evaluate personal choice with regard to consumption, for example, plastic vs. paper vs. reusable. They will make paper, play the Bennie the Turtle and Recycle Sorting games, and make a craft out of recycled materials.

Didigintopastg Into the Past

Students will view a fossil exhibit that represents fossils in North Texas. They will learn about the geological time scale, look for fossils, make a cast and mold replica of a fossil, and view and make a model of petrified wood.

 
Click here to download our Traveling Educational Programs BrochureDownload

FAQ’s

How many students can participate in an Eco-Kit Adventure?

The max amount of students is 25. If you have a larger classroom, call us at 940-767-0843.

Do Eco-Kit Adventures align with TEKS?

Yes, all Eco-Kit Adventures align with TEKS state standards.

 

How much does it cost?

The cost for an Eco-Kit Adventure is $100.00 per classroom presentation. Schools over 25 miles outside Wichita Falls will be assessed travel costs.

What do we need to provide for an Eco-Kit Adventure?

Each presentation will need a desk or table area and floor space. The RBNC instructor will arrive with materials 15 minutes prior to the requested time to prepare for the presentation. The classroom teacher should remain in the classroom during the presentation and provide assistance as needed.

What age groups are Eco-Kit Adventures appropriate for?

All programs and their activities can be adapted for any age group.

Do you go to schools outside of Wichita Falls?

Eco-Kit Adventures can be given to any school within a 25-mile radius of Wichita Falls. If outside this radius, there will be a travel cost added to your bill. Please call for more information 940-767-0843.

How long are the presentations?

One hour per presentation.

ECO KIT RESERVATION REQUEST

  • Please fill out the form below. A confirmation email will be sent to you noting the time and date of your reservation based on your choices below and current availability. Keep in mind your reservation will not be confirmed until you get a confirmation email. For more information contact us at 940-767-0843 or email info@riverbendnaturecenter.org.
  • Write N/A if the Eco-Kit is not taking place in your classroom.
  • Please select your first, second, and third choice for your field trip. Dates and times will be filled on a first come first served basis.
  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • Earliest program time available is 9:30 am.
    :
  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • Earliest program time available is 9:30 am.
    :
  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • Earliest program time available is 9:30 am.
    :
  • The fee is $100.00 per classroom presentation within a 25-mile radius of Wichita Falls. Travel costs will be charged for presentations outside this radius. Payment is due at time of the presentation unless other pre-approved arrangements have been made.
  • Each presentation is approximately 1 (one) hour in length.
  • Each presentation will need a desk or table area and floor space.
  • The RBNC instructor & aide will arrive with materials 15-30 minutes prior to the requested time to prepare for the presentation.
  • These programs are designed for 22 or fewer students per presentation. Please do not exceed these audience numbers.
  • Teachers must remain in the room during the presentation.
  • CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 WARNING & DISCLAIMER Coronavirus, COVID-19 is an extremely contagious virus that spreads easily through person-to-person contact. Federal and state authorities recommend social distancing as a means to prevent the spread of the virus. COVID-19 can lead to severe illness, personal injury, permanent disability, and death. Participating in River Bend Nature Center Educational Programs or accessing River Bend Nature Center facilities could increase the risk of contracting COVID-19. River Bend Nature Center in no way warrants that COVID-19 infection will not occur through participation River Bend Nature Center Educational Programs or accessing River Bend Nature Center facilities.
  • We are looking forward to our visit with you. Please communicate the above information to any other teachers/leaders involved in this program.
  • Please communicate the above information to any other teachers or chaperones that will be accompanying your group.
  • If you have any questions, please call Leslie Fernandes 767-0843. By signing below you agree to follow the above procedures.
  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • Reset signature Signature locked. Reset to sign again