Outreach Program- Eco-Kit Adventures
An Eco-Kit AdventureĀ is a traveling environmental education program that RBNC brings directly to your classroom. It includes hands-on activities andĀ one-on-one learning with an experienced field guide. There are numerous topics from which to choose, such as:
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Eco-Kit Adventure Descriptions
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 Bird
s
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.
Wild 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 Energ
y
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.
Wetlands 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 Animals
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 Butterflies
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 Insect
a
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.
E
arth 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 Everywhere
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.
We 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 Watch
er
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.
R
ecycling
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.
Di
g 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.
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FAQ’s
How many students can participate in an Eco-Kit Adventure?
Do Eco-Kit Adventures align with TEKS?
Yes, all Eco-Kit Adventures align with TEKS state standards.
How much does it cost?
- $100 for up to 30 students
- $150 for up to 60 participants
- $200 for up to 90 participants
- Payment is due at the time of the presentation unless other pre-approved arrangements have been made.
- Call for pricing on larger groups – 940-767-0843
- Schools 25 miles outside the city limits will be assessed mileage costs.