Featured photo by Mallory Cammarata for Keep Princeton Beautiful’s Library Little Learners, 2022
Your Texas-Inspired Back-to-School Resource Hub
As summer ends, kids across Texas are heading back to school. Parents are busy with school supplies and last summer adventures, while teachers are prepping their lesson plans. There are many resources to help bring nature into the classroom. These tools benefit both children and adults by fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment. Activities can include classroom lessons, nature center programs, or simple outdoor explorations.
For teachers looking to enhance their curriculum with Texas-specific content, we’ve put together a list of useful resources. Check out our previous blog post from 2020 for more back-to-school tips too!
The Environmental Science Institute and Jackson School of Geosciences at the University of Texas at Austin has developed a variety of K-12 educator resources from developing labs to studying caves and groundwater ecosystems. These on-demand resources are available to watch at home with friends and family or adjust to fit into your curriculum. Check out their webpage for more!
Texas Parks & Wildlife has a variety of in-person and on-demand resources for students in early childhood through 12th grade. You can also check out their searchable TPWD Resources spreadsheet to find TEKS-aligned programs and resources for your students. Search by subject, grade, park and more. Check out their webpage for all they have to offer!
Texas Aquatic Science is an internationally-recognized suite of free technology-enhanced learning materials entirely available on-line or in traditional format that takes middle through high school science students through the wonderful world of water, from headwaters to oceans, and molecules to ecosystems. Swim over to their webpage to start learning!
Texas Children in Nature Network is a grassroots network of over 900 partner organizations and individuals who are working together to connect children and families with nature in Texas. Each partner brings their unique perspective and solutions to the network. The website www.naturerockstexas.org was created by TCiNN to connect families with partner’s programs, events and nature spaces, and to support the regional collaboratives.
Texas Wildlife Association offers on-demand webinars about wildlife and conservation. You can view these as an individual or use them in the classroom or in a home school setting. They also offer classroom presentations, Critter Connections Magazine, and educator workshops. Get started at their webpage today!
Bat Conservation International a globally recognized conservation organization dedicated to ending bat extinctions. Did you know that Texas happens to be the battiest state in the USA, home to 33 bat species? Check out activities and more fun facts that you can share with your family and friends at their webpage!
Written by Corinne Hughes, Development & Communications Manager
