Porter Elementary fifth-graders travel to Cameron Park Zoo, Waco Mammoth National Monument, and Inner Space Cavern on an Education in Action Discover Texas Field Trip

Fifth-graders from Birdville ISD’s Porter Elementary traveled to the Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, Waco Mammoth National Monument, and Inner Space Cavern in Georgetown on an Education in Action Discover Texas Field Trip December 1, 2017 to experience what they are learning in science class.

At the Cameron Park Zoo, students explored the Brazos River Country exhibit, tracking the Brazos River from its source near Lubbock on to the Gulf of Mexico. Students investigated many animals living in the five ecological regions of Texas through which the Brazos River passes with a focus on each animal’s unique adaptations and ecological niche.

Next, the students experienced the nation’s first and only recorded discovery of a nursery herd of Pleistocene mammoths at Waco Mammoth National Monument. While viewing the in situ, sub-fossil remains of six Columbian mammoths and other Ice Age animals, the students learned about the Ice Age, how the fossils were discovered, sedimentary rocks, and why the site is one of the most important paleontological sites in North America.

Throughout the day, the students participated in numerous hands-on activities to learn about many of the Earth’s cycles, systems, and processes. Students learned about the water cycle, the environmental benefits of the world’s wetlands, and watersheds through participation in hands-on demonstrations. The student scientists discussed the rock cycle and worked in groups to classify rock, mineral, and fossil samples. At Inner Space Cavern in Georgetown, students panned for, and identified, minerals found in the cavern. The students concluded their day by watching the Earth’s processes at work as they toured the highly decorated Inner Space Cavern.

“Education in Action’s Discover Texas Field Trips are based on the understanding that the most effective way for students to learn is through experience,”stated Lacey Phillips, Discover Texas Field Trips Director.“Student activities during this Discover Texas Field Trip reinforce and supplement fifth grade science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) learning objectives in a fun, hands-on way that helps the students synthesize content taught in the classroom.”

Education in Action’s Discover Texas Field Trips make it easy for teachers to take their 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade classrooms on organized, fun, and educational site-based learning experiences. Discover Texas Field Trip staff members handle all details, including round-trip charter bus transportation, reservations, and TEKS-based program curriculum, so participating teachers can focus on their students and making connections between the experience and what students are learning in the classroom.

In addition to Discover Texas Field Trips to Austin, San Antonio, Waco/Georgetown, Dallas, and Fort Worth, Education in Action also offers summer Lone Star Leadership Academy camps for outstanding 4th-8th graders. During the weeklong, overnight camps, participants experience significant Texas sites in Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin/San Antonio, or Houston/Galveston with Texas educators and a focus on leadership.

Discover Texas Field Trips are presented by Education in Action, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to fostering educated and involved young people. For more information about Education in Action visit www.educationinaction.org and www.facebook.com/educationinaction.