News Release

Foster Village 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 Foster Village Elementary traveled to Waco’s Cameron Park Zoo and Waco Mammoth National Monument and Inner Space Cavern in Georgetown on an Education in Action Discover Texas Field Trip May 9, 2019 to experience what they are learning in science.

At the Cameron Park Zoo, students explored the Brazos River Country exhibit, tracking the Brazos River from its source 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 adaptations and niche. At Waco Mammoth National Monument the students experienced the nation’s only recorded discovery of a nursery herd of Pleistocene mammoths and 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. At Inner Space Cavern in Georgetown, students panned for, and identified, minerals found in the cavern. Through participation in hands-on demonstrations, they learned about the water cycle and the environmental benefits of the world’s wetlands and watersheds. The student scientists discussed the rock cycle and worked in groups to classify rock, mineral, and fossil samples. 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.

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.