1st grade
Bug Safari: One hour program in which students identify the distinguishing characteristics of insects and other bugs. Children examine habitat needs and the various ways bugs use plants for food, shelter, and water. The roles bugs play in a food chain is introduced. Anatomical changes during metamorphosis are explored. A nature hike provides an opportunity to identify and observe bugs in action.

TEKS for Science: 1.1 (A), 1.2 (C)(D), 1.4 (A)(B), 1.5 (A), 1.6 (A) (B), 1.7 (D), 1.8 (B), 1.9 (A)(B) 

2nd grade
Wildlife Habitats: In this 1 ˝ hour program, the term “habitat” is defined and students identify the components that are necessary for animal survival. They investigate the physical characteristics of several unique habitats through the medium of a puppet show. A trail hike thorough various ecosystems allows students an opportunity to discover a variety of animal habitats.

TEKS for Science: 2.1 (A)(B), 2.2 (A)(C)(D)(E)(F), 2.6 (D), 2.8 (A)(B), 2.9 (A)(B)

3rd grade
Hunt for a Home:  A 1 ˝ hour program to discover how animals, including humans, use various cues to recognize their surroundings and orient themselves in the natural world. A puppet show is used to present various animal navigation techniques. Students are given instruction in the use of compasses. They navigate, using their compasses, toward a particular ecosystem to measure physical properties and determine if a specific animal could survive in that environment.

TEKS for Science: 3.1 (A), 3.2 (A)(B)(C)(D), 3.4 (A), 3.6 (B), 3.7 (A)(B), 3.8 (A)(B)(C)(D), 3.9 (A)(B), 3.11 (A)(B)

4th grade
Exploring Ecosystems: This 1 ˝ hour lesson focuses on students understanding the concept of the “scientific method” and how it helps scientists gain knowledge about our world. The students use the scientific method to investigate a field “problem”, use instrumentation, collect data, and draw conclusions.

Students investigate and measure components in several different ecosystems. They are asked to identify ways that the abiotic components of the ecosystem affect the biotic components. Similarities and differences they observe among the ecosytems are examined. Students are challenged to predict the effects of pollution or other damaging activities if introduced into the ecosystem.

TEKS for Science: 4.1 (A), 4.2 (B)(C)(D)(E), 4.4 (A), 4.5 (A)(B), 4.8 (B), 4.10 (A), 4.11 (A)(C)

5th grade
Plant Adaptations: The concept of “adaptation” is developed through classroom demonstrations and field observations / experiments. Allocation of 1 ˝ hours for this class is recommended. Students investigate the unique characteristics of various plant species that enable them to survive (predation and/or out-complete other plants for minerals, water, or space).

TEKS for Science:  5.1 (A), 5.2 (B)(C), 5.4 (A), 5.5 (A)(B), 5.6 (A)(B), 5.9 (A)(B)(C), 5.10 (A), 5.11 (A)(B)