Biology Retreat 2011

By:

 

John B. Connally High School

Biology Department

 

Working in conjunction with Pedernales Falls State Park and Texas Parks and Wildlife, the biology department had the distinct priviledge of hosting the first annual Biology Retreat!

40 students participated in the camping trip which included rotations to the fabulous bird blinds, falls, river access and nature trails.  Students learned from teachers and local naturalists the importance of taking care of and appreciating our largest playgrounds - the state parks! 

Students learned about the history of the park and maintaining a park with its own water purification system from the park superintendent, Bill McDaniel.  After pitching our tents everyone enjoyed an evening of food and fellowship, concluding the first days events at the star theatre with an amazing lecture and identification of stars from Mark England.  The next morning students were off on their rotations, identifying bird species and learning about their behaviors lead by David and Mallory Shackelford, exploring the natural falls and geology of the park lead by Roger DeRoeck, experimenting with water quality testing equipment at the river access point lead by Lisa Flores and Erica Poole.  Students also learned about the ecology of Central Texas on a nature hike including the rare Golden-cheeked Warbler lead by David Shackelford and Graham Daly.  What better way to finish the day than with a swim and rope swing at a river swimming hole.  For many it was their first camping trip or sleeping in a tent, for all it was an unforgettable weekend enjoying nature's playground!

 

Setting Up Camp

students worked together to help get all tents setup before dinner

Student Observation at Bird Blind

 

Goals for the Bioloy Retreat 2011:  

*Curriculum based lessons: (star gazing, botany, water quality, identifying tracks using dichotomous keys, ornithology, ecology, invertebrates, vertebrates, etc.

*Exposure to careers in science and technology including the introduction the job of a park ranger

*Interaction with upper level science teachers and development of interest in upper-level classes with focus on AP coursework

*Attendance by College professor to enhance science experience and make tie in to college courses and possible degrees

*AP students leading workshops on water quality and Chemistry to highlight skills, foster relationships with lower grade students to filter interested students into AP courses and mentor students through high school.

 

Golden-cheeked Warbler

 

"In the end we will conserve only what we love;

we will love only what we understand;

and we will understand only what we are taught."

-Baba Dioum, 1968

 

HUGE HUGE thanks to the following:

Cathy DaVault - camp mom

Cristina Davis - campus based coordinator

Pedernales Falls State Park  - Bill McDaniel and Kathy Phillips

Texas Parks and Wildlife - Trey Hamlett

21st Century - Mr. Jeffries

Science Teachers - Mr. DeRoeck, Mrs. Flores, Ms. Poole, Mr. Daly, Mr. England

CHS Principal - Mr. Garcia