Austin Nature and Science Center

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All four 3rd grade classes from Bryker Woods Elementary School took a field trip this year to Austin's Nature and Science Center this fall.  This consisted of roughly 90 students as well as parents and teachers attending the trip.  

Students were rotated through session activities with educators from the center.  These included Austin Wildlife, Reptile Review, Owls and Other Birds, and Wild About Wildlife.  More specifically the students learned about the natural wildlife habitats and ecosystems found in Austin. Students were exposed to both live animals and preserved animals.  

The TEKS covered in our lessons include: 

The Austin Nature and Science Center's environmental educators engage students in activities that integrate the rigor of the classroom science experience with the relevance of field experience.

The Austin Nature and Science Center (ANSC) is a regional environmental education center located in Zilker Park in the heart of Austin. We offer a variety of quality informal science experiences to support and enrich classroom curriculum. ANSC environmental educators engage students in TEKS-based activities that integrate the rigor of the classroom science experience with the relevance of field experience. ANSC is a wildlife sanctuary. Our exhibit animals were orphaned or injured, impairing their ability to survive in the wild.

Field experiences make learning come alive and give students an emotional event to which they can connect their learning.  Research shows that this greatly enhances retention.