Virtual Field Trips
We’ve gone virtual…introducing a new series of educational programming for virtual learners of all ages, no bus or carpool required!
We are now offering Virtual Field Trips with our talented team of environmental interpreters to bring the Meadows Center’s nature and science activities into your curriculum and lesson plans! Our interpreters and engaging TEKS-aligned curriculum bring the natural world alive for students, and our programs compliment many state and national education requirements.
Each Virtual Field Trip focuses on a single theme, customized to the grade level of your learners, and includes a remote classroom experience, featuring live Meadows Center Environmental Interpreters with guided activities and educational segments, plus question and answer with our Environmental Interpreters followed by Q&A time. These live interactive engagements relate the environment of Spring Lake to the selected theme. Our TEKS-aligned curricula create customized experiences to meet your group's specific learning goals.
We use Zoom to interact with your classroom so your students can experience Spring Lake at The Meadows Center virtually from your site to ours. Our team members will work with you to help ensure that your classroom is able to remotely engage.
For more information, please email our educational tour office at springlaketours@txstate.edu or call 512.245.7540.
Don’t see a tour here that meets the needs for your class? Please contact the tour office. We can work to customize an engagement to meet your requirements.
Macroinvertebrate Water Quality
Students will learn about the connections between biodiversity, indicator species and water quality, while meeting a diverse assemblage of freshwater aquatic invertebrates and learning about their characteristics. Includes a live video microscope investigation.
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Basic Information
Duration: Duration: 45 minutes with 10 minutes of question and answer time. 55 minutes total.
Cost: $90
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Objectives and TEKS
Key Vocabulary: Aquatic Macroinvertebrates, Water Quality, Water Clarity, Intolerant Species, Tolerant Species, Watershed, Contaminants, Water Pollution, Bioindicators, Point Source Pollution, Nonpoint Source Pollution
Objectives
- Form a testable hypothesis on the quality of water based on the varying macroinvertebrates that live within it.
- Identify the stages of aquatic macroinvertebrates life cycles within the water at Spring Lake.
- Understand the role macroinvertebrates play in determining water quality.
- Classify differing aquatic macroinvertebrates within Spring Lake.
TEKS
Science (K-8)
K.2C, K.2D, K.7B, K.9B, 1.2C, 1.2D, 2.2C, 2.2D, 2.9B, 3.2C, 3.2D, 3.2F, 3.10B, 4.2B, 4.2C, 4.2D, 4.2F, 5.2B, 5.2C, 5.2D, 5.2F, 6.2C, 6.2E, 7.2C, 7.2D, 7.2E, 7.11A, 7.11B, 8.2C, 8.2E
Aquatic Science
10A
Biology
12E
Environmental Systems
4A, 5B, 5D, 7D
Social Studies (K-8)
K.4A, 4.19C, 5.23C, 5.24B, 6.19C, 7.20C
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Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
Kindergarten
This lesson will prepare students to be able to...
K-ESS3-3
Communicate solutions that will reduce the impact of humans on the land, water, air, and/or other living things in the local environment.
Students will be skilled at...
Science and Engineering Practices
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Crosscutting Concepts
K-ESS3-3
Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
ESS3.B
Human Impact on Earth Systems
K-ESS3-3
Cause and Effect
Grade 1
This lesson will prepare students to be able to...
1-LS1-1
Use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking how plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs.
Students will be skilled at...
Science and Engineering Practices
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Crosscutting Concepts
1-LS1-1
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
LS1.A
Structure and Function
LS1.D
Information Processing
1-LS1-1
Patterns
Structure and Function
Grade 3
This lesson will prepare students to be able to...
3-LS4-4
Make a claim about the merit of a solution to a problem caused when the environment changes and the types of plants and animals that live there may change.
Students will be skilled at...
Science and Engineering Practices
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Crosscutting Concepts
3-LS4-4
Engaging in Argument from Evidence
LS4.C
Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience
3-LS4-4
Systems and System Models
Grade 5
This lesson will prepare students to be able to...
5-ESS3-1
Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.
Students will be skilled at...
Science and Engineering Practices
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Crosscutting Concepts
5-ESS3-1
Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
ESS3.C
Human Impacts on Earth Systems
5-ESS3-1
Systems and System Models
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
This lesson will prepare students to be able to...
MS-LS2-4
Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect population
MS-LS2-2
Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms across multiple ecosystems.
MS-LS1-5
Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of organisms.
MS-ESS3-3
Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment.
MS-ESS3-4
Construct an argument supported by evidence for how increases in human population and per-capita consumption of natural resources impact Earth's systems.
Students will be skilled at...
Science and Engineering Practices
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Crosscutting Concepts
MS-LS2-4
Engaging in Argument from Evidence
LS2.C
Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience
MS-LS2-4
Stability and Change
MS-LS2-2
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
LS2.A
Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
MS-LS2-2
Patterns
MS-LS1-5
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
LS1.B
Growth and Development of Organisms
MS-LS1-5
Cause and Effect
MS-ESS3-3
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
ESS3.C
Human Impacts on Earth Systems
MS-ESS3-3
Cause and Effect
MA-ESS3-4
Engaging in Argument from Evidence
ESS3.C
Human Impacts on Earth Systems
MA-ESS3-4
Cause and Effect
High School (Grades 9-12)This lesson will prepare students to be able to...
HS-LS2-8
Evaluate evidence for the role of group behavior on individual and species’ chances to survive and reproduce
HS-LS2-6
Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem.
HS-LS2-1
Use mathematical and/or computational representations to support explanations of factors that affect carrying capacity of ecosystems at different scales.
HS-LS2-2
Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems of different scales.
HS-LS4-5
Evaluate the evidence supporting claims that changes in environmental conditions may result in (1) increases in the number of individuals of some species, (2) the emergence of new species over time, and (3) the extinction of other species.
Students will be skilled at...
Science and Engineering Practices
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Crosscutting Concepts
HS-LS2-8
Engaging in Argument from Evidence
LS2.D
Social Interactions and Group Behaviors
HS-LS2-8
Cause and Effect
HS-LS2-6
Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking & Engaging in Argument from Evidence
LS2.C
Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience
HS-LS2-6
Cause and Effect
HS-LS2-1
Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
LS2.A
Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
HS-LS2-1
Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
HS-LS2-2
Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
LS2.A & LS2.C
Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems & Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience
HS-LS2-2
Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
HS-LS4-5
Engaging in Argument from Evidence
LS4.C
Adaptation
HS-LS4-5
Cause and Effect
Spring Lake and The Water Cycle
Illustrates where and how water occurs all over the world. Students will learn about their own connections to the global water system and explore concepts of scale and proportionality.
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Basic Information
Duration: Duration: 45 minutes with 10 minutes of question and answer time. 55 minutes total.
Cost: $90
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Objectives and TEKS
Key Vocabulary: Condensation, Evaporation, Infiltration, Precipitation, Transpiration, Water Vapor, Surface Water, Run Off, Springs, Ground Water, Aquifer, Lithosphere, Biosphere, Hydrosphere, Hydrology, Precipitation, Percolation, Condensation, Transpiration, Evaporation
Objectives
- Identify and locate the global water resources.
- Understand the water cycle and that water goes through a continuous cycle.
- Identify key features of the water cycle at Spring Lake.
- Predict the effects of human activity on natural sources of clean water.
- Develop an understanding on the importance of water conservation.
TEKS
Science (K-8): K.1B, K.7B, 1.7B, 2.7B, 3.7C, 4.3B, 4.7C, 4.8B, 5.8B, 7.8C
Environmental Systems: 4C, 4D, 5B, 5C, 5D
Social Studies: K.4A, 1.5A, 2.5A, 3.3C, 4.8C, 5.8B, 8.11B
National Standards
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Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
Kindergarten
This lesson will prepare students to be able to...
K-ESS3-3
Communicate solutions that will reduce the impact of humans on the land, water, air, and/or other living things in the local environment.*
Students will be skilled at...
Science and Engineering Practices
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Crosscutting Concepts
K-ESS3-3
Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
ESS3.B
Human Impact on Earth Systems
K-ESS3-3
Cause and Effect
Grade 2
This lesson will prepare students to be able to...
2-ESS2-3
Obtain information to identify where water is found on Earth and that it can be solid or liquid.
Students will be skilled at...
Science and Engineering Practices
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Crosscutting Concepts
2-ESS2-3
Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
ESS2.C
The Role of Water in Earth’s Surface Processes
2-ESS2-3
Patterns
Grade 4
This lesson will prepare students to be able to...
4-ESS3-1
Obtain and combine information to describe that energy and fuels are derived from natural resources and their uses affect the environment.
Students will be skilled at...
Science and Engineering Practices
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Crosscutting Concepts
4-ESS3-1
Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
ESS3.A
Natural Resources
4-ESS3-1
Cause and Effect
Grade 5
This lesson will prepare students to be able to...
5-ESS2-1
Develop a model using an example to describe ways the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interact.
Students will be skilled at...
Science and Engineering Practices
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Crosscutting Concepts
5-ESS2-1
Developing and Using Models
ESS2.A
Earth Materials and Systems
5-ESS2-1
Systems and System Models
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
This lesson will prepare students to be able to...
MS-PS1-3
Gather and make sense of information to describe that synthetic materials come from natural resources and impact society.
MS-ESS2-4
Develop a model to describe the cycling of water through Earth's systems driven by energy from the sun and the force of gravity.
MS-ESS3-1
Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how the uneven distributions of Earth's mineral, energy, and groundwater resources are the result of past and current geoscience processes.
MS-ESS2-5
Collect data to provide evidence for how the motions and complex interactions of air masses results in changes in weather conditions.
MS-ESS3-4
Construct an argument supported by evidence for how increases in human population and per-capita consumption of natural resources impact Earth's systems.
Students will be skilled at...
Science and Engineering Practices
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Crosscutting Concepts
MS-PS1-3
Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
PS1.A & PS1.B
Structure and Properties of Matter & Chemical Reactions
MS-PS1-3
Structure and Function
MS-ESS2-4
Developing and Using Models
ESS2.C
The Role of Water in Earth’s Surface Processes
MS-ESS2-4
Energy and Matter
MS-ESS3-1
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
ESS3.A
Natural Resources
MS-ESS3-1
Cause and Effect
MS-ESS2-5
Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
ESS2.C & ESS2.D
The Role of Water in Earth’s Surface Processes & Weather and Climate
MS-ESS2-5
Cause and Effect
MS-3SS3-4
Engaging in Argument from Evidence
ESS3.C
Human Impacts on Earth Systems
MS-3SS3-4
Cause and Effect
High School (Grades 9-12)
This lesson will prepare students to be able to...
HS-ESS2-2
Analyze geoscience data to make the claim that one change to Earth's surface can create feedback that causes changes to other Earth systems.
HS-ESS3-1
Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the availability of natural resources, occurrence of natural hazards, and changes in climate have influenced human activity.
HS-ESS3-2
Evaluate competing design solutions for developing, managing, and utilizing energy and mineral resources based on cost-benefit ratios.
Students will be skilled at...
Science and Engineering Practices
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Crosscutting Concepts
HS-ESS2-2
Analyzing and Interpreting Data
ESS2.A & ESS2.D
Earth Materials and Systems & Weather and Climate
HS-ESS2-2
Stability and Change
HS-ESS3-1
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
ESS3.A & ESS3.B
Natural Resources & Natural Hazards
HS-ESS3-1
Cause and Effect
HS-ESS3-2
Engaging in Argument from Evidence
ESS3.A
Natural Resources
HS-ESS3-2
Cause and Effect
Freshwater Turtles of Spring Lake
Students will get an introduction to the prodigious population of freshwater aquatic turtles inhabiting Spring Lake, the basics of their physiology and behavior, and their place in the ecology of Spring Lake. Features live turtles.
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Basic Information
Duration: 45 minutes with 10 minutes of question and answer time. 55 minutes total.
Cost: $90
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Objectives and TEKS
Key Vocabulary: Omnivore, Herbivore, Carnivore, Endemic, Diameter, Food Chain, Basking, Biotic, Abiotic, Predator, Prey, Cold-Blooded, Warm-Blooded, Reptile, Chelonians, Semi-aquatic Turtle, Semi-Terrestrial Turtle, Side-necked Turtle, Terrestrial Turtle, Nesting, Incubation Period
Objectives
- Identify freshwater turtles found at Spring Lake.
- Make connections between the different turtles at Spring Lake and their dependence on biotic and abiotic parts of their ecosystem for food and shelter.
- Explain the variation in physical characteristics among the freshwater turtles at Spring Lake.
- Understand the process freshwater turtles at Spring Lake go through when laying their eggs.
TEKS
Science (K-8)
K.9B, K.9B, 1.10A, 1.10D, 2.9B, 2.10A, 3.10B, 4.10A, 5.10A,
7.11B, 7.12A, 7.13A, 8.11A
Aquatic Science
10A
Environmental Science
4A
Social Studies
K.4A
National Standards
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Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
Kindergarten
This lesson will prepare students to be able to...
K-ESS3-1
Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.
K-LS1-1
Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
Students will be skilled at...
Science and Engineering Practices
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Crosscutting Concepts
K-ESS3-1
Developing and Using Models
ESS3.A
Natural Resources
K-ESS3-1
Systems and System Models
K-LS1-1
Analyzing and Interpreting Data
LS1.C
Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms
K-LS1-1
Patterns
Grade 1
This lesson will prepare students to be able to...
1-LS1-1
Use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking how plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs.
Students will be skilled at...
Science and Engineering Practices
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Crosscutting Concepts
1-LS1-1
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
LS1.A
Structure and Function
LS1.D
Information Processing
1-LS1-1
Patterns
Structure and Function
Grade 2
This lesson will prepare students to be able to...
2-LS4-1
Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.
Students will be skilled at...
Science and Engineering Practices
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Crosscutting Concepts
2-LS4-1
Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
LS4.D
Biodiversity and Humans
2-LS4-1
Patterns
Grade 3
This lesson will prepare students to be able to...
3-LS4-4
Make a claim about the merit of a solution to a problem caused when the environment changes and the types of plants and animals that live there may change.*
3-LS4-2
Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing.
Students will be skilled at...
Science and Engineering Practices
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Crosscutting Concepts
3-LS4-4
Engaging in Argument from Evidence
LS4.D
Biodiversity and Humans
3-LS4-4
Systems and Models
3-LS4-2
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
LS4.B
Natural Selection
3-LS4-2
Cause and Effect
Grade 4
This lesson will prepare students to be able to...
4-LS1-1
Construct an argument that plants, and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
Students will be skilled at...
Science and Engineering Practices
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Crosscutting Concepts
4-LS1-1
Engaging in Argument from Evidence
LS1.A
Structure and Function
4-LS1-1
Systems and System Models
Grade 5
This lesson will prepare students to be able to...
5-PS3-1
Use models to describe that energy in animals’ food (used for body repair, growth, motion, and to maintain body warmth) was once energy from the sun.
Students will be skilled at...
Science and Engineering Practices
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Crosscutting Concepts
5-PS3-1
Developing and Using Models
PS3.D
Energy and Chemical Processes and Everyday Life
5-PS3-1
Energy and Matter
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
This lesson will prepare students to be able to...
MS-LS1-4
Use arguments based on empirical evidence and scientific reasoning to support an explanation for how characteristic animal behaviors and specialized plant structures affect the probability of successful reproduction of animals and plants respectively.
MS-LS2-2
Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms across multiple ecosystems.
MS-LS1-5
Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of organisms.
Students will be skilled at...
Science and Engineering Practices
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Crosscutting Concepts
MS-LS1-4
Engaging in Argument from Evidence
LS1.B
Growth and Development of Organisms
MS-LS1-4
Cause and Effect
MS-LS2-2
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
LS2.A
Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
MS-LS2-2
Patterns
MS-LS1-5
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
LS1.B
Growth and Development of Organisms
MS-LS1-5
Cause and Effect
High School (Grades 9-12)
This lesson will prepare students to be able to...
HS-LS2-6
Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem.
HS-LS2-8
Evaluate evidence for the role of group behavior on individual and species’ chances to survive and reproduce.
Students will be skilled at...
Science and Engineering Practices
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Crosscutting Concepts
HS-LS2-6
Engaging in Argument from Evidence
LS2.C
Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience
HS-LS2-6
Stability and Change
HS-LS2-8
Engaging in Argument from Evidence
LS2.D
Social Interactions and Group Behaviors
HS-LS2-8
Cause and Effect
Threatened and Endangered Species of San Marcos, Texas
Students will be introduced to the unique threatened and endangered species that depend on the San Marcos Springs and learn about their habitats and adaptations. Features a virtual visit to the Threatened and Endangered Species Aquariums.
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Basic Information
Duration: Duration: 45 minutes with 10 minutes of question and answer time. 55 minutes total.
Cost: $90
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Objectives and TEKS
Key Vocabulary: Extinct, Threatened Species, Endangered Species, Swim Bladder, Gills, Buoyancy, Food Chain, Adaptations, Endemic, Habitat, Predator, Prey, Behavioral Adaptations, Physiological Adaptations, Structural Adaptations
Objectives
- Understand the relationship between predator and prey.
- Identify the different reasons behind an animal species extinction.
- Predict the impact species extinctions will have on the immediate environment.
- Identify the three characteristics of animal adaptations.
- Understand the effect animal adaptations have on their chance at survival.
TEKS
Science (K-8)
K.9B, 1.10A, 2.9B, 2.10A, 3.9C, 4.9B, 4.10A, 5.9A, 5.9C, 5.10A, 7.8C, 7.11B, 7.12A, 8.11A, 8.11B
Aquatic Science
10A, 12E, 12C
Biology
7D, 7E
Environmental Science
4A, 4G, 4H, 9E, 9K
Social Studies (K-8)
2.5B, 3.3C, 4.8C, 5.8B, 8.11B
National Standards
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Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
Kindergarten
This lesson will prepare students to be able to...
K-ESS3-1
Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.
K-ESS3-3
Communicate solutions that will reduce the impact of humans on the land, water, air, and/or other living things in the local environment.
K-LS1-1
Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
Students will be skilled at...
Science and Engineering Practices
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Crosscutting Concepts
K-ESS3-1
Developing and Using Models
ESS3.A
Natural Resources
K-ESS3-1
Systems and System Models
K-LS1-1
Analyzing and Interpreting Data
LS1.C
Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms
K-LS1-1
Patterns
K-ESS3-3
Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
ESS3.B
Developing Possible Solutions
K-ESS3-3
Cause and Effect
Grade 1
This lesson will prepare students to be able to...
1-LS1-1
Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
Students will be skilled at...
Science and Engineering Practices
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Crosscutting Concepts
1-LS1-1
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
LS1.A
Structure and Function
LS1.D
Information Processing
1-LS1-1
Structure and Function
Grade 2
This lesson will prepare students to be able to...
2-LS4-1
Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.
Students will be skilled at...
Science and Engineering Practices
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Crosscutting Concepts
2-LS4-1
Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
LS4.D
Biodiversity and Humans
2-LS4-1
Patterns
Grade 3
This lesson will prepare students to be able to...
3-LS4-3
Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.
3-LS4-4
Make a claim about the merit of a solution to a problem caused when the environment changes and the types of plants and animals that live there may change.
3-LS4-2
Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing.
Students will be skilled at...
Science and Engineering Practices
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Crosscutting Concepts
3-LS4-3
Engaging in Argument from Evidence
LS4.C
Adaptation
3-LS4-3
Cause and Effect
3-LS4-4
Engaging in Argument from Evidence
LS4.D
Biodiversity and Humans
3-LS4-4
Systems and Models
3-LS4-2
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
LS4.B
Natural Selection
3-LS4-2
Cause and Effect
Grade 4
This lesson will prepare students to be able to...
4-LS1-1
Construct an argument that plants, and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
Students will be skilled at...
Science and Engineering Practices
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Crosscutting Concepts
4-LS1-1
Engaging in Argument from Evidence
LS1.A
Structure and Function
4-LS1-1
Systems and System Models
Grade 5
This lesson will prepare students to be able to...
5-ESS3-1
Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.
Students will be skilled at...
Science and Engineering Practices
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Crosscutting Concepts
5-ESS3-1
Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
ESS3.C
Human Impact
5-ESS3-1
Systems and System Models
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
This lesson will prepare students to be able to...
MS-LS2-1
Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem.
MS-LS2-2
Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms across multiple ecosystems.
MS-LS1-4
Use arguments based on empirical evidence and scientific reasoning to support an explanation for how characteristic animal behaviors and specialized plant structures affect the probability of successful reproduction of animals and plants respectively.
MS-LS1-5
Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of organisms.
Students will be skilled at...
Science and Engineering Practices
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Crosscutting Concepts
MS-LS2-1
Analyzing and Interpreting Data
LS2.A
Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
MS-LS2-1
Cause and Effect
MS-LS2-2
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
LS2.A
Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
MS-LS2-2
Patterns
MS-LS1-4
Engaging in Argument from Evidence
LS1.B
Growth and Development of Organisms
MS-LS1-4
Cause and Effect
MS-LS1-5
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
LS1.B
Growth and Development of Organisms
MS-LS1-5
Cause and Effect
High School (Grades 9-12)
This lesson will prepare students to be able to...
HS-LS2-6
Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem.
HS-LS2-7
Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment and biodiversity.
HS-LS2-8
Evaluate evidence for the role of group behavior on individual and species’ chances to survive and reproduce.
HS-LS4-2
Construct an explanation based on evidence that the process of evolution primarily results from four factors: (1) the potential for a species to increase in number, (2) the heritable genetic variation of individuals in a species due to mutation and sexual reproduction, (3) competition for limited resources, and (4) the proliferation of those organisms that are better able to survive and reproduce in the environment.
HS-LS4-5
Evaluate the evidence supporting claims that changes in environmental conditions may result in (1) increases in the number of individuals of some species, (2) the emergence of new species over time, and (3) the extinction of other species.
Students will be skilled at...
Science and Engineering Practices
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Crosscutting Concepts
HS-LS2-6
Engaging in Argument from Evidence
LS2.C
Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and, Resilience
HS-LS2-6
Stability and Change
HS-LS2-7
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
LS2.C
Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience
HS-LS2-7
Stability and Change
HS-LS2-8
Engaging in Argument from Evidence
LS2.D
Social Interactions and Group Behaviors
HS-LS2-8
Cause and Effect
HS-LS4-2
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
LS4.B & LS4.C
Natural Selection & Adaptation
HS-LS4-2
Cause and Effect
HS-LS4-5
Engaging in Argument from Evidence
LS4.C
Adaptation
HS-LS4-5
Cause and Effect
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Virtual Field Trip Technical Information
Virtual tours are held over Zoom. One Zoom-compatible device is required for each classroom and for each student participating from outside the classroom.
A large display is highly recommended for the participating classroom.
Live captioning is available.