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Orientation/Ecology Shelter
The Orientation/Ecology Shelter is the first center on the trail. There,
students will review the rules of the Outdoor Classroom and discuss what
they can expect to gain from their outdoor experience. The students will
be introduced to the various ecoregions of Texas and understand that this
site lies in the transition zone between Edwards Plateau, Blackland Prairies
and South Texas Brush Country. This center is the site of a student activity
on Endangered Species of Texas.
Geology Shelter
The next center on the trail is the Geology Shelter. Students will receive
a review of the rock cycle. The focus will then move to the geology of
San Antonio with emphasis on the characteristics and properties of limestone
and sedimentary rock. At this site, the student activity will be on the
fossil formation and the history of dinosaurs in Texas.
Wildlife Shelter
The Wildlife Shelter will serve to expose students to the diversity of
wildlife in San Antonio. They will be provided with an opportunity to
catch a glimpse of wildlife through "telescopes" mounted at
the center. Students will gain "hands on" experience with San
Antonio wildlife through close examination of BUGS found at the Outdoor
Classroom. This Center will also be the location of information and a
lesson on track identification.
Botany Shelter
At the Botany Shelter, students will learn about San Antonio's native
plants. They will be exposed to the concepts of Wildscaping and Xeriscaping
through observation of a specially designed butterfly garden. The students
will examine the parts of the flower, identifying important structures
and their functions. They will also have the opportunity to enjoy lessons
on seed dispersal and tree ring examination.
Weather Station
A wireless weather station is planned to give students the opportunity
to view and learn to read scientific weather tools. With the development
of a web page we will link the current weather readings to the web site
enabling students to continue to track the weather conditions at the park
after their visit.
Art Center
Texas has a large body of beautiful nature-based art. Fifth grade students
are at an age when they are old enough to begin appreciating nature-based
art. They can also understand the special place nature-based art has achieved
within the culture of Texas. Subject matter includes such things as landscapes,
wildflowers, native animals, birds, and skyscapes. Some of the art lessons
that will incorporate art within a science context include the following:
Shadow Art-with emphasis on positive and negative space.
Drawing- drawing whole trees, or just a part of one tree.
Texture Rubbings-using bark on trees, leafs, grass etc.
Perspective Drawings-learning about foreground, middle ground, and background.
Painting- watercolor wildflowers, or one single flower
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