Join us as we offer students the chance to learn more about native Texas wildlife while enhancing general science concepts through interactive discussions and activities via distance learning! Programs focus on unique animal traits and adaptations, predator-prey relationships, and general wildlife ecology. Post-program companion activities, publications and Discovery Trunks are available.
For additional information on these programs and other offerings from Texas Wildlife Association, please visit their website.
To see our scheduled programs go to Connect2Texas and select Texas Wildlife Association from the program filter.
Animal Encounters: Awesome Opossums
Grades: K-8
Cost: FREE
Length: 45 minutes
The Virginia Opossum is the only Marsupial, or mammal with a pouch, in the United States. Many people fear or dislike opossums due to some common misconceptions and their adaptability to urban environments, but they are actually very interesting animals. You will meet a live Virginia Opossum and explore the unique adaptations that have helped it adapt in its wild habitat and to an urban environment. We will also clear up some public misconceptions and introduce many awesome traits about this animal.
Animal Encounters: Backyard Bunnies
Grades: 1-6
Cost: FREE
Length: 45 minutes
The rabbit or bunny is an easily recognizable mammal that many people associate with springtime. During this program you will get to see a live domestic rabbit while we discuss its wild counterparts. We will explore their adaptations and body structures, the different species of rabbits in Texas, their habitats and ecological benefit, as well as the differences between rabbits and hares.
Animal Encounters: Bats-A-Billion
Cost: Free
Length: 45 minutes
This interactive presentation provides students the opportunity to investigate the relationship between the anatomy and the ecology, including the dietary habits, of different species of bats. This is an experience you will not want to miss. LIVE bats take part in the program! We will look at their unique body structures and their functions that allow bats to fly, identify other special adaptations, as well as discuss their basic needs and diverse habitats. We will also discuss ways you can help these beneficial creatures and conserve their habitats.
Animal Encounters: Clever Coyotes
Grades: 1-8
Cost: Free
Length: 45 minutes
Coyotes are a common species of wild dog in Texas and across much of the United States. During this program you will get to see a live coyote, up close. We will discuss their adaptations, diet, and how they are adapted to many habitats. We will even play some calls of coyotes in the wild.
Animal Encounters: Creepy Critters
Grades: 1-6
Cost: Free
Length: 45 minutes
Unfortunately for our guests, their creepy appearance strikes fear in most people, even though they know little about them, and in some cases have never encountered them. Our visitors are quite an eclectic bunch, from those with no limbs, to others with four, six, or even eight! Join us as we take an up-close look at these critters and discuss how they fit into the food chain, as well as their habitats, adaptations, and the structures that bring fear to many.
Animal Encounters: Hawk Talk
Grades: K-8
Cost: Free
Length: 45 minutes
Birds of prey, also known as raptors, are a common sight in the skies. During the program, we will take an up-close look at a live Red-Tailed Hawk to discuss the important body structures and their functions. We will investigate the hawk’s diet, their role in the food web, the habitats in which they are found, and the adaptations that allow them to be such powerful predators.
Animal Encounters: Owl Adaptations
Grades: K-8 Cost: Free Length: 45 minutes
The owl: nature’s nocturnal bird of prey. Accompanied by our live Eastern Screech Owl in the studio, we will learn about these interesting animals found around the globe and all across Texas. This program will examine the special adaptations which allow them to fly, hunt for prey, and survive in their environment. We will also play the calls of some common Texas owls that your students may hear in their own backyard.
Animal Encounters: Peregrine Falcons
Grades: 1-6
Cost: Free
Length: 45 minutes
Birds of prey, also known as raptors, are a common sight in the skies. During the program, we will take an up-close look at a live Peregrine Falcon to discuss the important body structures and their functions. We will investigate the falcon’s diet, their role in the food web, the habitats in which they are found, and the adaptations that allow them to be such powerful predators and fast fliers.
Animal Encounters: Reptile Lifestyle
Grades: K-8
Cost: Free
Length: 45 minutes
Reptiles are a diverse group of animals, displaying great variety between species; think about turtles versus snakes! During the program, we will take an up-close look at our live critters and compare their various body structures and their functions. We will investigate and explore how they eat, how they survive in their environment/habitat, and how they protect themselves from predators.
Animal Encounters: Striped Skunks
Grades: 1-6
Cost: Free
Length: 45 minutes
Meet the striped skunk. Although their defense behaviors and adaptations benefit them in their wild environment, these same behaviors do not fare well in urban habitats. Most people cannot help but turn up their noses when they think about skunks, but after our class you will understand their ecological benefit.
Aquatic Insect Investigation
Grades: 3-8
Cost: Free
Length: 45 minutes
Aquatic insects, also known as macroinvertebrates, a word which breaks down into two parts, macro, meaning big or big enough to see without a microscope, and invertebrate, which means an animal without a backbone. During this program we will investigate different species or types of aquatic macroinvertebrates collected from a freshwater habitat. We will discuss their lifecycle, the adaptations which allow them to live in an aquatic environment, and even how you can determine the level of pollution in the water based on the types of macroinvertebrates that are present.
Let's Talk Turkey
Grades: K-8
Cost: Free
Length: 45 minutes
This interactive presentation introduces students to fun facts about one of our state's most fabulous birds: THE WILD TURKEY! We will discuss turkey anatomy, adaptations, and habitat as well as the various "calls" or vocalizations that turkeys make to communicate.
More Than a Drop
Grades: K-8
Cost: Free
Length: 45 minutes
This interactive presentation opens students’ eyes to the various facets of water in the environment, from raindrops to aquifers. Students will be challenged to think about where water comes from, how it got there, where it ends up, and how it is being used. Students will have the opportunity to take part in a hands-on, comparative demonstration along with the presenter, to help them better understand water usage and to learn how to conserve this natural resource.
The Magic of Monarchs
Grades: K-8
Cost: Free
Length: 45 minutes
For such a delicate insect, the Monarch butterfly leads an adventurous life! During spring and fall, millions of Monarchs will travel through Texas on their way to or from their overwintering sites in Mexico. Live caterpillars and adult Monarchs will be on hand during the program, allowing your students to see them up close and in detail. Join us as we discuss the basic needs, life cycle, adaptations, and migration patterns of the Monarch butterfly and learn how you can help conserve this unique creature.
Connect2Texas
Email: c2tx@esc11.net
Website: www.connect2texas.net
Location: Fort Worth, TX, United States
Phone: 817-740-7516
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Connect2Texas/178380812237957
Twitter: @connect2texas