Field Trips

Education lies at the heart of the Wetlands Center’s mission. The center currently offers day-long educational field trips for every fifth and seventh grader in the Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District. The programs consist of indoor instruction at the Wetlands Center and outdoor, hands-on activities at the nearby Baytown Nature Center.

Each summer Wade Into Wetlands Summer Science Camp attracts students from grades one through ten for week-long experiences of fun-filled learning and off-site educational field trips.

Other educational offerings include The Wetlands Wagon outreach program taken to schools, libraries, clubs and businesses.

Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts may earn badges during Wetlands Center programs tailored to their requirements.

Wetlands Ecology Program

The basic wetlands educational program is designed for fifth grade, but can be tailored to suit your educational needs from four years old through high school. For a full-day program students will also visit the Baytown Nature Center in the afternoon. Handouts for students and teachers are included.

Program activities include:

  • Introduction to wetlands video and visual presentation on wetlands functions
  • Games on wetlands food web species; environmental issues impacting habitat
  • Microscope activities in the Science Investigation

    Lab using live aquatic insects

  • Tour of Robert M. Craig Exhibit Hall including
    Gator World with live juvenile alligators; Land of
    Milk and Honey with indoor bee hive; Coastal
    Connections Room with aquatic animals in touch
    tanks; and the Nature Discovery Room

Liquid Science Program

This program is designed for students in sixth through tenth grades. Students explore the hydrologic cycle, watersheds and human impact on aquatic ecosystems. For a full-day program students will also visit the Baytown Nature Center in the afternoon. Handouts for students and teachers are included.

Program activities include:

  • Introduction to hydrologic cycle video
  • Non-point source pollution model activity and

    watershed discussion

  • Importance of different water types in relation to
    Blue Crab life cycle and anatomy

  • Abiotic factors and water analysis, testing for pH,
    salinity, dissolved gases and dissolved nutrients

  • Biotic interactions with live animals including
    snakes, alligators and coastal species

Extended activities available at the Baytown Nature Center

  • Lunch can be eaten at the Brownwood Marsh Educational Pavilion overlooking three bays and San Jacinto Monument
  • Marsh seining demonstration to catch and examine juvenile fish, shrimp and crabs
  • Nature walk to identify bird, insect and plant species. Binoculars are provided for birdwatching

Fees

  • $5 per student for basic program
  • $2.50 per student for additional activity at BNC

  1. Jina Faith

    Education Coordinator
    Phone: 281-420-7140