Class is in Session: Why the EAA EOC is the Best Field Trip in San Antonio

While teachers, parents and students (some of which are you) are getting acclimated to the new school year, our center has been working diligently over the past few months with educators to schedule field trip visits for this fall and next spring. And the best part? It’s all FREE! Our center is the best field trip destination in San Antonio, because we provide students with a fun and engaging way to learn about the Edwards Aquifer, explore the wonders of nature, and discover how to protect them both for generations to come.

We know you want your students to learn a ton, have fun, and explore outside the classroom, and there’s no better way to add S.T.E.A.M. learning into your student’s lives than a trip to the Edwards Aquifer Authority Education Outreach Center (EAA EOC)! Dive into the wonders of the Edwards Aquifer through experiential learning with highly trained staff and volunteers.

Exhibit Hall

Kids at the EOC Topobox

Topobox

If you’re looking for the ultimate San Antonio field trip destination that is both fun and educational, you’ve found the right place! Here are the exhibits your students will get to experience when you visit the EAA EOC:

Topobox

Our newest augmented reality exhibit allows you to build your own landforms, explore topographic features, and observe the flow of water through a watershed.

Cloud Caster

Ever made a cloud? Our interactive cloud exhibit will allow your students the ability to see how vapor creates one and learn about the water cycle.

Global Perspective Display

Watch as weather patterns work their way across the face of the Earth from an astronaut’s perspective. At this station, you’ll learn that while we live locally, we are impacted everyday by the global forces that make up the world we live in.

Good Well vs Bad Well

Ever wonder what a bad well looks like? Here at the EAA EOC, you can look at the difference between a good well and a bad well. We all prefer to drink and bathe with water from good wells – wells free from contamination. But sometimes, wells can go bad, and they must be addressed. See how the EAA regulates wells and use our special camera to inspect both good and bad wells!

Threatened and Endangered Species Aquarium

Say hi to our native and non-native species of the Comal and San Marcos Springs ecosystems contained within the Edwards Aquifer. Get up-close and personal with the Texas blind salamander and the Fountain darter housed in our aquariums!

Micro Eye

View species and specimens under the eye of the EOC Microscope! Take a closer look at and study the intricate body structures of the Comal Springs riffle beetle, the Peck’s cave amphipod, the San Marcos salamander, and more!

Native Plant Demonstration Garden

Wander through our Texas native garden featuring drought-tolerant plants and learn how to bring your garden to life while conserving water at the same time!

School Programs: What to Expect

EOC Native Plant Demonstration Garden

Native Plant Demonstration Garden

When taking a field trip to the EAA EOC, we offer free school programs for groups, ranging anywhere from 10 to 100 visitors. Our school programs keep students moving, learning, and having fun! Depending on the group’s size and grade level, they’ll rotate through a variety of exciting education stations, each one offering a new way to explore and connect with the world around them.

Some of the favorites include a hands-on scavenger hunt, the jaw-dropping “Water Magic” show with the Astonishing Mr. Pitts, our engaging Aquifer 101 presentation, up-close encounters with “Water & Wildlife,” and so much more. Every stop is a chance to explore the wonders of science and inspire a love for nature!

What You’ll Take Home with You

Edwards Aquifer Endangered Species Stickers
Edwards Aquifer Threatened and Endangered Species Stickers

Not only will students leave our center with new aquifer knowledge, but they will also go home with some fun EAA EOC goodies! Our center offers a variety of curated promotional items that teachers can hand out to their students, from pencils to threatened and endangered species stickers, students leave our center with a thoughtful reminder of their memorable field trip experience.

Through our hands-on activities and interactive exhibits , students not only gain a deeper understanding of water conservation and nature but also develop a lifelong appreciation for the nature around them. Every visit is an opportunity to spark curiosity and empower the next generation to make a positive impact on our planet.

Looking for a fun field trip that your students will remember? Learn more about our school programs and book your free visit today at the School Programs section on our website.

We also know that transportation costs can be tricky, and that’s why we have a travel support application available for reimbursement of travel expenses! All you have to do is apply through our website, it’s that easy. After reviewing your application, one of our staff members will notify you of our decision. This funding is a reimbursement for expenses and may not cover the full amount—but it’s a fantastic opportunity to receive valuable travel support!

Are you still curious about what the center offers? We encourage you to follow us on social media to get weekly updates from our center or fill out the “Stay in Touch” fields at the bottom of this page to get monthly alerts about current EOC happenings.

The EOC is even listed as #2 in the “Top Best Field Trips Near San Antonio, Texas” on Yelp!

EAA EOC Social Media:

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