SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Our school programs are FREE field trip experiences geared towards groups of 10 to 100 visitors. Students rotate through Education Stations in groups of 20-25 for 20 minutes each. Education Stations vary depending on volunteer availability, group size and grade level.
We try our best to accommodate your group’s needs. After viewing our list, please feel free to let us know what you would like to focus on.
EDUCATION STATIONS
Aquifer 101 Presentation
Recommended Grades: Kindergarten – 12th
Overview
Join us in our Karst Cave theatre for our Aquifer 101 presentation! Learn first-hand about the Edwards Aquifer, the endangered species of the aquifer, the meaning of groundwater, non-point source pollution, and the importance of water conservation. Your journey will begin where millions of tiny raindrops collect underground to form the birthplace of San Antonio’s main water supply. Check out the Edwards Aquifer cave and discover how this amazing resource provides water for millions of South Texans.
Students will be seated in our Karst Cave Theatre, a room complete with limestone ledges, stalactites, and a video screen. EAA Staff will provide information about the Edwards Aquifer complete with photos and illustrations to provide a basic understanding of how the system works. Students will participate by asking and answering questions in this engaging and interactive discussion.
(Presentation material differs by grade level)
Exploration Station
Recommended Grades: Kindergarten – 8th
Discover hidden treasures outdoors with our Exploration Station! Explore the surrounding patio and garden of the EOC with our scavenger hunt. With a mix of challenges, fun riddles, and science-based hints, this station engages the students’ imagination and critical thinking. Show off your knowledge while also learning and seeing firsthand the native plants and animals of San Antonio.
Students will receive a scavenger hunt. After a small presentation on the importance of native plants, students will begin to search for the answers within a set area. Staff/teachers/chaperones will be walking around the perimeter to answer questions and aid, but this activity is mostly solo—and the kids love it!
(Spanish and non-reader scavenger hunts are available)
Aquifer Rocks
Recommended Grades: 4th – 12th
Overview
Conduct a geology experiment to identify limestone from among three rocks. Create a hypothesis based on physical observations and then test it with a chemical reaction (only qualified staff will handle acids). What makes the Edwards Aquifer rocks so special? Why is limestone full of holes? What is the difference between distinct types of rocks? Learn this, and so much more, with this hands-on geology activity.
After a presentation on the properties of limestone, students will be given a set of materials including three types of rocks, an activity sheet to record data, safety goggles, and a weak acid (diluted hydrochloric acid). After recording initial observations, students will look for a chemical reaction as staff add a small drop of hydrochloric acid onto each rock. Finally, students will draw a conclusion based on their experiment and identify limestone.
(Depending on grade level, staff may perform the experiment for the kids)
Aquifer Artists
Recommended Grades: Kindergarten- 8th
Let your creative flag fly with this fun, hands-on activity. This activity involves students creating a unique piece of artwork relating to water or the Edwards Aquifer. Students have creative liberty to draw anything they envision connected to water, including our own Texas Blind Salamanders, various species of native fish, plants, and even their own family members!
Students will receive a sheet of fabric. They will use a variety of markers, stamps, and stencils to draw, write, or decorate on their fabric. All art pieces will be collected and temporarily hung up in the EOC to celebrate the beautiful art. At the end of your visit, teachers will be given the art pieces to hang up in their classrooms.
Water Magic with the Astonishing Mr. Pitts
Recommended Grades: Kindergarten – 3rd
Come explore the magic (and scientific) qualities of water with the Astonishing Mr. Pitts. Mr. Pitts seamlessly intertwines science learning into his magic puppet show, emphasizing the importance of water and its conservation. Students are immersed in an engaging show, volunteer as assistant magicians, and best of all, learn while having fun.
Students will gather in our Karst Theatre or alternative space to watch Mr. Pitts’ astonishing magic show. Students will have the opportunity to volunteer in several of Mr. Pitts’ experiments and tricks. Volunteers come away with special souvenirs.
Water and Wildlife
Recommended Grades: Kindergarten – 6th
Jump into the world of animals with this live animal presentation. Students will interact with and touch various kinds of animals, such as snakes, rats, toads, birds, and even insects! Throughout the presentation, they will be introduced to different adaptations and characteristics of the animals of the Edwards Aquifer area. This highly interactive and educational experience is a student favorite.
Students will be instructed to sit on the ground in rows. Our animal expert, Tom, will introduce the station before bringing out various animals for the kids to look at, and if desired, touch. He will explain the characteristics each animal has and how these characteristics help it survive in the environment of the Edwards Aquifer.
Nature Navigators
Recommended Grades: 3rd – 12th
Recharge in the recharge zone of the Edwards Aquifer with this mini nature hike! Take a simple, ten-minute hike to our adjacent conservation easement with a guide. On the way, learn about the different native plants, animals, and geologic features of the area. This activity encourages curiosity in the natural world.
Students and any teachers/chaperones go on a hike with our knowledgeable staff. Laminated booklets for native plants and rock identification will be provided. We ask students to not wander ahead and follow directions to ensure safety.
(This activity is weather dependent)
Plan your school visit
Submit a reservation request based on your type of visit. We will customize your FREE school program specifically for your group. Need more details, check out our EOC FAQs .