Matagorda Bay Nature Park Natural Science Programs

Matagorda Bay Nature Park
Natural Science Programs
Elementary Education Programs
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A Slice of the Watershed — Historically, people live and work near watersheds and river basins. But
living near water isn’t enough. Droughts and floods have taught us that water management is vital for
sustaining reliable water supplies needed for cities, farming and industry. In this activity, students will
build a surface water and groundwater model and apply water system concepts.
Salt Marsh Munchers — Texas wetlands serve as a nursery for nearly all the recreational and
commercial fish species and one-third of the threatened and endangered fish species in the Gulf
of Mexico. Students will explore wetland characteristics, identify the environmental components of
a salt marsh, and investigate how organisms adapt to life in this unique environment. Students will
discover the importance of protecting the wetlands.
Water Coursing Through History — Water is important to all members of a community. The need to
conserve and manage water supplies becomes increasingly important as demands for this limited resource
grow. Students will simulate changes in a watershed over time and represent different water users whose
needs exceed the amount of available water. This program encourages students to practice math skills,
evaluate scientific thoughts and social behaviors, and discuss environmental concerns in their communities.
Upper Elementary Education Programs
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Ride the Electric Wave — The Lower Colorado River Authority provides many Texans with electricity
generated from a variety of sources. Learn how energy is created through hydroelectric, solar, gas,
coal and wind generation. Students will learn the forms of energy, how to identify renewable and nonrenewable sources of energy, and compare methods of energy transformation devices.
Trapped in Chains and Webs — Every living creature is unique, yet tied to each other by food chains
and food webs. Students will learn about producers, consumers and decomposers, and how people can
affect this delicate balance. Students also will learn about habitat zones and discover why it is important
to protect and conserve all elements of the environment.
Sand and Sediments of the Matagorda Bay Area — The sands and sediments along the Texas coast have
a story to tell. In this activity, students will determine causes of erosion and sediment deposits
using shapes, sorting and size information. Students will gather information about the
region’s geological history, marine life and variations in flow patterns of water currents.
Shelling Out Fun — Finding shells on the beach is fun for all ages. Scientifically
identifying shells involves sorting and classifying. This process groups organisms
that share physical characteristics, then separates organisms based on their unique
features. Students will gather, sort, create and classify shells on the beach.
Middle School Education Programs
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Defining Laws of Motion — Students experience Newton’s Laws of Motion and
investigate the scientific definition of work while performing specific kayak
maneuvers on Matagorda Bay. Paired students will work with a facilitator
to identify force, motion and work while using a wedge and lever and
experiencing the waters that need care in Matagorda County. Liability
waivers required.
Middle and High School Education Programs
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Naturally Changing – Erosional Deposition at the Coast — Natural
processes are constantly changing and shaping the coastal regions.
Elevation and climate affect the rate of change as rivers deliver sediment
to the Texas beaches. Beaches are the accumulation of sediment along the
landward margin of the ocean. Regardless of the beach composition, the material
does not stay in one place. Students will work with stream tables, various substrates
and other agents of erosion and sediment deposits to examine the changing nature
of streams, rivers and beaches.
Natural Science Education Programs Price List
Our educational programs reinforce the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) objectives.
Number of Participants
Program Length
Each program up to 30 students
$90 per program
1 hour
31+ students
Each program up to 30 students
$3 per student
$150 per program
2 hours
31+ students
Price
$6 per student
*Minimum of 2 programs per visit
Coastal Investigation comparative
study includes kayaking
Limited to 40 students per day
$35 per student
How to Register:
Contact: LCRA’s Matagorda Bay Natural Science Center
www.lcra.org/matagorda
800-776-5272, Ext. 4740, or 979-863-2603
P.O. Box 312 · Matagorda, TX 77457 · Email: [email protected]