Purpose:

This class is designed for mature 12-17 year-olds who are interested in hands-on learning both in a lab and outdoor setting.  Students should be good readers, capable of taking field notes, and familiar with graphing data.  Topics will include ecoregions of Texas, aquatic ecosystems, water quality and conservation, terrestrial ecosystems, land management and wildlife conservation, and Texas plants, fish, amphibians, birds, mammals, and invertebrates.  The class will include outdoor activities and field excursions, including at least one major outing each semester.  Students wishing to earn high school credit will complete a major project.  Contents correspond to TEA classes including Aquatic Science, Environmental Systems, and Wildlife, Fisheries, and Ecology Management.