Education at the Preserve
The Preserve is an 100-acre living laboratory where students and faculty can actively participate in a hands-on learning experience to reveal the mysteries of this unique playa habitat. Our curriculum is a model of expert fieldwork and spurs the scientific curiosity of students who will make meaningful contributions to the next generation of sciences. You may access our suite of virtual and in-person lessons below.
Rostered classes ages 18 months - 7 years
Based on Texas Parks and Wildlife's Project WILD curriculum -WILD at The Preserve- is an outdoor class series where learners experience nature in the early years of life. Parents and caregivers accompany their children during each class as the program explores and introduces environmental concepts of West Texas, and beyond. Rostered classes have limited availability. Register to join the waiting list.
Open play session ages 18 months - 7 years
A part of the WILD at The Preserve outdoor education program -PLAYTIME AT THE PLAYA- is offered at no cost to the community! These open play sessions provide WILD at The Preserve activities and an opportunity to build your community. Caregivers will accompany learners to engage in play, learning, and discovery! Check our calendar page for session dates.
Self-guided curriculum ages 18 months - 10 years
The Little Ecologist school is a self-guided outdoor education program. Parent, caregivers, and educators are provided with a digital booklet containing the course curriculum, a certificate, and 6 stickers to mark their learner's progress through the lessons. Complete at your own pace, in your favorite outdoor spaces. Curriculum is designed for ages 2- 10, but may be adapted for a wide range of ages.
Push-in program grades Kindergarten - Second
This K-2 push-in curriculum uses hands-on activities in the classroom to introduce young students to the essential features of the ecosystems and history of the Preserve. Each grade level is theme-based and has an accompanying song, student journal, and extension activities.
Preserve Program grades Third - Fifth
Our grades 3-5 curriculum uses interactive teaching stations at the Preserve to introduce the students to essential ecological principles. The experience has three parts: a classroom introduction with pre-test, a curriculum-based Preserve visit, and a final post-test.
Preserve Program grades tenth - twelfth
This high school curriculum introduces environmental studies students to the challenges of Preserve management. The experience has three parts: an introduction and self-study on playas, a curriculum-based Preserve visit, and a findings presentation to Preserve staff.
We look forward to seeing you at the Preserve with your class! If you have any questions about registering for a visit, please contact us.