NewsDrop July 2023

EDUCATION OUTREACH CENTER (EOC)

Students enjoy the new pavilion.

THE EDUCATION OUTREACH CENTER IS THRIVING

More than a month after celebrating its one-year anniversary, the Education and Outreach Center (EOC) is thriving. Not only has the number of visitors already surpassed that of 2022, but we have expanded and innovated our programming and celebrated special events. One such special event was our celebration of Endangered Species Day in May. Our mascot, Karston the Texas Blind Salamander, made an appearance at the EOC to welcome guests. Children and adults alike broke into smiles at Karston’s waves and high fives. But this was only the beginning of the fun. Throughout the day, guests of Endangered Species Day participated in various activities. Activities included 1) exploring our hands-on exhibits, including our cloud caster and aquariums, 2) painting Aqui-flags, 3) completing a scavenger hunt for native plants and animals, and 4) observing the chemical reaction of acid on limestone. A school group of 100 students also visited on Endangered Species Day. It was a busy day. In fact, the entirety of May has been incredibly busy. In May alone, the EOC received over 1200 students on field trips. It has been the EOC’s busiest month and the education team on-site has handled it magnificently. Students leave with smiles on their faces and the words this was fun.

By : Sarah Valdez, EAA Senior STEAM Outreach Educator

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