Treat your students with one of our Distance Learning programs available as On-demand Webinars and via Videoconferencing.
On-demand Webinars are completely FREE, available 24/7, TEKS aligned, and only require a quick registration and free WebEx program download before viewing. Find out more about On-demand Webinars
HERE on our website. Currently you can find our four most popular programs online:
Videoconferencing style programs are offered through Connect2Texas. Each program is 45 minutes long, designed for grades 1-6, TEKS aligned, and FREE to join. Click the links below, or visit Connect2Texas (
www.connect2texas.net) to register (registration for a program can only take place through Connect2Texas).
Upcoming Schedule:
Program descriptions below
Interactive spots still available, but sign up fast as they are limited.
September 23 (Tu) - Urban Animal Encounters: Prickly Porcupines! - Registration Deadline Sept. 16th!
October 7 (Tu) - Urban Animal Encounters: Awesome Opossums!
October 15 (W) - The Magic of Monarch
October 30 (Th) - Animal Encounters: Creepy Critters!
October 31 (F) - Animal Encounters: Bats-A-Billion - Formerly BATS! LIVE on the BIG screen!
November 5 (W) - More Than A Drop
November 13 (Th) - Animal Encounters: Hawk Talk - *NEW PROGRAM*
November 18 (Tu) - Let's Talk Turkey
December 4 (Th) - Animal Skull Investigation!
December 16 (Tu) - Urban Animal Encounters: Skunks and Armadillos!
Program Descriptions:
Urban Animal Encounters - Prickly Porcupines!
Join us and our prickly guest as we clear up some common misconceptions and discuss the porcupines amazing adaptations. These rodents are unique in so many ways, from being nocturnal to covered in quills, our program will be packed with fun facts. We will also study the different structures, functions, and habitats between new world and old world porcupines. Don't miss this great opportunity to see this rarely seen critter!
Urban Animal Encounters - Awesome OpossumsThe perception of opossums is (hopefully) changing with their animated counterparts becoming more popular, especially in movies! Virginia opossums may be the most unique North American mammal, but perception tends to overshadow their awesome traits. Opossums are awesome because of... their adaptations, which allow them to live in a nocturnal environment, their unique marsupial structures, and their ability to play dead, just to name a few. We will also clear up any myths and misconceptions that you and your students have about this awesome animal. Please join us and our critter guest star!
The Magic of MonarchsFor such a delicate insect, the Monarch butterfly leads an adventurous life! During spring and fall, millions of Monarchs will travel through Texas on their way to or from their overwintering sites in Mexico. Live caterpillars and adult Monarchs will be on hand during the program, allowing your students to see them as they've never seen them before. Join us as we discuss the basic needs, life cycle, adaptations, and migration patterns of the Monarch butterfly and learn how you can help conserve this unique creature.
Animal Encounters: Creepy CrittersUnfortunately for our guests, their creepy appearance strikes fear in most people, even though they know little about them, and in some cases have never encountered them. Our visitors are quite an eclectic bunch, from those with no limbs, to others with four, six, or even eight! Join us as we take an up-close look at these critters and discuss how they fit into the food chain, as well as their habitats, adaptations, and the structures that bring fear to many.
Animal Encounters: Bats-A-Billion
This interactive presentation provides students the opportunity to investigate the relationship between the anatomy and the ecology, including the dietary habits, of different species of bats. An experience you will not want to miss. LIVE bats take part in this program! We will look at the unique structures and functions that allow them to fly, identify other special adaptations, as well discuss as their basic needs and diverse habitats. We will also discuss ways you can help conserve these beneficial creatures.
More Than a Drop
This interactive presentation opens students' eyes to the various facets of water in the environment, from raindrops to aquifers. Students will be challenged to think about where water comes from, how it got there, where it ends up, and how it is being used. Students will have the opportunity to take part in a hands-on, comparative demonstration along with the presenter, to help them better understand water usage and to learn how to conserve this natural resource.
Animal Encounters: Hawk TalkBirds of prey, also known as raptors, are a common presence in the skies. During the program, we will take an up-close look at a live Red-Tailed Hawk to discuss the various structures and functions of birds of prey (or hawks). We will investigate hawks' diet, their role in the food web, their habitats, and the characteristics and traits that allow them to be such powerful predators.
Let's Talk Turkey!This interactive presentation introduces students to fun facts about one of our state's most fabulous birds: THE WILD TURKEY! We will discuss turkey anatomy, habitat, adaptations, and basic needs, as well as the various "calls" or vocalizations that turkeys use to communicate in their environment. Students will listen to an assortment of calls and have the opportunity to take an up-close look at a real Wild Turkey.
ASI: Animal Skull Investigation!This interactive presentation allows students the opportunity to investigate skulls of native Texas animals. Unique adaptations will be discussed and students will be asked to observe structures and functions to determine the identity and feeding habits of our mystery specimens.
Urban Animal Encounters: Skunks and Armadillos!Meet the nine-banded armadillo and the striped skunk. Although their defense behaviors and adaptations are beneficial to them in their wild environment, these same behaviors do not fare well in urban habitats. Most people cannot help but turn up their noses when they think about these two animals, but after our class, we hope your feelings change. Join us as we clear up some common untruths and add clarity to their unique structures and functions with the help of our friendly guest stars!
