Campers learning while exploring

In Seagoville, Texas, on a sprawling 500-acre plot, a new adventure awaits city kids every day at the STEM Environmental Education Center (EEC). Trading urban surroundings with the great outdoors, Dallas ISD’s campers in the Summer Science Enrichment Program learn about aquatic science, entomology, astronomy, ornithology and geology while making memories and friendships amid scientific discoveries. Every corner of the center is occupied by a chance to learn. Plants line the building, baby ducks can be found nestled in shady areas, and the anatomy of a tree is exemplified by the life-sized model standing in the middle of the play area. Campers end the day by journaling their observations to practice their writing skills, and all of the lessons are designed for fourth-grade students by certified district science teachers who align lessons with TEKS, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science. For the first time in years, recent rainfall filled the center’s pond enough for kids to enjoy canoeing. Harry Monroe, the EEC’s aquatic expert with decades of experience, introduced campers to “Snappy” the snapping turtle to learn about tertiary consumers, and taught them how to measure water’s pH level. — From Dallas ISD Staff Reports