Texas Wildlife Association

Join us as we offer students the chance to learn more about native Texas wildlife while enhancing general science concepts through interactive discussions and activities! Programs focus on unique animal traits and adaptations, predator-prey relationships, and general wildlife ecology. Post-program companion activities, publications and Discovery Trunks are available.

The Texas Wildlife Association is a non-profit, membership-driven organization that offers a variety of educational programs geared toward making Texas more tangible for students. TWA is absolutely dedicated to educating Texas youth about private land stewardship and conservation to ensure the conservation of our cherished natural resources and outdoor heritage for future generations.

We have recordings available anytime and offer live programs on a set schedule. We do not take program requests. To see our scheduled programs and register go to Connect2Texas and select Texas Wildlife Association in the program filter.

For questions contact edean@texas-wildlife.org.

Grades: K-8

This program features the largest reptile in Texas and North America, the American Alligator. We will discuss the wetland habitats they call home, their adaptations including their role in the food chain as an apex predator, and the differences between alligators and crocodiles. Students will also get to see a real alligator egg and skull, as well as our guest star, a real live alligator.

Grades: K-8

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. This is an experience you will not want to miss. LIVE bats take part in the program! We will look at their unique body structures and their functions that allow bats to fly, identify other special adaptations, as well as discuss their basic needs and diverse habitats. We will also discuss ways you can help these beneficial creatures and conserve their habitats.

Grades: 1-6

Unfortunately for our guests, their creepy appearance strikes fear in most people even though in some cases have never encountered them. Our visitors are quite an eclectic bunch, from those with no limbs, to others with four, 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 adaptations, and the structures that bring fear to many.

Grades: K-8

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, adaptations, and habitat as well as the various "calls" or vocalizations that turkeys make to communicate.

Grades: K-8

The owl: nature’s nocturnal bird of prey. Accompanied by our live Eastern Screech Owl in the studio, we will learn about these interesting animals found around the globe and all across Texas. This program will examine the special adaptations which allow them to fly, hunt for prey, and survive in their environment. We will also play the calls of some common Texas owls that your students may hear in their own backyard.

Grades: 1-6

Birds of prey, also known as raptors, are a common sight in the skies. During the program, we will take an up-close look at a live Peregrine Falcon to discuss the important body structures and their functions. We will investigate the falcon’s diet, their role in the food web, the habitats in which they are found, and the adaptations that allow them to be such powerful predators and fast fliers.

Grades: K-8

Reptiles are a diverse group of animals, displaying great variety between species; think about turtles versus snakes! During the program, we will take an up-close look at our live critters and compare their various body structures and their functions. We will investigate and explore how they eat, how they survive in their environment/habitat, and how they protect themselves from predators.

Grades: 1-6

Meet the striped skunk. Although their defense behaviors and adaptations benefit 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 skunks, but after our class you will understand their ecological benefit.

Grades: K-8

For 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 up close and in detail. 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.

Watch TWA’s on-demand webinars to spark your student’s interest, or as a great review. On-demand webinars are completely FREE, available 24/7, TEKS aligned, and only require a quick registration before viewing.

Adaptable Armadillos

ASI: Animal Skull Investigations

Aquifers and Spring Ecosystems

Bats-A-Billion

Classifying Living Things

Food Chain Fun

Complete Metamorphosis

Frog Life Cycle

Incomplete Metamorphosis

Let's Talk Turkey

The Magic of Monarchs

Prairie Dogs (Grassland Ecosystem)

Stewarding Soil

Wetland Ecosystems

Critter Connections magazine is now available in a read-along format. Learn about different kinds of Texas wildlife with our read-along videos. You can find videos and downloadable copies of each issue here.

Read-along videos:

All About Foxes

The Greater Roadrunner

Turtles in Texas

Backyard Bugs

Texas Squirrels

Texas Pollinators

All About Salamanders

All About Woodpeckers

Wildlife in Trouble

Texas Otters

Dragonflies

Sparrows

Moths

Pelicans

State Symbols

Content Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed are those of the contributing members of Connect2Texas and do not necessarily represent the views of the Education Service Center Region 11. While some content is deemed appropriate for various curriculum standards used by viewers nationwide, most content providers make an effort to tie their content to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).

Connect2Texas is a service of the Education Service Center Region 11.

Email: c2tx@esc11.net
Website: www.connect2texas.net
Location: Fort Worth, TX, United States
Phone: 817-740-7516
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Connect2Texas/178380812237957
Twitter: @connect2texas