Austin Nature & Science Center

Why Should You Go?

√ Hands-on paleontology in the Dino Pit
√ Live birds of prey!
√ Great location in Zilker Park

For the Austin Nature and Science Center, we chose three field experiences: Paleontology, Pond Ecology and Birds of Prey. Each recommended field experience has accompanying pre- and post-visit suggestions.

Before you leave
Logistics for Austin Nature & Science Center.

Be sure to visit with staff to communicate about your curriculum goals: 512-327-8181 ext. 13. Whatever programs you choose to do, do not miss the Texas wildlife and birds of prey exhibits. They are incredible!

Recommended Field Experiences

Paleo Explorers
Students use equipment to measure, dig and calculate as they explore the Dino Pit exhibit.

Pond Ecology: Pond “If” Game
After exploring an on-site pond, students brainstorm and discuss answers to a series of hypothetical questions on pond ecosystems to encourage critical thinking and problem solving.

Birds of Prey
Students will observe the unique hunting adaptations in live raptors.

Other Great Resources

Museum Express (from Texas Memorial Museum): Outreach Programs

Two short activities to help your students understand the geologic time scale (provided by the Texas Memorial Museum).

Dino Pit fossil information.

Univ. of Texas Vertebrate Paleontology Laboratory: They have an extensive fossil collection and specimen casts. To arrange to view any of these or to visit the lab contact Dr. Timothy Rowe at rowe@mail.utexas.edu

Last Chance Forever: The Bird of Prey Conservancy (located in San Antonio). They do outreach programs.

Prehistoric Paleontology Kit available for check-out from the Austin Nature and Science Center: Call 512- 327-8181 ext. 13.

Excellent teacher resource on geologic age from the U.S. Geological Survey. You can also contact them at 1-888-ASK-USGS for any questions.

Try this great critical thinking/problem solving game: CROAK leads kids through a discovery of the impact of exotic species (cane toads) on native species.

And be sure to check out the other problem solving games from Access Excellence.

Bird of Prey: Good site for student research.

Interdisciplinary Activities

Relative Dating in Archaeology: Integrates history, social studies and science. Relative dating is used in both paleontology and archaeology.

Career Connections

Dr. Pamela Owen, Paleontologist with Texas Natural Science Center: powen@mail.utexas.edu. She can come to your class, talk about being a paleontologist and do a one-hour presentation!

Janice Sturrock, Science Educator at the Austin Nature and Science Center can talk to your students about her job educating people about the environment. Contact her at Jance.Sturrock@ci.austin.tx.us

Last Chance Forever: The Bird of Prey Conservancy (located in San Antonio)
Contact them about having someone talk with your students about rescuing and caring for injured animals as veterinarians or veterinarian technicians.

Science Careers in the Field from PBS: View video clips about an Alaskan bird researcher, a herpetologist in Arizona and a field mycologist. This is a fantastic way to get your students excited about a science career outside the laboratory.