Creature Corner Classes
Use your senses to observe the natural wonders of woodland, grassland, and water ecosystems in the "Creature Corner" naturalist classes. These outdoor-oriented classes emphasize awareness and appreciation of nature, with a different seasonal theme every month. Classes are presented in the John P. McGovern Children's Discovery Area at Armand Bayou Nature Center (ABNC). Come learn about ABNC ecosystems through literature, music, movement, storytelling, art, live animal demonstrations, collections and observations. (Class topics and TEKS correlations are listed at the bottom of the page.)
| Grades | K-2nd |
| Time | 10:00am - 11:30 am |
| Class Limit | Minimum 20, maximum 30 participants - Two consecutive classes may be scheduled in one day for larger groups. Smaller groups may be combined with an existing reservation. |
| Fee | $6.00/participant (children and adults, with the exception of teachers, who are free of charge). A 10-to-1 ratio of children to adults is required. Scholarships are available. Please note that scholarships are only awarded to one class per grade level per school. Additional students may attend (and pay the participant fee) with a class that receives a scholarship. Call the education office (281-474-2551 x 14) for details. |
Please see the field trip planner for more information about scheduling a field trip. (Call 281-474-2551 x 13 for class dates and to enroll.)
Armand Bayou Nature Center received a generous grant from the John P. McGovern Foundation, to create a special garden accommodating children, strollers, and rollers who choose to view the prairie, forest, and wetlands in a more condensed manner. This garden is open daily during the regularly scheduled center hours. The John P. McGovern Foundation also underwrites Creature Corner classes.
In addition to the John P. McGovern Foundation, the following individuals or organizations participated in the creation of the John P. McGovern's Children's Discovery Area: Dow Chemical Company, United Space Alliance, Lyondell Chemical Company volunteers, the ABNC "Gem" Crew (carpentry volunteers), Mark Fox Landscaping, Peter's (Guglielmo) Home Improvement and the ABNC John P. McGovern Grant Team.
The following topics and science TEKS may be addressed during Creature Corner Classes:
Month - Topic --- TEKS (Science 2010-2011) Correlations
January-Birds and Migration: K.1A&B, K.2C, K.4A&B, K.10A&B; 1.1A&B, 1.2C, 1.4A, 1.5A, 1.10A, 2.1A&B; 2.2C, 2.4A, 2.9B, 2.10A
February- Scat, Tracks and Mammals: K.1A&B, K.2C, K.4A&B; 1.1A, 1.2C, 1.4A, 1.10D; 2.1A, 2.2C, 2.4A, 2.10A
March- Spring and Metamorphosis: K.1A, K.2C, K.4A&B, K.8A&B, K.10A&B; 1.1A&B, 1.2C, 1.4A, 1.5A, 1.8C; 2.1A&B, 2.2C, 2.4A, 2.9B, 2.10C
April- Earth Awareness and Recycling: K.1A&C, K.4B; 1.1A&C, 2.1A&C, 2.7C
May- Mothers and Families: K.2C, K.4A&B, K.10A; 1.2C, 1.4A, 1.10C; 2.2C, 2.4A
June- Nature Detectives: K.1A&B, K.2D, K.4A&B; 1.1A&B, 1.2D, 1.4A; 2.1A&B, 2.2D, 2.4A
July- Water Wonders: K.1A, K.2C, K.4A&B, K.10A; 1.1A, 1.2C, 1.4A, 1.10D; 2.1A, 2.2C, 2.4A, 2.10C
August- Prairies: Insects, Plants and Animals: K.1A, K.2C, K.4A&B, K.10A; 1.1A, 1.2C, 1.4A; 2.1A, 2.2C, 2.4A
September- Camouflage and Mimicry: K.1A, K.4B; 1.1A, 1.10A; 2.1A, 2.10A
October- Bats and Spiders: K.1A, K.4B; 1.1A, 1.10A; 2.1A, 2.10A
November- Natives and Pioneers: K.4B, K.10B; 1.9C, 1.10A and (Social Studies TEKS) K.16B, K.11B, K.12C, K.14A; 1.14B, 1.15A, 1.16A; 2.8A, 2.16B
December- Hibernation: K.1A, K.4B, K.8A&B; 1.1A, 1.8C, 1.10A; 2.1A, 2.9B, 2.10A