We want to connect you with resources in your region that will help you and your family Play, Explore and Learn in nature. This page has useful links to things like curriculum, training opportunities, and tangible resources like gear or equipment. These resources come from our partners and are not an endorsement by TCiN or Nature Rocks Texas, but simply meant to be helpful to families.
There are tons of Educational Loaner Trunks availble all around the state from Texas Wildlife Association, Texas Parks and Wildlife, National Parks, and other non-profits. These trunks are available for loan to formal and informal educators, and youth leaders. Each trunk contains activities and materials appropriate for multiple age level groups. Contact information for obtaining each trunk is listed on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.
The NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research provides a variety of learning and teaching tools designed to engage broad audiences and enhance America’s environmental literacy through the excitement of ocean discovery. In this Educational Materials section, you will find links to hundreds of lesson plans written by teachers for teachers, lessons built around specific ocean exploration expeditions across the globe.
National Wildlife Federation has over 1,000 lesson plans designed to introduce students to life science, ecology, wildlife biology, scientific identification and observation. All lesson plans are aligned to the National Science Education Standards.
Project WILD is "Wildlife in Learning Design," a Kindergarten - 12th grade environmental and conservation education program emphasizing awareness, appreciation and understanding of wildlife and natural resources. It can be used by classroom teachers, environmental educators, park and nature center personnel, and youth group leaders. It is interdisciplinary and supplementary and can be used to teach basic skills in science, social studies, language arts, math, art, music and physical education. More information at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Texas Parks and Wildlife offers tackle for fishing at multiple sites around the state. You simply check out the tackle like you would a library book and return it when you are done. Also when you are fishing in a state park, you do not need a fishing license, but you do need to follow the fishing guidelines for size and limits. Find out which state parks have the tackle loaner program near you.
