[Field Trip] ASNC: Fossils and Faults @ Pease Park

This field trip was hosted at Pease Park and we explored the banks of Shoal Creek. We searched for evidence of ancient marine life and discovered the geologic forces that shaped Austin’s unique landforms that we see today. We also identified and collected marine fossils.



In the above photo, each child holding a number represents a layer of rock that was laid down over a period of time, arranged from the oldest layer on the bottom to the newest on top. On the right, a fault line is slightly visible, which cut through the layers.





Clair took the parent education class and she found out that there are many different kids of limestone and that our area is diverse in geologic zones. Our area has the most abudant amount of granite in the world too. There are also some dino prints in Leander, so we'll have to check those out for those who haven't seen them.









Damon's grandmother is visiting Austin and was able to join him on this field trip. It's always nice to see grandparents join when possible!

[Field Trip] National Fossil Day @ Texas Memorial Museum

National Fossil Day was October 17th, so we took a group field trip to the Texas Memorial Museum.







Where the Paleontologist works. She showed us all sorts of fossils.


















UT film students interviewed some of the children for a film they're making on how children interact with dinosaurs.



Such a phenomenal museum. We will be back!

[Field Trip] Owls and Other Birds

I can't say enough how fantastic the Austin Science and Nature Center is!

















This month we returned for their focus on Owls and Other Birds. ANSC is a wildlife sanctuary. Their exhibit animals were orphaned or injured impairing their ability to survive in the wild.





I don't think I've ever seen a group of young children stay so quiet for such an extended period of time. This screech owl was so beautiful. Her wing was injured and she can no longer fly, so her home is at the ASNC now.


We toured the area and were able to see many other typs of Owls and birds. ANSC is a wildlife impairing t







Then we brough in the bones we found from our previous nature (truck drive) exploration with Ms. Melanie on the schoolhouse property for trading points to check out something from their library.


Some of children thought the bones were from a horse, others thought they were from a cow. After some investigating and discussing, the conclusion was that they were indeed cow bones!











We traded the bones for 100 points and were able to check out an armadillo shell.





Patterns are found all over nature. Even inside an armadillo shell!



This is one of the many benefits of our co-op in that we have the flexibility and time to take our learning outside the 4 walls of a classroom. We look forward to returning next month!

[Field Trip] Sweet Berry Farms

With the scarecrow they stuffed.










We love this place! Look forward to returning in the Spring for Strawberries.