Lesson Plans - "Keep Texas Wild"

The following titles offer teachers background information, activities, vocabulary words and student research from Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine's "Keep Texas Wild" feature.

Water Drop Icon Water icon indicates water education content.

Title Summary Magazine Issue
Cave Creatures Amazing animal communities inhabit Texas caves. August 2011
Beach Tidings Water Drop Icon Salt water comes and goes, but Texas shores are home to many living things. July 2011
Awesome Ants These mighty insects work hard as a team. June 2011
Star Party The stars at night are big and bright in West Texas. May 2011
Conserving Critters Saving Texas animals makes for a brighter future. April 2011
Vaqueros and Cowboys These legends made Texas famous. March 2011
What Killed Freddy the Fish? Water Drop Icon For fish, the water can hold many dangers. February 2011
Weather Watch! What happens here starts in the troposphere. January 2011
Wondrous Wetlands Water Drop Icon Diversity rules where water meets land. December 2010
Leave it to Leaves All living creatures depend on leaves. November 2010
Bloodsuckers They drink blood! Learn about the mysteries of these creepy creatures! October 2010
The Wild Side of the Family What are the untamed cousins of our pet dogs and cats? This story was written by a fourth-grade guest author! September 2010
Desert Dwellers How do animals and plants live with little water? August 2010
Rivers Rock Water Drop Icon Explore the physical and biological world of rivers. July 2010
Homegrown Greenery Learn how native plants are vital to the way we live! June 2010
Amazing Amphibians From regenerating tails to breathing through their skin to eyeballs helping them swallow and not to mention metamorphosis -- amphibians are amazing!  May 2010
Honor Roll: Texas Symbols
Learn the wildlife-related symbols of Texas. March 2010
Building the West: The Buffalo Soldiers Learn the 19th-century origins and accomplishments of America's first African American Army regiments. February 2010
Alien Invaders! See what happens when non-native, invasive plants and animals get a foothold. January 2010
One State, Many Places Few states can claim deserts, prairies, tropical forests, swamps and coastal beaches!  December 2009
Bird Lips Open wide! Mouths make a big difference in what animals eat. Variety is what keeps an ecosystem healthy! November 2009
Mysterious Monarchs From migration to metamorphosis, take a closer look at this amazing insect! October 2009
Cool School Water Drop Icon Dive into the wet world of fish and have fun learning how and why fish do what they do! September 2009
S-s-s-snakes Alive! Snakes are essential to our ecosystem. Learn how snakes manage without paws, claws or a voice. August 2009
Every Drop Counts Water Drop Icon Water is essential for all life. Will we remember to save some water for wildlife? July 2009
Turtle Hurdles On the land and in the water, turtles are one of the most lasting and interesting creatures on Earth! June 2009
Come Fly With Me Birds travel across continents to find food, nesting spots and suitable weather. Learn what the difference is between migration and just flying around, how Texas fits in the migration map and some great tips on sharpening your observation skills. May 2009
What's the Buzzzzz? Bees are fascinating "engineers" and are critical to people's lives. They are also in peril. Learn how bees do their "bizznezz" and how it helps us as human beings. April 2009
Nature's Nursery It's time for a look at wild animal babies! Learn their names and more fun facts. Dig deeper by sharpening your observation and thinking skills. March 2009
Weird, Wild and Wacky Why do moths have long tongues? How fast can woodpeckers peck? Discover the weird, wild and wacky adaptations in the wild, and celebrate diversity! February 2009
Vanishing! If students think endangered species are only in rain forests or polar ice caps, this section will be an eye-opener. See some rare species and find out how to help some of our rarest plants and animals in Texas from vanishing forever. January 2009
Animal Homes Some animals find shelter. Others build it. Some even carry it on their backs. Learn the role of shelter and how wild animals find this essential for survival. December 2008
Living Off the Land Early Native American stories show how people have always depended on plants and animals for survival. November 2008
Hanging Around With Bats Myths are dispelled as we learn the amazing skills and physiology of bats. October 2008
Predator vs. Prey Adaptations of predators offer insight into their roles and challenges. Examples include barn owls and jumping spiders. September 2008