Keep Texas Wild Lesson Plans
Here are background information, activity ideas, vocabulary and student research companion pages to the TPW Magazine's Keep Texas Wild. Or, browse the covers linked to the PDFs of Keep Texas Wild. Images are small. Click on them to view enlarged detail. Click the browser Back arrow to return to the pages.
- August 2011: Cave Creatures
- Amazing animal communities inhabit Texas caves.
- July 2011: Beach Tidings
- Texas' shores are home to plenty of living things, even though saltwater comes and goes.
- June 2011: Awesome Ants
- No matter what, these mighty insects work hard as a team.
- May 2011: Star Party
- The stars at night are big and bright in West Texas.
- April 2011: Conserving Critters
- Saving Texas' animals makes for a brighter future.
- March 2011: Vaqueros and Cowboys
- These legends made Texas famous.
- February 2011: What Killed Freddy the Fish?
- For fish, the water may hold many dangers.
- January 2011: Weather Watch!
- What happens here gets started in the troposphere.
- December 2010: Wondrous Wetlands
- Diversity rules where water meets land.
- November 2010: Leave it to Leaves
- All living creatures depend on them.
- October 2010: Bloodsuckers
- They want to drink your blood! Learn about the mysteries of these creepy creatures!
- September 2010: The Wild Side of the Family
- What are the untamed cousins of our pet dogs and cats? Enjoy this article written by a fourth-grade guest author!
- August 2010: Desert Dwellers
- How do animals and plants live with little water?
- July 2010: Rivers Rock
- Explore the physical and biological world of rivers.
- June 2010: Homegrown Greenery
- Learn how native plants are vital to the way we live!
- May 2010: Amazing Amphibians
- From regenerating tails to breathing through their skin to eyeballs helping them swallow and not to mention metamorphosis -- Amphibians are truly amazing!
- April 2010: Garbage Getters
- People may be spring cleaning, but nature's clean up crew is always on the job!
- March 2010: Honor Roll: Texas Symbols
- Have fun learning about the wildlife-related symbols of Texas.
- February 2010: Building the West: The Buffalo Soldiers
- Students learn about the origins and accomplishments of the first African American Army regiments in the late 1800s.
- January 2010: Alien Invaders!
- Find out what happens when non-native, invasive plants and animals get a foothold in Texas.
- December 2009: One State, Many Places
- Few states can claim deserts, prairies, tropical forests, swamps and coastal beaches! Have fun learning and appreciating the regions of Texas!
- November 2009: Bird Lips
- Open wide! Mouths make a big difference in what animals eat. Variety is what keeps an ecosystem healthy!
- October 2009: Mysterious Monarchs
- From migration to metamorphosis, take a closer look at this amazing insect!
- September 2009: Cool School
- Dive into the wet world of fish and have fun learning how and why fish do what they do!
- August 2009: S-s-s-snakes Alive!
- Snakes are essential to our ecosystem. Learn how snakes manage without paws, claws or a voice.
- July 2009: Every Drop Counts
- Water is essential for all life. Will we remember to save some water for wildlife?
- June 2009: Turtle Hurdles
- On the land and in the water, turtles are one of the most lasting and interesting creatures on Earth!
- May 2009: Come Fly With Me
- Birds travel across continents fo 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.
- April 2009: What's the Buzzzzz?
- Bees are fascinating engineers and critical to our lives. They are also in some peril. Learn about how bees do their "bizznezz" that benefits us all.
- March 2009: Nature's Nursery
- Spring has sprung and it's time for a look at wildlife babies! Have fun with wildlife baby names and amazing facts, then dig a little deeper by sharpening observation and thinking skills.
- February 2009: Weird, Wild and Wacky
- Why do moths have long tongues? How fast can a woodpecker peck? Have fun discovering the weird, wild and wacky adaptations in the wild, and celebrate diversity!
- January 2009: Vanishing!
- If your students think endangered species are only in the rainforest or polar ice caps, this section will be an eye-opener. See some Texas rare species and find out why some of our plants and animals are vanishing.
- December 2008: Animal Homes
- Some animals find shelter, some build it and some carry it on their backs. Learn about the role of shelter and how wildlife finds this essential for survival.
- November 2008: Living Off the Land
- Early Native American Indians are our example of how man depends on plants and animals for survival.
- October 2008: Hanging Around With Bats
- Myths are dispelled and we learn about the amazing skills and physiology of bats.
- September 2008: Predator vs. Prey
- Adaptations of predators and some insight into the role and challenge of being a predator. Features barn owl and jumping spider.
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