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Shell Shock

Activity

Designing the Strongest Turtle Armor

Turtles use their durable shells for protection from predators. Have a competition to see who can create the strongest turtle shell using recycled materials or natural resources around you. The final product must be hollow and shaped like a turtle shell. You can test their strength in any way you would like, but we recommend dropping an object on the shells from increasing heights to see which one lasts the longest without breaking.

Science Seed

A turtle/ tortoise’s shell, or carapace, serves many purposes. It functions as a shield attached to the animal’s body, protecting them from predators and weather. The shell’s color and patterns provide camouflage, allowing them to hide in their habitat. To help them swim better, turtle shells are usually flatter than the high, domed shells of tortoises. Their shells contain over 50 bones on their inner surface, including the ribs and spinal column, that grow with them as they age!

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earn Badges

Badges can be earned through hands-on experiences within each of the 16 branches of science, or “Science Slices.” You can earn a badge in each branch of science by doing four activities in these categories. We also encourage participants to keep a Nature Journal to record their memories, and to express themselves creatively through writing or drawing after each activity. We recommend that each child (and parent if they’d like) write or draw in a journal after each activity, with expectations of your children that match their age (the goal is self-expression, not perfection).

Explore Navarro Early College High School

join Families in Nature

It is our vision to inspire all families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists. Becoming a member of Families in Nature will give your family the opportunity to have adventures in nature, experience field science, develop as youth conservation leaders, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Memberships are free for everyone.

Who are we?

Families in Nature works to create opportunities for nature connection with the purpose of sparking a deep love and desire to protect, conserve and restore the environment. Our mission is to connect children and their families to nature and to each other through time spent learning, playing, and volunteering outdoors. It is our vision to inspire ALL families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists.

Navarro Early College High School is a vibrant, diverse public high school in Austin, Texas, grounded in a culture of pride, respect, and responsibility. Through a partnership with Austin Community College, Navarro’s Early College program allows students to earn up to an associate degree at no cost while completing their high school diploma, giving them a strong head start on college and career pathways. The school offers a wide range of academic, arts, athletics, and career-focused opportunities, and fosters a supportive community where students can explore their interests, build skills, and prepare for success beyond graduation.