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Ecosystem Explorers

Activity

A Biodiversity Adventure

Go on a biodiversity scavenger hunt for the many living organisms in your ecosystem! See if you can find at least three different examples of plants and animals, you might even spot some fungi!
Eco 2 (2)
Eco 2
Eco 2 (3)

Science Seed

Biodiversity is the variety of life in an ecosystem, and it’s all around us! From the tall trees and bushes on the playground to the insects buzzing around the pollinator garden, each living thing plays an important role in the ecosystem. You can find plants like Texas red oaks and evergreen shrubs, animals like squirrels and birds, and even fungi like mushrooms growing in the soil. Each of these organisms helps maintain a healthy balance by providing food, shelter, and even cleaning up the environment. Understanding biodiversity helps us see how everything in nature is connected, and how each species is important to the health of our ecosystem. Remember, when you find these living organisms, it’s important not to disturb them, as they are an essential part of the ecosystem that helps keep everything balanced!
botany jar illustration

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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 Sanchez Elementary

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.

Sánchez Elementary School is close to downtown on Austin’s east side. Built in 1976, the campus boasts murals by Raul Valdez depicting the school’s Hispanic history and heritage. Sánchez was one of the district’s first to introduce two-way dual language education- fitting because the school’s namesake, George Sánchez, was a pioneer in bilingual education. This project was made possible by HEB.

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