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Tactile Treasures

Activity

Plant Texture Exploration

Explore the textures of the plants around you, from the bark of trees to the different leaves, berries and seeds. What is your favorite texture? What texture surprised you most? What kind of adaptations do you think these textures provide? If you were a plant what kind of texture would you have and why? For a great diversity of textures visit the TSBVI plot at the Sunshine Gardens.

hands displaying found leaves, flowers and nature items in a circle

a woman and child examine a budding tree

Science Seed

While textures may just seem visual, many plants have actually developed these textures to help them survive. For example, rough or wavy leaves have more surface area so they can absorb more light! In the desert many plants have small hairs and smooth, glossy leaves with a waxy coating to help the plant retain water and stay cool. Plants with fuzzy leaves and thorns might be better protected against insects and animals grazing. Each part of the plant is adapted to help it thrive in its ecosystem!

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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 the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired

The Ecologist School Pocket Guide: TSBVI edition is a collaboration between Families in Nature and the Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired as an effort to help our community learn more about the TSBVI campus, while getting outside into nature together! This booklet has 80 lessons across 16 different branches of science to help you play, learn, and volunteer on campus!

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.