Guided Trail Tours

This page has been resurrected from the archives to put back what was lost in the natural progression of time. Guided trail tours for all age groups throughout the year include information about:

Each grade level has a specific theme for a trail tour, and it's OK to ask for theme modifications. Work with our Education Coordinator to develop a program to meet the needs of your students.

(Programs are available for Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and Campfire to meet badge and patch requirements. Educational tours for families and small groups, of at least 8 people, are available on weekends and some evenings. Call 767-0843 for further information.)

The following is a list of unit themes and activities by grade level:

Pre-K and kindergarten: Observing My World Activities include collecting seeds and leaves on a nature hike, sorting collected materials, viewing nature through a magnifying glass, and leaf rubbings.

First Grade: Critter Connection Nature detectives go on an insect hunt, study how animals acquire food and the adaptations they have for eating, and investigate animal skulls and tracks.

Second Grade: Water, Water Everywhere Activities include making rain, wetland hopscotch, a study of erosion and how to control it, a water cycle demonstration, and understanding leaf transpiration.

Third Grade: Weather Watching Study clouds, solar energy, and basic weather monitoring equipment. Explore weather effects at RBNW while on a "Weather Watch Walk."

Fourth Grade: Beginning Naturalist Unit Do the "Bark Boogie" and go on a "Living Scavenger Hunt" to explore the region's plant, animal and aquatic life. Nature's diversity is fascinating!

Fifth Grade: Soil & Water - What's the Connection? Assess water quality of the river and pond. Explore how water quality and availability affect plant and animal life. Learn about water conservation techniques.

field trip Sixth Grade: Energy and Nature Explore solar energy. Trace its transformation to chemical energy as it flows through the ecosystem. Use solar cells to demonstrate how solar energy becomes usable power.

Seventh Grade: Tree-mendous Math Learn the necessary math skills to determine a tree's age & height. Compare those calculations with actual measurements. Demonstrate that math skills can be used to learn valuable information about our environment.

Seventh Grade: Dendrology/Name That Tree! Become a "nature detective" and learn how to use a key to unlock the tree mysteries of River Bend! Participate in a "Name that Tree" scavenger hunt.

Eighth Grade: Orienteering Adventure (Minimum time - 2 hours) Learn how to use a compass, read a map and locate your position outdoors. Complete a beginning orienteering course using your new skills.

The River Bend Nature Center is located at the entrance to
Lucy Park at 2200 3rd Street, Wichita Falls, Texas 76301