Educational Resources – Harris County Precinct 4

Schools

Bring nature and history into the classroom with Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center’s outstanding Outreach Program!

Outreach presentations are free of charge to Harris County Precinct 4 schools for both traditional and homeschool grades 1-12 and can be tailored to enhance your lesson while fulfilling TEKS requirements.

Programs are accompanied by hands-on teaching elements like pelts, skeletons, mounted specimens, live animals, crafts, and more.

Events

Outreach displays, activities, crafts, and guest speakers are available for educational organizations, career fairs, health fairs, community events, and more within Harris County Precinct 4, free of charge.

Libraries

Inspire an appreciation for reading, learning, nature, and local history by incorporating one of Jones Park’s specialties into monthly programming for both children and adults.

Nonprofits

Jones Park’s knowledgeable staff and volunteers can help local non-profits achieve their missions in supporting community, education, history, and nature.

Examples of events attended: KBR Kids Day, Sunday Afternoon in the Park, Pollinator Festival, National Night Out, Civic Adventure Day, Atascocita Branch Library, Good Shepherd School, Take Me Outdoors, Boy Scout Fair, Market Days, health fairs, career fairs, and more.

Outreach Program Directory 2019

Pioneer Tours

Tuesdays & Thursdays during the school year

First Graders – Adults

Includes a video about Jones Park, time to explore Nature Center exhibits, a one-third-mile walk to and from, and a guided tour of the 1830s Redbud Hill Homestead and Akokisa Indian Village.

Learn more about field trips at Jones Park.

Pioneer TOTS

Last Monday of each month during the school year mat 10 a.m. or 11 a.m.

Pre-K & Kindergarten (4-6 years old)

With the help of a printed guide, teachers and students take a 45-minute tour of the Homestead and visit up to four stations (which may include a settler life introduction, blacksmithing, hunting skills, gardening, woodworking, women’s handiwork, and more) where staff members dressed in authentic clothing demonstrate settler life. Includes a one-third-mile walk to and from.

Learn more about field trips at Jones Park.

Pioneer TYKES

Fridays at 10 a.m. during the school year

First – Seventh Graders

Staff members and Quest Early College High School volunteers, dressed in authentic clothing, guide classes through a 45- minute tour of Homestead stations and structures. Includes a one-third-mile walk to and from.

Learn more about field trips at Jones Park.

Nature Tours

Tuesdays & Thursdays during the school year

First Graders – Adults

Includes a video about Jones Park, time to explore Nature Center exhibits, and a half-mile to one-mile guided nature walk with emphasis on plant and animal habitats. Tailored tours for students and adults in middle school or older may be requested. Topics may include water ecology, water quality/pollution, and plant and animal adaptions.

Learn more about field trips at Jones Park.

Outreach talks within Harris County Precinct 4 are free of charge for grades 1 through 12 and can be tailored to enhance your lesson while fulfilling Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Some lessons include:

Local Ecology
Local Habitats
Animal Adaptations (eye placement, beak type, etc.)
Camouflage/Mimicry
Life Cycle (amphibians and insects)
Food Web

Water Quality
Soil Science
Pollination
Plant Identification and Features
Animal Identification and Features
Impact of Pollution on Local Ecology

An outreach table display and activity is available for educational events within Harris County Precinct 4, free of charge.