Education

Big Thicket Association YouTube Channel

We have a focus here on educational boat tours described below, and to support this effort we produce a growing library of associated content on the Big Thicket Association's YouTube Channel: Neches River Series Playlist. This Neches River Series is a collection of education/ information and scenic videos for students, teachers, and the public. Generous funding by BASF Total Energies Petrochemical, LCC. and the Mamie McFaddin Ward Heritage Foundation made this video project possible.

The Neches River Adventures "floating classroom" offers educational opportunities for teachers, students and other related groups. The TEKS aligned curriculum includes a 2 hour Field Lab for 5th - 12th grade, as well as a 1 hour Habitat Lesson for pre-K - 4th grade. Please fill out a request form on our website to schedule your adventure!

Due to grant restrictions, we request a minimum of 20 students per group and are limited to 36 passengers total, includes teachers, chaperones and students. For smaller private and home schoolers, contact the office to register. For smaller groups, contact the office

If your school wishes to bring more the same day, please register for multiple back-to-back tours.

Neches River Adventures offers educational tours for teacher and students groups, and for other related groups. Please contact us!

All trips depart from historic Colliers Ferry Park:

5390 Pine St.

Beaumont 77703

While on the river the temperature will be about 10 degrees cooler, a jacket may be needed.

Proceeds benefit the Big Thicket Association, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

REGISTER HERE

Sponsors of Neches River Adventures

LNVA

WestRock

Total

port-of-beaumont

city-of-beaumont

One-Hour Boat Cruises

Students will learn about the historical and ecological importance of the Big Thicket. They will experience plants and animals associated with the Big Thicket and Neches River as they travel up one of the many bayous associated with the Cypress/Tupelo Swamp. "The Ivory Bill" is a 45’ fully shaded pontoon boat with a restroom. The curriculum for this boat will highlight objectives of the essential elements as described by the Texas Education Agency.

Total Time Allotted: 45 minutes to one hour

Departure Point: Colliers Ferry Park

Grade Levels Accepted: Pre-K through Grade 4

Two-Hour Environmental Ed Program

Students will take part in hands-on activities aboard "The Ivory Bill" designed to allow students to practice science process skills as they learn about the ecology of the Big Thicket. "The Ivory Bill" is a 45’ fully shaded pontoon boat with a restroom. The curriculum for this boat will highlight objectives of the essential elements as described by the Texas Education Agency.

Total Time Allotted: Two hours

Departure Point: Colliers Ferry Park

Grade Levels Accepted: 5th-12th

Professional Development Workshop

Teacher Training Aboard "The Ivory Bill" on the Neches River

Learn how environmental education can be linked to improvements in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in the classroom and improve performance on State testing standards. Explore watershed features and water conditions aboard the floating classroom, the Ivory Bill.

Several workshops are presented throughout the year to allow teachers to become excited and effective environmental educators. The following list of goals outlines some of the major program goals:

  • A continuum of professional development opportunities for teachers with hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences with proven effectiveness (Project WILD Aquatic).
  • Development with teachers of new tools and strategies that will enhance their confidence and competence with new technologies and empower them to guide student investigations and research.
  • Provide innovative curriculum materials, tools, ideas and information resources based on State and National standards in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
  • Teachers returning to the classroom with the knowledge and curriculum resources necessary to support student learning in a comprehensive study of marine life and the surrounding watershed.
  • Expert facilitators utilizing an innovative floating classroom (river boat) to model curriculum strategies and provide students lab field experience that reinforce teacher development and further motivate student interest.
  • Planned workshop activities utilize approved facilitators and are approved by the Texas Education Agency and the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) and CE credit will be issued.

For Additional Information Call (409) 651-5326.

Educational Tours

There are several ways to use our programs, outlined above. The registration form linked below will present options available.

Due to grant restrictions, we request a minimum of 20 students per group and are limited to 36 passengers total, includes teachers, chaperones and students. For smaller private and home schoolers, contact the office to register. If your school wishes to bring more the same day, please register for multiple back-to-back tours.

REGISTER HERE

Teacher Feedback

We'd love to have feedback after your trip.

Fill in and submit this form.