Watkins fourth graders travel to Cameron Park Zoo, Waco Mammoth National Monument, and Inner Space Cavern

Fourth graders from Watkins Elementary traveled to Waco and Georgetown on an Education in Action Discover Texas Field Trip, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, to experience what they are learning in science. Students visited Waco's Cameron Park Zoo and Waco Mammoth National Monument and Inner Space Cavern in Georgetown.

At the Cameron Park Zoo, students explored the Brazos River Country exhibit, tracking the Brazos River from its source near Lubbock on to the Gulf of Mexico. Students investigated animals living in the five ecological regions of Texas through which the Brazos River passes with a focus on each animal's unique adaptations and ecological niche.

At Waco Mammoth National Monument, students experienced the nation's only recorded discovery of a Pleistocene mammoth nursery herd and learned about the Ice Age, the discovery of the fossils, sedimentary rocks, and why the site is one of the most important paleontological sites in North America.

At Inner Space Cavern in Georgetown, students panned for and identified minerals. Through participation in hands-on activities, they learned about the water cycle, the interconnectedness of all living creatures in ecosystems, and the formation of sedimentary rocks. The students watched the Earth's processes at work as they toured the highly decorated Inner Space Cavern.

''Education in Action's Discover Texas Field Trips are based on the understanding that the most effective way for students to learn is through experience,'' Jennifer Pasteur, Education in Action's Executive Director, said. ''Student activities during Discover Texas Field Trips reinforce and supplement Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) learning objectives in fun and hands-on ways at significant Texas sites that bring the content to life.''

For more information about Education in Action, visit the Education in Action website and the Education in Action Facebook page.