Fourth graders from Birdville ISD’s Richland Elementarytraveled to Austin and San Antonio, virtually, with an Education in Action Discover Texas Field TripIn a Box program to experience what they are learning in Texas history. The students explored the Texas State Capitol and The Alamo, virtually.
Education in Action’s very own Arlie the Armadillo led the students’ virtual tour of the Texas State Capitol where the students experienced the many paintings, sculptures, and terrazzo mosaics that tell the story of our state’s unique history and famous leaders. The students also learned about our state’s legislative branch of government as they viewed the Texas State Senate and House of Representatives chambers where state laws are made. Then it was off to San Antonio where Arlie led the students on a virtual tour of The Alamo, one of the most famous missions in the United States, and the students gained insight into the Battle of the Alamo’s role in the Texas Revolution.
To add to the fun, each student and teacher received a box to keep, full of hands-on games, activities, and souvenirs, including an ‘I Discovered Texas’ T-shirt, an Arlie the Armadillo plushy, and a Virtual Travel Research Journal, to supplement their virtual visits to these famous Texas sites.
“Education in Action’s Discover Texas Field Trips In a Box programs are based on the understanding that the most effective way for students to learn is through experience,”stated Jennifer Pasteur, Education in Action’s Executive Director.“Student activities during Discover Texas Field Trips In a Box programs reinforce and supplement Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) learning objectives in fun and interactive ways that bring the content to life.”
Discover Texas Field Trips In a Box programs provide teachers with ready-to-go, entertaining, and educational social studies and science-based virtual field trips to the Texas State Capitol, The Alamo, Inner Space Cavern, Waco Mammoth National Monument, and more, with a box full of TEKS-based hands-on games and activities to supplement classroom learning plus trip souvenirs! With these turnkey programs, teachers are able to focus on making connections between the experience and what students are learning in the classroom. To learn more, visit www.educationinaction.org/FieldTripsInaBox.
In addition to Discover Texas Field Trips In a Box programs, Education in Action offers summer Lone Star Leadership Academy camps for outstanding 4th-8th graders. During the weeklong, overnight camps, participants experience significant Texas sites in Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin/San Antonio, or Houston/Galveston with Texas educators and a focus on leadership. Educators may nominate their outstanding students for these camps at www.educationinaction.org/nominate.
Birdville ISD Superintendent Dr. Darrell Brown announced the appointment of Jennifer Martin as principal of Watauga Elementary. She is replacing Sarah Upchurch who was named BISD’s Coordinator of Professional Learning on Thursday, March 25.
Martin has been principal of David E. Smith Elementary since July 2017. Prior to joining Smith Elementary, she was assistant principal at West Birdville Elementary from
2013–17 and was a math interventionist at West Birdville from 2010–13. Martin was a second- and third-grade teacher at Foster Village Elementary from 2005–10.
She earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas Christian University and master’s degrees from Texas Christian University and Dallas Baptist University.
