Buffalo Bayou provided the ultimate outdoor classroom experience for students from 14 Cooperative for After-School Enrichment sites Nov. 29. Kids’ Day on Buffalo Bayou is a collaborative between CASE, a division of Harris County Department of Education and the Buffalo Bayou Partnership, a non-profit that oversees Buffalo Bayou improvements.
Students in grades three through six from Houston ISD, Aldine, Spring Branch, Alief, Galena Park, Sheldon, Pasadena and a charter school traveled to learning stations situated on Buffalo Bayou. The after-school students tested bayou water quality; examined native plants, wildlife and urban storm-water outfalls; and planted wildflowers.
They also learned about wetland restoration and prepared pine-cone treats for wildlife.
Students have been studying the historic Buffalo Bayou through an established eight-week after-school curriculum which explores a full range of historical, cultural and environmental topics related to this Houston waterway.
“Events like these are so important because they give inner-city children exposure to the great outdoors and open their minds to career possibilities,” said CASE Director Shannon Bishop.
CASE Kids’ Day Projects are fun, educational collaboratives that connect after-school programs to the world of work. Events give students opportunities to work with professionals in the math, science and technology fields. Kids’ Days are created in partnership with local corporations and non-profit organizations. Curriculum includes all elements of high-quality after-school programs, including positive human relations, safe environments, varied activities and attention to safety, health and nutrition. Each Kids’ Day results in a culminating event.
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Schools participating in the event include the following:
Houston ISD—Crockett, Gross, Wharton and Whidby elementary schools;
Aldine ISD—Raymond Academy, Calvert and Carter elementary schools;
Spring Branch ISD—Pine Shadows Elementary;
Alief ISD—Collins and Landis elementary schools;
Galena Park ISD—Havard Elementary;
Sheldon ISD—Monahan Elementary;
Pasadena ISD—Morales Elementary; and Amigos Por Vida Charter School.
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