The following training videos have been created to help you.  Knowing the NSEC curriculum prior to arriving will maximize student learning.  It's also the most efficient way to get updated curriculum to veteran teachers. 

If you don't know the video password email lindsay.reeves@gpisd.org   

Log in to Google to gain access - this is your GPISD credentials...like email

• Introductory Video  (1:18)
• Nuts & Bolts info video for 3rd-5th  (8:22)  updated 1/11/18
• Emergency Preparedness Plan (Log in to Office 365 to gain access)
• 3rd Grade training videos (these are your lessons!)
• Teacher lesson plans and Student Journals  (English & Spanish) (updated 1/31/18)

Each teacher:

• Study your lessons ahead of time! For the most up to date versions the lessons, watch the training videos and review the printed material. All teachers should come prepared to teach.
• Bring sharpened pencils for your students.
• You and your students should dress for the weather!
• Bring a camera and reusable water bottle.
• Ask questions!

Team Leaders

• You will receive an email from me asking for information - please respond to it!
• Meet with your team to make sure everyone is prepared for the trip.
• Provide me with the number of English & Spanish student journals needed.
• Notify me if a lift bus is needed.
• Let me know if there is anything I need to know about your team and/or students.
• Contact NSEC if you have questions or concerns!

Buses are requested and paid for by NSEC.  

9:00 Buses should arrive at your campus.
9:15-9:30 Arrival, brief teacher meeting & student orientation
9:30 - 10:10 Lesson 1
10:10 - 10:50 Lesson 2
10:50 - 11:30 Lesson 3
11:30 - 12:15 Lunch
12:15 - 1:00 Lesson 4
1:00 - 1:40 Lesson 5
1:45 Load bus and depart

Having an extra set of hands is helpful and parent volunteers are welcome to attend.

• This is an educational experience and they need to assist with many children.
• Cell phones should be put away.
• Younger siblings should not attend (this is a district rule).
• Volunteers should follow in their own vehicle.

The decision to cancel or change a field trip is done in coordination between NSEC staff and the campus team leader/administrator. Using the most current weather forecast and the GPISD playground rules for weather, most decisions are made the morning of the trip. We may may decide to cancel the entire day, shorten the visit, or move activities inside if the temperature is below 50° (with wind chill) or above 90° (with heat index).

I understand there are possible risks associated with outdoor classrooms at the Natural Science Education Center, including but not limited to biting and/or stinging insects, animals, plants, weather conditions, uneven terrain, etc. 

To reduce risks, your child should be: 

• Dressed appropriately (long pants, shoes with closed-heels and toe) 
• Refrain from touching plants and animals unless instructed to do so 
• Remain on the trails and marked pathways 
• Follow all instructions from teachers and staff 

Entiendo que hay posibles riesgos asociados con las clases al aire libre en el Centro de Educación de Ciencias Naturales, que incluyen, pero no se limitan a morder y/o insectos que pican, animales, plantas, condiciones climáticas, terreno irregular, etc. 

Para reducir los riesgos, su hijo debe: 

• Vestir apropiadamente (pantalones largos, zapatos que cubren todo el pie y sin tacones) 
• Abstenerse de tocar plantas y animales a menos que se lo indiquen 
• Permanecer en los senderos y caminos marcados 
• Seguir todas las instrucciones de los maestros y el personal