Groundwater to the Gulf Summer Institute

Groundwater to the Gulf is a 3-day, field-trip based institute for Central Texas teachers that emphasizes techniques for teaching water-based curricula to students in grades 4 through 8. Participants follow the path of water in Central Texas from its origins to its final destination in the Gulf of Mexico. Topics include: hydrology, groundwater, urban watersheds, water quality, water protection, and water conservation.

2011 HIGHLIGHTS

INLAND: June 21st, 22nd, and 23rd

REGISTRATION for Groundwater to the Gulf INLAND is CLOSED

COASTAL: June 27th, 28th, and 29th

REGISTRATION for Groundwater to the Gulf COASTAL is CLOSED

Check back in March for 2012 registration!

Click here to view the 2011 FLYER with more info.

What to expect:

Experience hands-on field experiences with local water experts
Receive FREE Curricula, TEKS-aligned activities, and resources
Learn about field trip opportunities for the school year
Receive 22 continuing education credits

Fieldtrips and Activities:

Karst Tour: rock identification and a mini-caving trip
Behind the scenes tour of the Splash! Exhibit at Barton Springs
Aquatic insect study and water quality assessment at McKinney Falls
Focus on service-learning projects including how to build a school garden, rainwater harvesting and planning for a successful campus cleanup
A tour of the new Wilkerson Center for Colorado River Education at Redbud
Canoeing on Lady Bird Lake to conduct water quality testing

ALL NEW - Pre-Conference Workshop:

Monday, June 20th 1pm-5pm
Participate in additional hands-on activities including Plastic Jellyfish that addresses human impact on aquatic organisms, and Turtle Hurdles that explores limiting factors and the life cycle of seas turtles;
Receive a FREE Project WILD Aquatic Guide (K-12, 48 activities)

Monday Night Social

Arriving in town early, want to connect with other educators looking to expand their curriculum, and network with the Groundwater to the Gulf organizers and instructors? Join us on Monday, June 20th from 5pm-7pm for a G2G Social Hour at Location TBA.

Groundwater to the Gulf RESOURCES

How to Register

Space is Limited to 40 Educators
REGISTRATION CLOSED. If you have already registered don't forget to confirm your registration by sending a refundable deposit in the amount of $50 made out to "Keep Austin Beautiful" within 10 days of your online registration. The deposit will be returned if you attend the conference. Mail checks to Sunset Valley City Hall, Attn: Carolyn Meredith, 3205 Jones Road, Sunset Valley, Texas, 78745.
Contact Carolyn Meredith with Sunset Valley City Hall at 512.891.9103 ext. 14 or at cmeredith@sunsetvalley.org for additional questions.

Groundwater to the Gulf Coastal Trip

Groundwater to the Gulf has extended the learning to include a coastal trip to the LCRA Matagorda Bay Natural Park. Filled with presentations and field investigations the trip is designed to enhance your knowledge of the lower Colorado River and Matagorda Bay. The 1,600-acre park and preserve is located on the mouth of the Colorado River of the Matagorda Peninsula and has about two miles of Gulf of Mexico shoreline and two miles river frontage and hundreds of acres of coastal marshes and dunes. The trip includes hands-on exploration of the river and coastal marshes that takes place by kayak and in the classroom! Participants receive 22 hours of SBEC credit.

The workshop is open to all current and previous Groundwater to the Gulf participants. Registration is limited, and available on a first come, first serve basis. For More Information and to REGISTER for the COASTAL TRIP Click Here. Deadline June 10, 2011. A $50 deposit is required to process registration. REGISTRATION CLOSED.

Upon completion of the workshop, registration deposits will be refunded. Lodging, transportation and other meals are the initial responsibility of the workshop participant. Upon receipt of GOMA grant funds in fall of 2011, each participant will be paid a stipend of $250.00 to help defer travel expenses. No deposit refunds for cancellations.

The Groundwater to the Gulf Coastal Trip is funded by a grant from the Gulf of Mexico Alliance (GOMA) and conducted by TPWD and LCRA.

2011 Highlights

2010 Video Highlight

2009 Highlights

2008 Highlights

2007 Highlights