San Antonio River Authority Public Information

San Antonio River Authority
100 East Guenther St.
San Antonio, Texas 78204

Phone: 210-227-1373
Fax: 210-227-4323

Emergency or after hours:
210-302-4200

Education

The guiding principle of the San Antonio River Authority’s Education Outreach Program is that students who have an understanding of and are engaged in water as it relates to the communities in which they live are more apt to develop a sense of ownership in and stewardship for this most precious natural resource. Our goal is to help foster this sense of stewardship by providing water education materials and hands-on activities that are tailored specifically to the San Antonio River Basin. SARA offers several opportunities for students to learn about and engage in their river basin.

BasinQuest Water Education Program:

This middle school curriculum is tailored to show students the relationship between universal science processes and concepts that they are required to know under TEKS and the area in which they live—the San Antonio River Basin.

The program was developed in partnership with Texas State University’s Edwards Aquifer Research and Data Center and educators within the basin. It is a 5-E Inquiry Method curriculum, encouraging students to explore and learn on their own with guidance from the teacher. The lessons are designed around engagement, exploration, elaboration, explanation, and evaluation activities.

Each 6th, 7th, and 8th grade classroom set includes a teacher’s guide and 30 student booklets. Each lesson plan features the TEKS processes and concepts addressed within the lesson, a materials list, the duration of each activity, the lesson objectives, and a 5-E Inquiry Model at a Glance lesson overview. Teacher tips, guiding questions, conversion and measurement charts, and step-by-step guidance through the lessons make incorporating the material easy. For teachers and students wishing to take the materials one step further, G/T activities and numerous references to web, agency, and other resources allow for additional classroom tailoring. Educators interested in obtaining the printed classroom materials must complete a single day training session on the program’s use and further potential for tailoring. To learn more about the program and training opportunities, contact SARA’s education outreach staff at (210) 302-3222, toll free at (866) 345-7272, or click here to send us an email.

BasinQuest Water Education Program Login:

In order to continue developing materials such as these, we ask that you supply us with a little information about yourself so that we can keep track of how and where these materials are being utilized. Any contact information will be kept confidential and will not be shared with outside entities. We may contact you by email at a future date.

Other School Events:

SARA works with schools to expose young students to environmental careers and watershed issues. SARA staff attends career day events, school Earth Day-related events, science nights, and judges science fairs. SARA experts are also called on to lecture in college and university settings. SARA views networking with educational institutions as a specialized component of our public outreach that continues to increase awareness of the expertise of SARA’s staff on environmental issues facing our communities.

SARA is particularly proud to participate in the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program. SARA’s Environmental Services Department (ESD) manager serves as a mentor in the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program. This summer mentoring program is open by application to all current high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, with preference given to qualified women and minority applicants. Students assigned to the San Antonio River Authority work alongside ESD biologists for eight weeks conducting water samples, collecting fish throughout the San Antonio River Basin, and assisting with education outreach programs. The annual application deadline is in February. For more information, visit the Hutton Program web site at www.fisheries.org or contact SARA’s Environmental Services Department at (210) 227-1373, toll free at (866) 345-7272, or click here to send us an email.

River Reach in Education:

SARA provides its quarterly newsletter, River Reach, to lead science teachers and other educators throughout the San Antonio River Basin. To be placed on the mailing list, contact SARA’s Community Relations Department at (210) 227-1373 or, toll free, at (866) 345-7272.

Education

BasinQuest Water Education Program:

BasinQuest Water Education Program Login:

Other School Events:

River Reach in Education:

For more information about these programs, contact Matthew Driffill, (210) 302-3222, or toll free at (210) 866-345-7272.