Student Programs

Student Programs Student Workshops Camp Ins Overnight School Trips

Student Programs

Interactive programs for students provide hands-on, minds-on opportunities that help students explore new ways to understand and enjoy history and science. These special school programs are curriculum correlated, age appropriate and meet TEKS requirements, 45 minutes in length.

Interactive Program costs are as follows:

$3 per person for one program and self-guided visit
$4 per person for two programs and self-guided visit
$5 per person for three programs and self-guided visit

$1 surcharge for Special Exhibits

Grades K-2

ANIMALS IN ACTION

Investigate why animals look and act the way they do. Students examine live animals to discover how animals move, protect themselves, and use special adaptations to stay alive. This 45-minute program combines an inquiry-based demonstration with a small group activity. (Offered Wednesdays-Fridays, maximum 30 students)

TEKS-science curriculum correlations:K.2 A, B, D, E; K.5 A; K.6 C; K.9 A, B; 1.2 A, B, D, E; 1.6 A, B; 1.9 A, B; 2.2 A, B, E, F; 2.6 D; 2.9 A, B.

DINOSAUR DIGS

Dig into the distant past and uncover the habits and habitats of dinosaurs. Students investigate fossils and discover the many things they tell about dinosaurs. This 45-minute program combines an inquiry-based demonstration with an interactive student activity.

(Offered Thursdays and Fridays, maximum 40 students)

TEKS-science curriculum correlations: K.2 A, B, D, E; K.5 A; K.6 C; K.9 A, B; 1.2 A, B, D, E; 1.6 A, B; 1.9, B; 2.2 A, B, E, F; 2.6 D; 2.9 A, B

SOLIDS, LIQUIDS, & GASES

Turn up the heat on the states of matter. Students discover the differences between solids, liquids, and gases and observe the effect of hot and cold on matter. This entertaining science demonstration is a 45-minute inquiry-based presentation
that explores basic science concepts and relates them to the students’ everyday experiences.

(Offered Mondays-Fridays, maximum 75 students)

TEKS-science curriculum correlations: K.2 A, D, E; K.7 A, B; K.10 A; 1.2 A, D, E; 1.7 A, B; 2.2 A, E, F; 2.7 A, B

Grades 3-5

HABITAT HAPPENINGS

Find out why animals live where they do and identify what makes a good habitat. Students examine live animals and investigate how body parts and behaviors help animals survive. Students design animals adapted to live in specific habitats of Texas. This 45-minute program combines an inquiry-based demonstration with a small group activity.

(Offered Wednesdays-Fridays, maximum 30 students)

TEKS-science curriculum correlations: 3.2 B, C, D, E; 3.8 A, B, C, D; 3.9 A, B; 4.2 B, C; 4.5 A, B; 4.8 A, B; 4.9 A, B; 5.2 C, D; 5.9 A, B, C; 5.10 A, B

DINO DEFENSES

Join us on a Jurassic journey to the time when dinosaurs ruled the earth. Students discover the adaptations and defenses dinosaurs used to survive and what made these reptiles different from other animals. This 45-minute program combines an inquiry-based demonstration with an interactive student activity. (Offered Thursdays and Fridays, maximum 40 students)

TEKS-science curriculum correlations: 3.2 B, C, D, E; 3.8 A, B, C; 3.9 A, B; 4.2 B, C; 4.5 A, B; 4.8 A, B; 4.9 A, B; 5.2 C, D; 5.9 A, B, C; 5.10 A, B

WHAT’S HOT, WHAT’S NOT?

Heat things up with experiments that explore how the addition and removal of heat energy changes the world around you. Students observe heat expansion, contraction and convection. This entertaining science demonstration is a 45-minute inquiry-based presentation that explores basic science concepts and relates them to the students’ everyday experiences.

(Offered Mondays-Fridays, maximum 150 students)

TEKS-science curriculum correlations:3.2 C, D; 3.7 A, B; 4.2 B, C; 4.7 A, B; 5.2 C, D; 5.7 C, D; 5.8 A

Grades 6-8

ECO-CHALLENGE

Link up food chains, weave a food web, and examine ecosystems. Students explore predator/prey relationships, competition, and co-existence using live animals. This 45-minute program combines an inquiry-based demonstration with a small group activity.

(Offered Wednesdays-Fridays, maximum 30 students)

TEKS-science curriculum correlations:6.2 B, C, D; 6.8 C; 6.12 C; 7.2 B, C, D; 7.12 A, B, C; 8.2 B, C, D; 8.6 C

DINO DETECTIVES

Become an amateur paleontologist and learn to read the clues of prehistoric life. Students explore the science of paleontology by learning about fossils and what they tell us. This 45-minute program combines an inquiry-based demonstration with an interactive student activity.

(Offered Thursdays and Fridays, maximum 40 students)

TEKS-science curriculum correlations: 6.2 B, C, D; 6.8 C; 6.12 C; 7.2 B, C, D; 7.12 A, B, C; 8.2 B, C, D; 8.6 C; 8.11 A; 8.14 B

REACTIONS IN ACTION

Get elementary with the science of substances and solutions. Students examine chemical properties and investigate the causes of chemical change. This entertaining science demonstration is a 45-minute inquiry-based presentation that explores basic science concepts and relates them to the students’ everyday experiences. (Offered Mondays-Fridays, maximum 150 students)

TEKS-science curriculum correlations: 6.2 C, D; 6.7 A, B; 7.2 C, D; 7.7 C; 8.2 C, D; 8.9 A

Grades 6-12

Fantastic Forces

Discover the scientific secrets of everyday things and explore the world of natural forces. Students observe the “push pull” of gravity, the lifting force of air, and Newton’s Three Laws of Motion. This entertaining science demonstration is a 45-minute inquiry-based presentation that explores science concepts and relates them to everyday experiences.

(Offered Mondays-Fridays, maximum 150 students)

Student Workshops:

HANDS-ON, MINDS-ON.

Maximize your students' next visit to the museum with an interactive student workshop that is curriculum correlated to meet TEKS requirements. These interdisciplinary programs provide hands-on, minds-on experiences. Workshops help elementary and middle school students use the museum's exhibits to explore new ways to understand and enjoy Texas history, natural history and science. 2.5 hours in length

Witte Workshops are $2.50 per participant plus museum admission. Contact Guest Reservations at 210- 357-1910 or reservations@wittemuseum.org to reserve your workshop. Availability is on a first come, first-served basis and must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance.

• Live, Local Weather
• Ancient Texan Technology
• What’s For Dinner
• From River to Sink, What’s In My Drink?

Grades 3-5

Live, Local Weather Maximum 25 students What's the weather forecast?  Students learn how to make weather predictions by taking a fact-finding, data-collecting expedition to observe, measure and record current local weather conditions.  Using science, math and computer skills, students discover what controls our weather and how we can use patterns to predict future weather conditions.  OFFERED MONDAYS and WEDNESDAYS 9:30 am – 12 noon  TEKS – science curriculum correlations: 3.1A; 2A,B,C,D,E; 4A; 5A,B; 7A,B; 11A; 4.1A; 2A,B,C,D,E; 4A; 5A,B; 6A; 7A,B; 5.1A; 2A,B,C,D,E; 4A; 5A,B; 6A,B

Grades 4-8

Ancient Texan Technology

Grades 5-8

What's for Dinner?

Maximum 25 students While answering the question "What's for dinner?" students explore predator/prey relationships, competition and co-existence using the Texas Wild exhibit and live animals in the Animals Alive area. By dissecting owl pellets, students examine an owl's environment and investigate food chain concepts using actual scientific procedures. OFFERED MONDAYS and WEDNESDAYS 9:30 am – 12 noon  TEKS – science curriculum correlations: 5.1A; 2A,B,C,D,E; 4A; 9A,B,C; 6.1A; 2A,B,C,D,E; 4A; 5A,B; 7.1A; 2A,B,C,D,E; 4A; 5A; 12A,B,C; 8.1A; 2A,B,C,D,E; 4A; 6C; 11A

Grades 4-8

From River to Sink, What’s In My Drink?

Maximum 25 students While investigating the chemistry of San Antonio River water, students use water quality testing methods and learn science laboratory skills. Groups of students work at indoor and outdoor stations to test for nitrates, oxygen, pH, microorganisms, and other water components.  Principles of dissolving and concentration are introduced as well as the importance of water quality awareness. OFFERED MONDAYS and WEDNESDAYS 9:30 am - 12 noon  TEKS – science curriculum correlations: 4.1A; 2A,B,C,D,E; 4A; 5A,B; 6A; 10A; 5.1A; 2A,B,C,D,E; 4A; 5A,B; 6A,B; 7A,B; 11A; 6.1A; 2A,B,C,D,E; 4A; 12B,C; 7.1A; 2A,B,C,D,E; 4A,B; 5A; 11B; 12A,B,C; 14C; 8.1A; 2A,B,C,D,E; 4A,B; 6C; 14A,B,C

Overnight School Trip at the Witte
Are you planning a visit to the Witte Museum and are from outside the San Antonio area? Then
consider extending your students’ museum visit past sunset and spend the night at the Museum!

Brand new for 2008, the Witte is offering evening school programs and activities to visiting school
groups.  Enhance your students’ museum visit with science showcases, dinosaur investigations, and Texas Wild animal shows.  Overnight School programs are available from Wednesday through Friday, depending on availability.

Available Programs by Grade Level:

K-2
Dino. Digs
Solids, Liquids and Gases
Animals in Action

3-5
What’s Hot?  What’s Not?
Dino. Defenses
Habitat Happenings

6-8
Reactions in Action
Dino. Detectives
Eco-Challenge

9-12
Fantastic Forces

TEKS: Grades K-2
Animals in Action TEKS-science curriculum correlations: K.1 A; K.2 A, B, D, E; K3 A; K.4 A; K.5 A, C; K.6 A; K.8 A, B; K.9 A, B, C; 1.1A; 1.2 A, B, D, E; 1.3 A; 1.4 B; 1.5 A; 1.6 A, B; 1.8 A, B; 1.9 A, B; 2.1 A; 2.2 A, C, E, F; 2.3 A; 2,6 D; 2.8 A; 2.9 A, B 

Dinosaur Digs TEKS-science curriculum correlations: K.2 A, B, D, E; K.4 A; K.5 A,C; K.6 A; K.8 A, B; K.9 A. B. C; 1.2 A, D ,E; 1.3 A, B; 1.4 C; 1.5 A; 1.6 A, B; 1.7 A; 1.8 A, B: 1.9 B; 2.2 A, C, E, F;2.3 A, B; 2.6 D; 2.8 A,B; 2.9 A, B

Solids, Liquids, and Gases
TEKS-science curriculum correlations: K.1 A; K.2 A, D, E; K.3 A; K.4 A; K.5 A; K.6 A, E; K.7 B; K.10 A, B; 1.1 A; 1.2 A, D, E; 1.3 A, B;1.4 B, C; 1.5 A; 1.6 A; 1.7 A, B; 2.1 A; 2.2 C, E, F; 2.3 A, B; 2.5 A; 2.6 B; 2.7 A, B

Grades 3-5
Habitat Happenings TEKS-science curriculum correlations: 3.1 A; 3.2 B, C, D; 3.8 A, B; 3.9 A, B; 3.10 B; 4.2 C,
D; 4.8 A, B; 4.9 A, B; 5.1 A; 5.2 B, C, D; 5.9 A, C; 5.10 A, B
Dino Defenses TEKS-science curriculum correlations: 3.2 B, C, D; 3.3 A; 3.6 B; 3.8 A, C; 3.9 A, B; 4.2 B, C, D; 4.3 A; 4.5 B; 4.8 A, B, C; 4.10 B; 5.2 B, C, D; 5.3 A; 5.9 A

What’s Hot? What’s Not?
TEKS-science curriculum correlations: 3.1 A; 3.2 C, D; 3.3 C; 3.7 A, B; 3.11 D; 4.1 A; 4.2 C, D; 4.3 C; 4.7 A, B; 4.11 C; 5.1 A; 5.2 C, D; 5.3 C; 5.7 A, C, D; 5.8 A
Grades 6-8
 Eco-Challenge TEKS-science curriculum correlations: 6.1 A, B; 6.2 C, D; 6.3 C; 6.8 C; 6.12 A, B, C; 7.1 A, B; 7.2
D; 7.3 C; 7.5 A; 7.11 B; 7.12 A, B, C; 7.14 C; 8.1 A, B; 8.2 D; 8.3 C; 8.6 C; 8.11 A, B

Dino Detectives TEKS-science curriculum correlations: 6.1 A; 6.2 B, C, D; 6.3 A; 6.6 C; 7.1 A; 7.2 B, C, D; 7.3 A; 7.10 A; 8.1 A; 8.2 B, C, D; 8.3 A; 8.11 A, 8.14 A
Reactions in Action TEKS-science curriculum correlations: 6.1 A, 6.2 C, D; 6.7 A, B; 6.8 A; 7.1 A; 7.2 C, D; 7.7 A, C; 8.1 A; 8.2 C, D; 8.9 A, D; 8.10 C
Grades 6-12
Fantastic Forces TEKS-science curriculum correlations: 6.2 C, D; 6.6 A; 6.8 A; 7.2 C, D; 7.6 B, 7.8 A; 8.2 C, D;
8.5 A, B; 8.7 A; Integrated Physics and Chemistry 2 C, D; 3 A; 4 B; 6 A; Physics 2 C, D; 3 A; 4 B, C, E; 5 A, B, D; 6 A

An all inclusive fee for groups of up to 40 (students/teachers/chaperones) is $1400.  This includes the following:
Two School Programs
Fun Activities
An Evening Snack
Breakfast
Lodging at the museum (bring your own sleeping bag)

Join us for a night of fun and excitement.  Programming begins at 7:00 pm and ends at 8:00 a.m.  This program is offered based on availability during the week. 
Call Meredith Ruiz, Education Programs Associate at 210.357.1901 for more information.