Environmental
STEM Education
Investing in education helps preserve Galveston Bay for future generations. Our hands-on, K–12 TEKS-aligned STEM programs connect students with nature and inspire the next generation of Bay stewards.
For questions or more detailed information on our education programs, contact Cindy Wilems at cwilems@galvbay.org.
2025 Education Team Achievements
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K-12 Students connected with nature to become future stewards of the Bay through hands-on STEM curriculum.
Teachers were reached
through annual workshops,
such as professional development courses offered.
Total impressions on students, teachers, and other participants in our Education programs.
Learn About Our Programs
Check out our various educational programs that Galveston Bay Foundation offers below!
FIELD EXPERIENCES
During GBF’s TEKS-aligned Field Experiences, students will gain personal in-field experience while increasing their awareness of the environment and the Bay. Students gain an increased understanding of the Bay’s varied ecosystems and its inhabitants, as well as learning how to use scientific field equipment, data collection, ending with a reflection activity that allows students to express their experience via written observations, poems, and/or drawings.
BAY TO SCHOOLS
Bringing the Bay into the classroom through engaging, hands-on STEM workshops led by GBF educators. Students explore the environment through activities that connect science concepts to the unique ecosystems and wildlife of Galveston Bay. These programs provide an easy, engaging way to incorporate local environmental topics into your curriculum while encouraging students to become curious about and connected to the Bay. Each program is aligned with grade-level TEKS.
STUDENTS IN ACTION
Your students will participate in a one-day, hands-on service learning event at a site around the Bay! 3rd – 12th grade students help to protect the health of the Bay by planting marsh grass, creating oyster reefs, collecting nurdles, or picking up trash – all while creating a connection to Galveston Bay that will last a lifetime. Through this work, students also learn about environmental careers and stewardship opportunities that await them!
WETLAND CONNECTIONS
This school-year-long program for students in grades 6–12 promotes environmental, STEM, and climate literacy while deepening their understanding of the vital role wetlands play in our communities. Through exploration, students develop a stronger connection to wetland ecosystems, learn about the challenges they face, and are empowered to become active participants in protecting the health of Galveston Bay for generations.
Investing in
Our Future
"Living farther from the Bay used to make me feel like I had little impact on the Bay life, but after learning about Galveston Bay and having the opportunity to grow cordgrass, I now look at my actions in a new light. I strive to make a more conscious effort to protect the Bay through my daily activities."
– Elizabeth Makondekwa, Westside High School Student (HISD) and Wetland Connection Participant
" Galveston Bay Foundation's educational programs are broad and deep, with a range of solutions and opportunities to preserve the Bay for generations to come.
Young people have the power to shape the future of Galveston Bay. Through GBF’s youth leadership opportunities, students can learn, lead, serve, and build a deeper connection to the Bay while developing the skills and confidence to become the next generation of environmental stewards and community leaders.
Youth Leadership
Teacher Resources
GBF Educators can lead professional development workshops at schools and at one of our field sites for an immersive learning experience. Galveston Bay Foundation is a certified continuing professional education (CPE) provider for the State of Texas. Email Cindy Wilems at cwilems@galvbay.org to book a PD workshop.
Read our August Newsletter Here!
(V-WET) connecting students with Gulf Coast research
The tours listed here include a full curriculum package with teacher guides, tour maps, student worksheets, and an action project to further engage student learning in a virtual format to increase environmental literacy and STEM skills.
Did you complete a V-WET Tour with your students? Want to share student Action Projects? We’d love to hear from you!
“At Home With The Bay” is a virtual series of engaging environmental education lessons taught by GBF’s staff. Lessons include a lab, conservation craft, talk with a Bay biologist, and an activity of the week. Each lesson comes with an accompanying activity guide available for download here.
If you participate in these lessons, we’d love to hear from you! Please fill out this survey about your experience. This project was created in partnership with NOAA.
“At Home With The Bay”
A Virtual Field Trip Series