Education 

The Matagorda Bay Foundation offers educational opportunities designed to engage Texans of all ages in learning about the importance of our bays and watersheds. From in-depth workshops and interactive classes to hands-on field experiences, we’re here to help you explore the science, history, and future of our coastal ecosystems.

By participating in our programs, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions about water use and conservation. You’ll learn how to protect the habitats and wildlife that call our bays home and how to ensure these ecosystems remain healthy and productive for generations to come.

Be part of a movement to sustain the natural resources of the central Texas coast. Explore our educational offerings and discover how you can contribute to a brighter future for our bays, rivers, and communities. Together, we can make a lasting difference.

Educational Programs

Education grows through community. If you have questions about our programs or suggestions for future classes and workshops, we'd love to hear your thoughts.

  • Dive into adventure with the Sea Turtle Explorers program—an interactive, hands- on experience for all ages that brings the magic of the Gulf’s sea turtles to life! Join us on an unforgettable journey into the world of sea turtles that call the Gulf of Mexico home. Through fun and educational activities, you’ll explore the lives of the five remarkable species that travel through our Gulf waters and nest along the

    Texas coast:

    • Kemp’s Ridley

    • Loggerhead

    • Green Sea Turtle

    • Leatherback

    • Hawksbill

    Learn about their fascinating life cycles, from hatchlings racing to the sea to the incredible migrations they undertake as adults. Discover the rich history of sea turtle nesting in Texas and how the Division of Sea Turtle Science and Recovery—led by Dr. Donna Shaver—has helped bring the endangered Kemp’sm Ridley sea turtle back from the brink of extinction. Meet the conservation heroes working to protect these amazing creatures and find out how you can help too! Participants of all ages will enjoy:

    •  Interactive Presentations

    •  Sea Turtle Life Cycle Activities

    •  Conservation Success Stories

    A High-Energy Game Called “Who Do You Call?”—learn exactly what to do if you spot a sea turtle in danger or nesting on the beach! Whether you’re a budding marine biologist, a curious student, a teacher planning a field trip, or just a nature enthusiast, Sea Turtle Explorers offers a fun, eye- opening experience that will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to make a difference.

    Join us—and become a Sea Turtle Explorer today!

  • Join us for an exciting, one-hour educational journey into the rich biodiversity of the Matagorda Bay ecosystem. This interactive program features real specimens of native marine life, including fish, rays, skates, sharks, and invertebrates, offering a unique opportunity to observe and learn about the species that inhabit our coastal waters. All specimens were ethically collected for research purposes and preserved through freezing to maintain their natural appearance. Designed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding of marine ecology, this program is ideal for learners of all ages.

  • Experience the fascinating world of oysters in Oyster Mania, an interactive educational program that reveals the vital role of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) in Matagorda Bay. Dive into the biology and life cycle of these remarkable bivalves and explore their ecological importance—from building reef habitats that support diverse marine life to protecting shorelines from erosion and improving water quality through natural filtration. You’ll also learn how oysters contribute to coastal economies and culinary traditions. Whether you’re a budding marine biologist or just curious about the bay, this program will leave you with a deeper appreciation for these ecosystem engineers.

    Oyster Mania: Interactive Group Activities for Kids

    This guide contains fun and educational hands-on activities to engage children during the Oyster Mania program. These projects are designed to reinforce key concepts about oyster biology, reef ecology, and the importance of oysters in coastal ecosystems.

    1. Build an Oyster Reef Model

    Objective: Learn how oyster reefs form and why they matter. Materials: Egg cartons, clay/playdough, shells, sand, glue, water trays.

    Activity: Kids build a mini oyster reef using materials that mimic how oysters’ clump together. Then, they gently pour water over it to see how the slows water flow and traps sediment.

    Discussion: How reefs protect shorelines and provide habitat.

    2. Oyster Filter Challenge

    Objective: Understand how oysters filter water.

    Materials: Clear containers, water mixed with coffee grounds or glitter (to simulate dirty water), sponges or coffee filters

    Activity: Kids use oyster filters to clean the water. You can time

    them and compare results.

    Discussion: Real oysters can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day—imagine a whole reef!

    3. Oyster Anatomy Exploration

    Objective: Learn oyster anatomy and function.

    Materials: Large oyster diagrams or laminated anatomy sheets, real or replica oyster shells

    Activity: Teams label parts of the oyster or match 3D pieces to a diagram. Optionally, have a dissection station with pre-opened oysters and gloves for observation (not for eating).

    Discussion: Talk about gills, shell structure, and feeding methods.

    4. Oyster Ecosystem Web Game

    Objective: Show how oysters connect to other organisms in the ecosystem.

    Materials: Cards with pictures of animals (e.g., fish, crabs, birds, algae, humans), string/yarn

    Activity: Each child gets a card and stands in a circle. Use string to connect species based on relationships (e.g., oysters provide habitat to fish). When oysters are removed, watch the web collapse.

    Discussion: Oysters as a keystone species—when they gone, many others are affected.

    5. Shell Art with a Message

    Objective: Reinforce appreciation for oysters through creative expression.

    Materials: Clean oyster shells, paint/markers, glue, craft supplies

    Activity: Kids decorate shells with ocean-themed art or conservation messages (e.g., Save Our Reefs). Optionally, create a community reef mural or display wall.