Aramco’s popular iExplore Biodiversity STEM program kicks off
The Aramco iExplore Biodiversity program in partnership with the Houston Museum of Natural Science includes a teacher workshop and student field trip. Fifth grade science teachers from Galena Park ISD and Stafford MSD participated and visited exhibit halls for an immersive experience. Teachers take notes as they stop by the Farish Hall of Texas Wildlife or identify different types of butterflies in The Cockrell Butterfly Center.
Aramco’s iExplore Biodiversity program in partnership with the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) kicked off for the 2024--2025 school year with local area teachers attending full day workshops.
Galena Park ISD fifth grade science teachers prepare for the school year with a full day teacher workshop designed by the Houston Museum of Natural Science for the Aramco iExplore Biodiversity program.
Aramco’s iExplore Biodiversity program in partnership with the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) kicked off for the 2024-2025 school year with local area teachers attending full day workshops, July 23, and July 31.
Fifth grade science teachers from two school districts—Stafford MSD and Galena Park ISD—previewed the curriculum and received classroom materials to supplement their teaching and support the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards. The program, which started ten years ago with three teachers and 50 students, has expanded to 90 teachers, and now reaches approximately 1,600 students.
Fifth grade science teachers from two school districts—Stafford MSD and Galena Park ISD—previewed the curriculum and received classroom materials to supplement their teaching and support the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards.
Teachers seek out added resources, experiences for STEM education
Tiffany Benitez, District Science Specialist, Galena Park ISD, is excited about this year’s curriculum with its Rainforest program featuring animal species and how they coexist.
Benitez noted the iExplore Biodiversity program has been a positive addition to classroom teaching and for some students it is the first time visiting the museum.
According to Kathleen Havens, Director, Curriculum and Content, HMNS, the Aramco iExplore Biodiversity program is tailored for elementary students—third through fifth grade---with studies showing that the fifth-grade science level is a critical time to connect with students to increase their interest and comprehension of complex science topics. It is also a critical time for students taking the STAAR test, which shows whether a student has mastered specific knowledge of a core subject at a certain grade level.
“It has been a great partnership that has grown in popularity,” said Havens. “Aramco’s culture and commitment to preserve and protect ecological habitats with our museum’s ability to show students different ecosystems and the interconnectedness of nature is a great combination.”
Shannon Eichmann from the Aramco Research Center-Houston said it was the support she received from her parents and teachers that encouraged her to follow her interest in a STEM career and pursue higher education.
Connecting students at an early age
In the Fall, students visit the museum for a full day field trip that includes a tour of the various exhibit halls with content related to biodiversity, including: The Morian Hall of Paleontology, The Farish Hall of Texas Wildlife, The Hamman Hall of Texas Coastal Ecology and the Frensley/Graham Hall of African Wildlife as well as The Cockrell Butterfly Center and The Brown Hall of Entomology.
While the program began as a Houston-based educational program with one school district, it has expanded to be available online and with a virtual workshop. Havens says teachers receive continuing education credits for attending. Visit the Education - HMNS page on the Museum’s website to learn more.
“The program’s impact to connect students at an early age with science was the motivation for us to start iExplore Biodiversity a decade ago,” said Judy Sultan, supervisor, Citizenship, Aramco Americas. “It’s great to see how it has grown in scope with the materials available to teachers not only in Texas but throughout the U.S.”
