Lights Out, Texas! Educator Workshop

Format: In-person only           

Professional Development Credit: 6 PD hours

Cost: Free

Target Audience: 6th–8th grade teachers (but not limited to)

Instructor: Meridith Cooper, 7th Grade Science Teacher & Department Chair, Rakow Middle School; Rockwall ISD District Curriculum Lead

Presented by: Region 10 Education Service Center, Trinity River Audubon Center, and Texas Conservation Alliance

Agenda:

• 8:30 – 9:00 am: Check-in

• 9:00 am – 12:00 pm: 

  • Lights Out, Texas! Introduction;

  • Module 1: Adaptations for Migration;  

  • Module 2: Disruptions to Energy Flow

• 12:00 – 1:00 pm: Lunch & Leisure Hike at TRAC

• 1:00 – 3:00 pm: Module 3: Solutions for Biodiversity & Q&A

Workshop Description:

Join us for a hands-on professional development workshop designed to equip middle school educators with the tools and confidence to bring the Lights Out, Texas! program into their classrooms.

In this interactive session, teachers will explore the science of bird migration, the impacts of artificial light at night, and the growing issue of bird-building collisions in urban environments. Participants will be guided through the 6th–8th grade curriculum, experience key activities as their students would, and gain practical strategies for integrating the content into their teaching.

This curriculum aligns with TEKS for middle school science and supports scientific inquiry, data collection, and critical thinking skills emphasized across grade levels.

Educators will leave with:

• Ready-to-use lesson materials

• Connections to local conservation efforts

• Actionable strategies to engage students in real-world problem-solving and environmental stewardship

Download the Lights Out, Texas! Curriculum here