Floating Classroom Program
Information Sheet

We have provided some general information about what camping and motels options are in the area at this website including driving directions to Matagorda.  When you come in from Hwy 60, as you enter Matagorda, you will see a huge anchor with a sign that says welcome on it.  It is, ironically enough, next to a cemetery.  Pass this and go to the second paved road and turn left.  It is called CR (County Road) 255.  Then you will see the Matagorda Harbor sign and an A&M banner on the building.  That is the place.

Please be at the Covered Pavilion (see map) by8:30 a.m. sharp on the day of your field trip.  This will be where we check in with the FCP staff. When groups arrive, they will need to be counted and divided in half before check-in.  Please do not straggle in at 8:40 because everyone will  have to count and divide and report in by 8:45am. Groups have to be completely ready to board at 9:00am,  so everyone in your group needs to be there by 8:30am.  Those who show up late will lose their place. Please do not be late! In case of an emergency, please contact your trip coordinator.

You will need to fill out permission slips related to the Floating School program and return them to your coordinator or you will NOT be permitted to attend!!!!!.

To ensure your comfort, the FCP staff recommend each person bring: cap or hat (rain or shine), rain slicker or poncho (even if sunshine is predicted), sunscreen, soft-soled/non skid shoes or boots that you won’t mind getting wet or muddy. Disposable cameras, sunglasses, binoculars and insect repellant are optional.

The FCP staff will assume that the adults accompanying the group will bear the responsibility for supervising the children in the group at all times during the program.  Adults will be expected to correct inappropriate, disruptive or dangerous behavior. Adults may also be asked to assist with some of the shore-side teaching activities if needed.

Meals and snacks will not be provided and only water will be available for drinks. It is your responsibility to bring your lunch and refreshments. “Fast food” is not available in Matagorda. A covered pavilion with restrooms will be available for the noon meal. Lunches can be left in the building and he assured me it is fairly secure.  In most cases your group would be the only ones along with the staff.

The typical program lasts five hours from 9am to around 2:45pm. Half of the group will go on the boat while the other half goes to the class room.  Around noon or so we switch..  When not on the water, we will be shore-side participating in activities and demonstrations.  We had originally thought the pavilion and boat were far enough apart to require transportation.  Mr. Younger assured me the entire program will take place in this spot, therefore, carpooling during the program will not be required. Activities should conclude by 2:30 – 3:00 p.m.

The captain decides if a high-risk situation (lightening, high winds, flooding, unseaworthiness of the vessel) exists and the cruise should be canceled. This is remote and moderate rain will not cancel out event.

Video footage or photographs may be taken of participants, both onboard the vessel and when engaged in shore-side activities. These images are used in publications and media releases. If you choose to deny this permission, I need to be able to tell the coordinator at sign in.

‘Emergency Only’ Number for the Floating Classroom Program 979-240-4872 or 979-245-0349 if your family needs to reach you during the program.

Subjects covered but not limited to: marine biology and ecology, watershed ecology and management, coastal industries, meteorology/climatology, fisheries management, coastal and maritime history, water chemistry and quality, beach/dune and wetland ecology, marine transportation and safety. The children will absorb more from their experience if they are exposed to these topics before they arrive. We will also post related resourcesat this website.

If you would like to possible bring back live specimens for your ‘classroom’ aquarium, bring a spill-proof container with adequate water capacity and aeration for the trip home.

If for some reason, your plans change and you are unable to attend, please contact your coordinator, as soon as possible. There are people on a waiting list that might be able to use your spot.

Please do not hesitate to contact your coordinator with questions. If they don't know the answer, they can find someone who does.

See the details page at this website for further information.

Contact us if you have additional questions that have not been answered here.

Click here to go back to the main page for the Floating School.

Click here to go back to Taffie Field Trip Section

Last updated September 14, 2002 Copyright 2002 Susan Frederick