By Todd Martin
Special to the Daily Herald

On a perfect day along the shaded creeks of Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir, 87 fifth-graders from Nolanville Elementary School explored the largest, most authentic science laboratory they could find — the outdoors.

Students listened to a lake ranger describe the natural erosion along the banks of the Chalk Ridge Falls Park and with guidance from Fort Hood biologists discovered plants and animals and eye-balled bird species. The four classes also took turns testing water for acidity and alkalinity under the instruction of Clearwater Underground Water District representatives.

"Our hope is to have them apply the earth science they are learning," said fifth-grade science teacher Sherry Burnett, explaining that spending time in a natural setting added dimension to studying in the classroom.

"I think actually seeing it, being a part of it aids in retention," she said, noting that the lake park a few miles east of the Nolanville school provided free access to a wide range of plants and animals.

Students saw deer tracks and droppings, pointed out turtles popping their heads out of ponds and spotted nests in trees overlooking the clear water.

Gil Eckrich, a Fort Hood Natural Resources biologist, said one group got to see two bald eagles soar near his bird-watching station. For many, it was enough to be outside. Fifth-grader Adryana Bell-Enterkin said she had never visited the lake park before, but that it made an impression on her.

"This is my first time, and I really like it," she said. "I like the beauty of how the waterfall sounds."

Teacher Candice Button pointed out charred trees, evidence of a fire. She also showed students exposed roots, unearthed during flooding.

Eckrich pointed across the river below the Stillhouse dam where beavers maintain a den and he took them to a sticky sap-covered stump he called a beaver gnaw.

Students learned about harvester ants and the smaller, much more painful fire ants, as well as the three-leafed poison ivy that climbs along the tree bark.

Fifth-grader Summir Hill stepped up from the water's edge where she and her group tested the water purity.

"It's fun to be out here," Hill said. "We found animal tracks and saw birds and trees. I had never seen poison ivy before."

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