In January, McNeil High School turned its outdoor courtyard into a classroom for the school’s life and environmental science students, according to Round Rock ISD. The space has patio tables that can seat up to 30 students. Christine Vicks, a McNeil HS science teacher, secured funding for the project through a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Tier I Innovative School Grant.

McNeil HS senior Luke Guajardo, also an Eagle Scout, helped Vicks gather community resources and design the space. The high school’s courtyard is home to two caves and several cave species, including the endangered arachnid, Texela Reyesi, also called the Bone Cave harvestman, according to RRISD.