Student Programs: Grades 9-12+
Engage your students in one-hour, structured programs at the Garden where they actively search for data. Each program begins with a brief classroom component at the Garden. Pre- and post-visit activities are available. Minimum group size is 10 students.
Independent Study (all grades)
Arrange a self-guided visit to the Garden where you will lead your class and present lessons to match the pace of your students. Structure your visit around what your students are currently studying. Garden staff and docents meet and greet your class, introducing the Glasshouse and the plants and animals they will see.
Pre- and Post-visit Activities
Patterns in Nature (9-12+)
We begin with a tour and discussion of the many different colors and patterns found in the plants and animals at the Garden. Students observe and document nature, utilizing shape, line and texture, as well as learning about, and looking for, Fibonacci sequences. Then students spend time drawing these life forms (basic art supplies included.)
Pre- and Post-visit Activities
Plant Structure, Function, and Classification (10-12+)
Plants exist in a wide range of environments using their tissues, roots, stems and leaves to adapt accordingly. Learn the structure and function of various parts of plants, as well as practice classification into groups and subgroups. Study unique features of plants and use a dichotomous key to identify the plants in the Garden's biomes.
Pre- and Post-visit Activities
Evolution and Adaptation (10-12+)
Students learn about a spiny desert and a cloud forest, focusing on the flora found in each. Based on leaf color, leaf size, flower color and shape, students evaluate and measure the effects of water, light and time on the plant life in the Garden's two biomes. They measure and compare the area of leaves in both biomes, drawing conclusions on the differences they see, as well as reflecting on how leaf color may be affected by the selective pressures in each biome.
Pre- and Post-visit Activities