Guided Programs Grades 1 – 2

Guided Field Trip Programs K-2

$120 per class
Monday through Friday, seasonally
10 – 11 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
10 – 11:30 a.m. for 90-minute programs
A 1:5 ratio of chaperones to students is required.
Maximum number of students: 30

Surprising Seeds
Fall, Early Spring
Ever wonder how that plant started growing right there? Discover and examine different seed structures that enable plants to get around. This program illustrates how the shape of an object helps it function to solve a problem.
NGSS: LS1.A, LS2.A

The Wonders Of Worms And Soil
Fall, Early Spring
What roles do worms play in an ecosystem? Students investigate the components of healthy soil and come face to face with common soil-dwelling critters. Each student will pot a plant to take home.
NGSS: LS1.A, LS2.A

New Insect Investigation
Winter
Discover what special features enable insects to survive. Perform simple experiments to test the behaviors and preferences of some friendly insects. Consider how the external parts of insects might inspire a design solution to a human problem.

Nature's Needs
Early Winter, Winter
Search for evidence that plants survive well in particular habitats, but not others. Students compare the diversity of plants from different ecosystems and observe what specialized structures help them get what they need. Investigate how plants also depend on the animals in their habitats to thrive.
NGSS: LS1 ELS: 11.A, 12.A, 12.B

Butterflies And BumbleBees
Spring
Discover the wonderful world of pollinators. Students observe pollinating insects in action. They explore the Garden from the perspective of a bee or butterfly and act out, or model, how flowers are pollinated and how they make seeds.
NGSS: LS1.A, LS1.B, LS2.A

Water Bugs
Spring
Investigate the amazing creatures living in our lakes. See how many flying insects begin life under water as larvae or nymphs that are similar to—but not exactly like—their winged parents. Discover what they tell us about the health of the water.
NGSS: LS1.B, LS2.A, LS4.D

Trees and Trains (90 minutes)
Early Winter
Learn to identify evergreen trees just like a scientist, by examining patterns of their needles and organizing them into categories. Gather evidence to explain how these trees have unique adaptations that help them survive in their habitat. Visit the enchanting Wonderland Express exhibition after the program.
NGSS: LS1.A, LS4.D