Children's Garden & Education

Discovery Programs for Elementary School Age Groups

 

Embark on a learning adventure in the Children’s Garden with our group education programs designed for children grades K-5. These active hands-on programs bring

plant science to life and reinforce SOL concepts and vocabulary. Class size is limited

to 25 students. Programs are available at 9:00, 10:15 and 11:30 Monday-Friday.

These programs can be reserved by contacting a registrar at 804-262-9887 x322.

Program Descriptions

 

Summer 2013

Pollination Partners | K – 5th GRADE

Available June, July &, August

Plants and their pollinators are uniquely connected.  Find out how as we investigate flower parts, insect anatomy, and observe fascinating insect behavior.  Each student will create their own insect to pollinate a favorite Garden flower.

Plants on Your Plate | K – 5th GRADE

Available June, July & August

Did you know that plant roots, stems and leaves can be just as tasty as fruits?  Students discover how plant energy is converted to human energy as they harvest and enjoy a delicious and nutritious salad from the Farm Garden.

Garden Bugs | K – 5th GRADE

Available June, July & August

If you have a garden, then you have bugs. But that’s not so bad! Find out why bugs, insects and other invertebrates actually help your garden! Participants will search for compost critters to discover how these decomposers convert our throw-away food scraps and peels into “black gold”.  

 

School Year 2013 - 14

Garden Explorers | KINDERGARTEN | Available year round

The sights, sounds, scents, textures and tastes of the garden come alive in this

sensory exploration of the Children’s Garden. Each child participates in hands-on

gardening activities. (Meets State Science SOL objective K.2)

Small Sprouts to Garden Giants | 1ST GRADE

Available Sept., Oct., March, April & May

Starting with an investigation of seeds and ending with a study of full-grown giants of

the plant world, students gain knowledge about the life process of plants. Each child

participates in hands-on gardening activities.

(Meets State Science SOL objectives 1.4 and 1.5)

Plants, What Good Are They? | 2nd GRADE

Available Sept., Oct., March, April & May

Our interdependence with plants is emphasized as students learn more about how

plants make oxygen, and how we use plants for food, medicine and clothing. Each

child participates in hands-on gardening activities.

(Meets State Science SOL objectives 2.4 and 2.8)

Inside a Blossom | 4th GRADE

Available Sept., Oct., March, April & May

Students discover the function of individual floral parts as they dissect a blossom,

examine the pistil and stamen, and touch the sticky stigma. Each child participates in

hands-on gardening activities.

(Meets State Science SOL objective 4.4)

Young Gardeners | 3rd - 5th GRADE

Available March through October

There are many tasks required to start a garden and keep it growing and healthy.

Beginning with the right soil and seeds and ending with compost, students participate

in the cycle necessary to start, grow, and maintain a garden.

(Meets State Science SOL objectives 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.7, and 3.10)

Mother Nature’s Garden | 3rd – 5th GRADE

Available Sept., Oct., March, April & May

Students discover habitat and species diversity as they investigate various plant

communities including a wetland, meadow, and forest. Students put the scientific

method into practice by making observations, measuring and collecting data and

forming hypotheses.

(Meets State Science SOL objective 3.6)

Tree Traits | Kindergarten - 5th GRADE

Available year round

Through the careful study of the characteristic shape, color and texture of leaves,

bark, and seed pods, students learn basic skills for identifying trees. This program is

adapted to each grade level.

(Meets State Science SOL objectives K.8, K.9, 1.7, 2.7, 3.8, 4.4, and 5.5)

Seasons of the Powhatan | 2nd - 5th GRADE

Available Sept., Oct., Feb., March, April & May

Students investigate the calendar of the Woodland Indians and learn how they

adapted their diet to seasonal changes. Students gather food from the trail, use

natural fibers to make rope, weave a reed mat, and play traditional games.

(Meets State History & Social Science SOL objectives VS.2 and VS.3, Science SOL objectives 1.7, 2.7, 3.8, 3.1, and 4.7)

 

 

Children's Garden Group Information Guide

Our Children's Garden Group Information Guide is REQUIRED reading for any group that wants to book a trip to the garden. It can be accessed here. Below are links to individual sections, but make sure to familiarize yourself with the entire document before booking your class.