Elementary School Field Trips

Now accepting reservations for the 2023-24 school year. Programs are available between September 18, 2023, and May 31, 2024, subject to seasonal availability. We offer a limited number of free Discovery Programs for Title I – Schoolwide schools, available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

CHANGES FOR THE 2023-24 SCHOOL YEAR:

The Garden will not have Butterflies LIVE! in 2024 or 2025. This is due to an expansion of the Conservatory which will result in a year-round butterfly house and additional displays and gardens. We look forward to bringing you these wonderful improvements. If you would like Butterflies LIVE! to be part of your field trip experience this year, plan to visit prior to October 10, 2023.

The Nature of the Powhatan program is on hiatus this year as we build new Social Studies connected programming and re-examine how we are sharing the culture and stories of the indigenous peoples with our visitors. Keep your eyes out for new revamped Social Studies programming next school year!

Discovery Programs

Availability and Pricing:

Hour-long programs are offered Monday-Friday at 9:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 11:45 a.m.
Three programs are available during each time slot for up to 25 students per program.
The cost is $10 per student; the minimum group charge is $100; payment is due on the day of your visit.
One adult per five students is admitted free to allow for designated chaperones and teachers.
Additional adults should pay Garden Admission and are welcome to enjoy the Garden on their own during the guided program time. Please limit the number of adults accompanying each guided program to five, including teachers. Additional adults can accompany their child before and after the guided program.
Programs take place outdoors, rain or shine. Please have everyone dress for the weather.

To register, contact our Youth Program Logistics Coordinator, Laura Lee Folman, at [email protected] or 804.262.9887 x322 with the following:

Your name, email address, and phone number, contact person’s information (if it is someone other than yourself)
Your school’s name and mailing address
Which program topic you would like
Grade level(s) of students
The number of classes you would like to bring
The total number of students who will attend
Your top three choices of program dates in order of preference (please include the program time(s) you prefer as well)

Garden Explorers | Kindergarten

Available Sept – May

DESCRIPTION

Tree Traits | K – 2^nd Grade

Available Sept – May

DESCRIPTION

Journey through the forest and discover an array of plants and animals that live in this habitat. By observing the characteristic shape, color, and texture of leaves, bark, and seed pods students learn basic skills for identifying trees and discover how each part of a tree functions.

Meets Standards of Learning for Virginia Public Schools 2018 Science Objectives K.1, K.3, K.5, K.7, K.9, 1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.4, 2.5, 2.8

Small Sprouts to Garden Giants | 1^stGrade

Available Sept – Oct & Mar – May

DESCRIPTION

Plants, What Good Are They? | 2^ndGrade

Available Sept – Oct & Mar – May

DESCRIPTION

Go with the Flow | 2^nd – 3^rd Grade

Available Sept – May

DESCRIPTION

‘Go with the Flow’ as we examine the water cycle and its relationship to living organisms. Students investigate the effects of weather and human activity on water quality as they observe several aquatic sites in the Garden. In the Children’ Garden, we discuss the importance of water to agriculture and discover how seasonal changes affect the crops we grow.

Meets Standards of Learning for Virginia Public Schools 2018 Science Objectives: 2.1, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 3.1, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8

Inquiry into Nature | 3^rd – 5^th Grade

Available Sept – May

DESCRIPTION

Investigate and compare plant and animal communities in the wetland and the forest as students use the scientific method by making observations, measuring, and collecting data in each habitat.

Meets Standards of Learning for Virginia Public Schools 2018 Science Objectives: 3.1, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.8, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.8, 5.1, 5.9

Meets Standards of Learning for Virginia Public Schools 2016 Math Objectives: 3.10, 4.8

Tallying Up Trees | 3^rd – 5^th Grade

Available Sept – Oct & Mar – May

DESCRIPTION

Trees thrive in forest, wetland, desert, and urban habitats. Several factors affect the growth rate of trees including tree species, climate, and the availability of water, nutrients, and space to grow. Students will investigate different species of trees by examining tree parts. Students share their data and discuss some specific factors that affect the growth rate of trees in urban areas.

Meets Standards of Learning for Virginia Public Schools 2018 Science Objectives: 3.1, 3.5, 3.6, 3.8, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.8, 5.1, 5.9.

Meets Standards of Learning for Virginia Public Schools 2016 Math Objectives: 4.8, 5.10

Watershed Wonders | 4^th – 5^th Grade

Available Sept – May

DESCRIPTION

Discover the path water travels through the Garden as students investigate our local watershed and its impact on larger bodies of water. Using basic tools and water chemistry test kits, students collect water quality data and explore pollution sources, human activities, and weather events that may impact the health of aquatic habitats.

Meets Standards of Learning for Virginia Public Schools 2018 Science Objectives: 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.8, 5.1, 5.9

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Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden