Field Trips
Plant Detective
Fully Booked until June 2023
Thank you for your thinking of us as a potential field trip site for your class. Unfortunately, we are fully booked until June 2023. If you are interested in being on an “interested” list for the 2023-2024 school year, please email education@ruthbancroftgarden.org and we will reach out to you when we are accepting field trip bookings. We appreciate your support and can’t wait to explore the Garden with your students!
The program focuses on teaching core skills such as; observe, note, ask questions and draw conclusions. The subject of observation are the adaptations to a life in dry climates made by the unique plant collection at the Ruth Bancroft Garden. The program aligns well to NGSS 3LS 3-2, 4-3, 4-4 and 4PS 4-2, 4LS 1-1.
Each student will receive a notebook where they can write down their observations. By utilizing a scaffolding method, the students will be introduced to how they can write and draw their observations without the pressure of being “artists and authors”. The students are asked to think like scientists and from the evidence draw their own conclusions. The journaling method will be very useful tool in other learning situations and for learners of all abilities.
Students will also get to plant a succulent to take home. During the plant session, the students will get hands on experience of the kind of soil succulents prefer and how that soil is different from the clay soil commonly found in the county.
An active participation of teacher and chaperones are encouraged. It is well studied that children learn better if the adults take an active part in what the child is doing. Therefore, teacher and chaperones will ALSO receive the Plant Detective Notebook to jot down their own observations.
Check out our other Children’s Programs
Workshop Wednesdays 10am-10:45am | Every Wednesday in the Plaza (RSVP required)
Every Wednesday we will have a craft activity out in the Plaza. Price will vary depending on the craft.
Story Time 10am-10:30am | Every Thursday in the Nook (RSVP required)
Each Thursday, we will host a story time reading in our new Children’s Nook in the Garden. This event is free with Garden Admission.
