• 1.5 hours
• $8 per student (teachers are free)
• Extra adults not serving as chaperones are $10.00
• Maximum group size per time slot is 60 students

Students will engage in interactive games and investigation to explore the unique properties of plants and animals in the garden. Participants will use sight, smell, taste, touch, and sound to learn about the different parts and functions of organisms found at Powell Gardens. A hands-on drawing experience encourages students to reflect upon what they observed and what is grown in the garden as an activity during this experience.

• 1.5 hours
• $8 per student plus a $25.00 fee for each worm bin (teachers are free)
• Extra adults not serving as chaperones are $10.00
• Maximum group size per time slot is 30 students

Young participants will observe and recognize the behavioral and physical characteristics of worms and learn how they aid in the process of decomposition. Through a worm examination, participants will explore the parts of a worm, how compost/fertilizer is made, and what worms need to survive. Students will help make a vermicomposting bin and will receive instruction on caring for the worms. Worm bins will be taken back to school, to be used as a classroom or school-wide project. There is an extra $25.00 extra fee for each worm bin (generally one per classroom).

• 1.5 hours
• $8 per student (teachers are free)
• Extra adults not serving as chaperones are $10.00
• Maximum group size per time slot is 60 students, minimum is 10 students

Students’ observational skills will be tested while investigating the plant and animal diversity in our David T. Beals III Woodland and Stream Garden. Students will explore native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants in all seasons, while also on the lookout for insects, rodents, and birds to learn about the unique structures that help these organisms survive. Participants will examine bark patterns, leaf shapes, seeds, and other identifying characteristics of trees, plants, and shrubs to help understand their roles in the ecosystem. Field notebooks and other observational naturalist tools are used in this experience.

• 1.5 hours
• $8 per student (teachers are free )
• Extra adults not serving as chaperones are $10
• Maximum group size per time slot is 60 students

Students will discover the critical role of bees, hummingbirds, bats, butterflies, moths, and other pollinators in relation to our region’s food sources. Using the varieties of native plants, vegetables, and fruits grown in our Education Garden and the Heartland Harvest Garden, students will explore the unique adaptations animals have to pollinate diverse plants. Students will learn basic plant science: the parts and functions of a leaf, stem, root, or seed; importance of adequate light, water, and soil in the growing process; and role of milkweed and other plants as attractants and food sources for pollinators.

• 3 hour
• $12 per student (teachers are free)
• Extra adults not serving as chaperones are $10.00
• Maximum group size per time slot is 60 students

Students experience all parts of the cycle of matter and the transfer of energy in this program about where our food comes from. This program assists students in understanding and identifying parts of a plant, differentiating types of produce, discovering the role of pollinators in the web of life, and sharing in the seed-to-plate experience with a hands-on lab preparing fresh salsa.

Episodic grant funding to offset the cost of student admission and/or bus transportation may exist. Please email Kristy Peterson at kpeterson@powellgardens.org to inquire about availability.

• 2-3 hours
• $8 per student (teachers are free)
• Extra adults not serving as chaperones are $10.00
• Maximum group size is 100 students
• Additional supply fees may be required based on content

This is a private after-school content-driven experience available all year that a middle school team (or a district’s middle school) can book and plan together with Powell Gardens’ education staff. Students arrive by bus with the required number of chaperones (one for every ten students) to explore aspects of their science curriculum. A general theme shapes the evening and three hands-on stations and a short talk comprise the events. Food is available onsite for purchase. All bookings must be made at least three months prior to the desired date of the program.

• $4 per student
• $10 per adult
• Teachers are free of charge

For the best experience and as a courtesy to the garden and its fellow visitors, please reserve a time in advance. This ensures your group’s access to our self-guided activities and classroom connections. One chaperone for every ten students is required—no exceptions. Please share guidelines for garden etiquette with your students before your visit.