Unleash your curiosity and ignite a passion for the natural world.
For more than four decades, the Arnold Arboretum has connected Boston’s young people with the wonders of nature through hands-on, outdoor learning.
The Arboretum Young Scientists (AYS) program is a free and immersive four-week summer experience for Boston Public School rising 7th and 8th graders. During AYS, students explore the hidden lives of plants and animals, conduct outdoor investigations, and discover the science of trees, soils, and ecosystems all within the living landscape of Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum.
Program Experience
AYS engages middle school students in the process of scientific inquiry and discovery through activities such as:
- Exploring the diverse plants and wildlife of the Arboretum’s gardens and woodlands
- Conducting hands-on investigations and experiments in ecology and environmental science
- Building teamwork and friendships through outdoor exploration
- Meeting Arboretum scientists and staff while learning about careers in the natural sciences
- Creating and presenting a final project showcasing what they’ve learned
Looking Ahead
As we look to the future, the Arboretum is strengthening the foundation of its youth education programs to ensure their lasting impact.
During this planning period, the Arboretum Young Scientists program will be on hiatus for summer 2026 while we reimagine how best to serve learners of all ages—from preschoolers to high school students.
Our commitment to youth education remains steadfast. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn in nature and to see themselves as future scientists, conservationists, and caretakers of our shared environment. \
Support Youth Learning
Thank you to everyone who has supported AYS and youth education at the Arboretum. Your encouragement helps us nurture curiosity, inclusion, and a lifelong love of nature in Boston’s children.
If you’d like to help sustain and grow these opportunities, please consider making a gift to support the Arboretum’s children’s programming. Your generosity ensures that future generations can continue to learn, explore, and thrive in nature.
