In the 2011-12 academic year, the Arboretum initiated a partnership with the Boston Teachers Union (BTU) School. In collaboration with teachers, Arboretum Science Specialist Ana Maria Caballero provided science instruction in preschool, Kindergarten, first grade, and second grade classrooms throughout the school year, covering topics on plants and animals, earth science, weather studies, and physical science. Students in each elementary grade at the BTU School—as well as students in the eighth grade—participated in field studies at the Arboretum. Additional outreach included an open house for the families of BTU School students to showcase student achievement resulting from the first year of the partnership.
In the 2012-13 academic year, the Arboretum expanded its collaboration with the BTU School to enhance life science study in grades 3–5. Additionally, a new field study was created to complement the second grade classroom study of insects. As a culmination of this work, in June 2013 the Arboretum showcased the science journals of the students in a public show entitled Through a Child’s Eye: Illustrations by Students from the Boston Teachers Union School.
In the 2013-14 academic year, the Arboretum created another field study to deepen the fourth grade study of animal adaptations. Led by Science Specialist Sara Van Note, the Arboretum also collaborated with the K1 classroom to support more outdoor exploration in the schoolyard. The Arboretum continues to work closely with the BTU School in a variety of ways.
