Cultivating young scientists through hands-on exploration in Boston’s landscape for learning
The Arboretum offers seasonal school programs for Boston Public School students in grades Pre-K to 5, which includes free bus transportation. These two-hour programs investigate biodiversity in the meadows, ponds, and woodlands of the Arnold Arboretum. Our goal is to provide an intellectually stimulating experience in the landscape for each student. We do this by providing hands-on exploration of seasonal phenomena and thoughtful conversations with students about the organisms and habitats they encounter here. We use a variety of tools, and we ask students to share their learning through dialogue, drawings, and presentations. We maintain small groups lead by a volunteer guide so that students can receive individual attention from a supportive and knowledgeable adult. Programs are developmentally appropriate, and on-going coordination with the teachers ensures that our content supports classroom learning goals. Our programs align with Boston Public School Life Science study and Massachusetts Science, Technology, and Engineering Standards. Pre- and post-visit materials help teachers plan a challenging learning opportunity. Volunteer to lead a school group. Contribute to Buses for Boston to provide transportation for Boston Public School students.
- We serve groups of 30 to 50 students.
- We serve the Boston Public Schools. There is no charge for Boston Public School participation in the field studies.
- Programs take place from 10:00am to noon, or 10:30am-12:30pm for late start schools, on weekdays only.
- Fall programs run from September through November; spring programs run from April through June.
If you are a BPS teacher interested in bringing your students to the Arboretum please contact Ana Maria Caballero at acaballeromcguire@fas.harvard.edu to be notified about programs for this coming spring.
Our offerings include the following programs:
Explorations
Introduces the flora and fauna of the Arboretum to preschool and kindergarten children.
Habitats
Complements the Boston Public School’s first grade life science study of both aquatic and terrestrial plants and animals. Program suitable for grades 1-2.
Plant Parts
Complements the Boston Public School’s second grade life science study of plant life cycles and the functions of each plant part. Program suitable for grades 1-3.
Flowers Change
Focuses on floral parts and functions as pollinated flower makes seeds, for grades 3-5.
Plants in Autumn: How Seeds Travel
Explores the diversity of seed package structures that promote seed dispersal, for grades 3-5.
Native Trees/Native Peoples
Compares and contrasts native evergreen and deciduous trees that were used by Eastern Woodland Indians to meet basic survival needs. Suitable for grades 3-5.
Hemlock Hill: A Forest Ecosystem
Introduces Boston Public School fifth grade students to an urban forest ecosystem to learn about producers, consumers, and decomposers. Also suitable for grades 4-6.
You and your students!
We can help you plan a self-guided field study at the Arnold Arboretum. Contact Ana Maria Caballero for details.