The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is a community resource for education. During the 2022-2023 school year, Arboretum for Educators will take the form of a newsletter highlighting hands-on science lessons and activities that get students outside using their local outdoor classroom, playground, or campus. Many of the lessons can also be conducted by bringing the outside in!
Each month will have a seasonally based theme with a key activity for students in PreK-2, Grades 3-5, Middle School, and High School according to schedule below.
Upcoming Newsletters:
- October: What is a Leaf? Investigate leaf structure through rubbings, chromatography, water experiments and decay.
- November: What is a Seed? Discover dispersal strategies and engineer better seed packages.
- December: What is a Tree? Part 1 Learn about tree architecture, twig identification, and nature journaling.
- January: What is a Tree? Part 2 Understand phloem and xylem, create models of the inside of trees, and have fun with outer bark.
- February: What is a Tree? Part 3 Explore various adaptations that enable trees to survive.
- March: What is Phenology? Discover the timing of natural phenomena, participate in citizen science, and hone your observational skills.
- April: How do Plants Grow? Experiment with germination techniques, examine defense mechanisms and understand forces that govern plant movement.
- May: What are Roots? Play with soil to understand the science behind healthy trees.
- June: What is a Flower? Perform flower dissections and examine flower-pollinator relationships.
Previous Newsletters:
- September 2022
- June 2022
- May 2022
- April 2022
- March 2022
- December 2021
- November 2021
- October 2021
- September 2021
Learn about prior iterations of the Arboretum for Educators here.