Youth Education Tours - Botanical Conservatory

Help students experience the wonders of nature!

Photo Credit to The Papers Inc.

Botanical Field Trips & Outreach

Tuesday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

The Botanical Conservatory’s education staff serves thousands of students each year through on- and off-site visits for public, parochial, private and home schools. Teachers can choose the standards-based curriculum that best meets their students’ needs. Our outreach program also helps teachers meet state science standards and engage students in active learning. Conservatory visits let you collect temperature and humidity readings for a biome study, find food plants in the desert and jungle, explore plant patterns with art students, or choose from a variety of other activities, depending on the age and focus of the group. We can also travel to your school, providing classroom or assembly-style presentations.

Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance. A minimum of ten students is required to book a lab, but self-guiding visit lessons are available for groups of any size.

For more information, call (260) 427-6445.

Calling all school teachers. Are you planning two field trips in one day? Feeling overwhelmed? Click here to make it easier by checking out our new 2forU program!

Our environmental tours meet Indiana Academic Standards.

Teachers, please check out the following:
Download an Off-Site Program Flier now!
Off-Site Programs Science Standards Correlations

Youth Education Tours

Youth Education Tour Chart listing Tour Options

Tour Curriculum:

Plant Private Eye
Plant Puzzlers
Butterflies (seasonal)
Operation Observation
Compost Lab
Flower Power Lab
Biome Lab

Click here for our Group Visit Planner ~ for more information about planning a visit, plus our policies and expectations. Questions? Comments? Ready to schedule a program? Contact: Missy A'Hearn, 260-427-6445.

Educational Outreach Programs

Botanical Conservatory goes to School September-March Tuesday-Friday 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Enjoy the popular educational programs of the Conservatory from the convenience of your own classroom, scout troop or home school co-op. Each program has been designed to comply with Indiana State Educational Standards while providing a fun and educational experience.

The current programs are:
Compost Lab (2^nd-3^rd grades)
Flower Power (3^rd-12^th grades)
Operation Observation (4^th-12^th grades)

$3/student (minimum 10) plus travel expenses based on zone: $15 Fort Wayne, $45 Allen County, $90 DeKalb County and similar, $135 Steuben County and similar.

For more information, call 427-6445.

Downtown 4-H Club
Fourth Thursday of the month, 6:30 p.m.
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.

You don’t have to own a cow or know how to garden in order to join the fun and be a part of 4-H. A new downtown community 4-H club is starting this year at the Botanical Conservatory, led by experienced Purdue Extension volunteers. The club will focus on science, citizenship, healthy living, and fun! Any Fort Wayne area youth in kindergarten through 12th grade can join before May 15. Monthly evening meetings will offer children a chance to meet friends, learn skills, and explore ideas. Free parking at meters after 5 pm or in the Civic Center Parking Garage with validated ticket. For more information or to sign up, contact the Extension office at (260) 481-6826.

Discovery Corner
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.

Our young visitors are encouraged to visit the Discovery Corner behind Woody the Talking Tree where they’ll find stories and activities relating to a monthly theme: March – Wind, April – April Showers, May – Curious George.Our materials are safe and suitable for kids in pre-K through 1st grade. Adults are encouraged to read aloud to their young learners and explore ideas together. The Discovery Corner is free with general admission; pre-registration is not required.

Garden Preschool

Get messy and have some fun while learning about gardening. Parents or guardians will assist children as we encourage them to explore. Master Gardener Kay Musgrave has years of experience working with children in this type of setting and will take everyone on a new gardening adventure each week. From compost to soil and seeds to plants, children and adults alike will learn through hands-on activities. At least one adult is required to stay and participate (no registration required) for the duration of the class with their child. Ages 3-5. Registration deadline: May 2. Min. 5. Max. 10.

Code Date Day Time
227100-T1 5/9-5/30 T 10-11am
# Sessions/Fee: 4/$24
Member or Volunteer Fee: $21
Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.

Photo credit: The Papers Inc.

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