Programs
Educators can choose from one of the following programming options.
Earthworms! - “Gardeners” will explore natural sources of food through this organic, hands-on learning experience by tending to the seasonal duties of the Discovery Garden in LaVista Park. This gardening experience will provide participants with an alternative and creative outdoor activity that encourages the holistic growth of our community. Participants should “dress for mess” as every aspect of the garden, including digging in the dirt, will be covered.
Earthworms is open to boys and girls ages 4 - 14 and will meet the second Saturday each month from May - October. Early registration begins in March. For more information please call 618-466-1483.
Earthworm Program dates:
May 10; 9-10:30am
June 14; 9-10:30am
July 12; 9-10:30am
Aug 9; 9-10:30am
Sept 13; 9-10:30am
Oct 11; 9-10:30am
The Works! - This program provides 1 to 2 hours of hands-on learning in the classroom followed by a 2-hour outdoor investigation at the Discovery Garden. Classroom activities and garden activities will be scheduled 1 to 2 weeks apart.
Half Day at the Discovery Garden - A 2-hour program held at the Discovery Garden. This program allows students to explore concepts and skills that complement your own classroom curriculum.
In the Classroom - Invite a Discovery Garden educator to your classroom for a 1 to 2 hour Discovery Program. With your assistance we will lead your students through hands-on activities exploring science skills and concepts.
We ask that classroom based activities be limited to one class at a time (no more than 35 students). Activities held at the garden can accommodate 10-40 students.
Click here for a field trip or program request form.
ACTIVITY THEMES
Teachers choose one theme and at least two topics relating to that theme.
Grocery Bag Botany Topics covered: the basic parts of a plant, which parts of a plant are used for food, other uses for plant parts, and basic plant needs.
Life of a Seed Topics covered: various methods of seed travel, the life cycle of a seed, seed survival rates, and what seeds need to grow.
Garden Patrol Topics covered: “good” and “bad” garden wildlife, garden diseases, organic pest/disease control methods, and bioaccumulation.
Glorious Dirt Topics covered: erosion, decomposition, composting, soil classifications, and protecting the soil.
Water Planet Topics covered: water cycles, how plants drink, our dependence on water, and daily human water consumption.
