Education

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SCIENCE IN THE GARDEN

Apply scientific thinking to explore the intriguing world of plant and animal life in this interactive program highlighting Living Organisms, Life Cycles and Systems.

Operation Pollination

Discover the connection of living systems and investigate why and how flowering plants have developed with their pollinator partners. Gain an appreciation of this delicate relationship by identifying adaptations of plants and pollinators.

K-2: Students learn about different types of pollinators as they hunt for them in the Garden. They learn about the parts of a flower used in pollination as they create a pollinator and try to pollinate a flower.

3-5: Students will identify parts of a flower used in pollination. Students discover the process of pollination while observing and recording various pollinators at work. Students will have an opportunity to compete in a pollination game.

6-8: Students will dissect flowers to identify flower parts used in pollination. Activities will enable students to discover how human impact plays a role in the pollinators’ survival and how our relationship is mutually beneficial.

Pre/Post Idea Generator for Operation Pollination

National Science Standards

• Standard 4: Understands the principles of heredity and related concepts
• Standard 5: Understands the structure and function of cells and organisms
• Standard 6: Understands relationships among organisms and their physical environment
• Standard 7: Understands biological evolution and the diversity of life
• Standard 8: Understands that the physical properties of things can change
• Standard 11: Understands the nature of scientific knowledge
• Standard 12: Understands the nature of scientific inquiry

Life Circles

Trace the life cycles of plants, trees and insects in this hands-on program connecting the cycles of nature with life science in the garden. Students are challenged to sequence the stages of insect and plant cycles as well as identify the interdependence of plants and animals in a garden setting.

K-2: Students explore the life cycles of plants, trees and insects through books, models, and specimens.

3-5: Students search for living and non-living factors in an ecosystem and then observe plants and insects in different life stages.

6-8: Students find biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem and then make scientific observations of plants and insects and identify life stages.

Pre/Post Idea Generator for LifeCircles

National Science Standards

• Standard 4: Understands the principles of heredity and related concepts
• Standard 5: Understands the structure and function of cells and organisms
• Standard 6: Understands relationships among organisms and their physical environment
• Standard 7: Understands biological evolution and the diversity of life
• Standard 8: Understands that the physical properties of things can change
• Standard 11: Understands the nature of scientific knowledge
• Standard 12: Understands the nature of scientific inquiry
• Standard 13: Understands scientific enterprise
  
  

EARTH SCIENCE IN THE GARDEN

Probe the mysteries of life-sustaining earth processes in this scientific investigation of water and soil by applying the skills of scientific inquiry and design.

H₂O

Dive into the study of water and the water cycle in this in-depth earth science program.  Get acquainted to the clever ways in which plants and people use water and record observations and conduct water-based experiments.

K-2:  Students learn that water is essential to all life and is a valuable and limited resource. They explore different ways that plants collect and use water.

3-5: Students explore the water cycle and learn about water conservation and water pollution. They conduct a water experiment to find out if plants and soil can filter out water pollutants and create a pamphlet showing what  they learned.

6-8:  Students investigate watersheds and how to protect them through several water experiments. They create a brochure that can be used to teach others how to protect water.

Pre/Post Idea Generator for H₂O

National Science Standards

• Standard 1: Understands atmospheric processes and the water cycle
• Standard 2: Understands Earth’s composition and structure
• Standard 6: Understands relationships among organisms and their physical environment
• Standard 8: Understands that the physical properties of things can change
• Standard 11: Understands the nature of scientific knowledge
• Standard 12: Understands the nature of scientific inquiry
• Standard 13: Understands scientific enterprise

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE GARDEN

Beyond Recycling- Natural Resources

Learn the difference between renewable and non-renewable energy, with focus on solar energy. Participate in hands-on STEM activities throughout our Gardens and explore how to conserve at home, in school, and in the community.

K-2: Students are engaged with hands-on activities to discover the value of Earth's natural resources. They discover how Longwood is committed to sustainable practices and how they can make a difference at home by reducing, reusing, and recycling.

3-5: Students will explore both renewable and non-renewable resources, experiment with solar detectors, and discover the connection between photosynthesis and solar energy. They will uncover sustainable practices being used throughout Longwood's property and leave with a plan of action to become a better global citizen.

6-8: Students uncover Longwood's sustainable practices, including: solar energy, recycling, composting, and the reuse of water for irrigation. They will experiment with solar cells to recognize solar energy as a renewable resource and discover how everyday behaviors impact the Earth.

National Science Standards

• Standard 6: Understands relationships among organisms and their physical environment
• Standard 8: Understands the structure and properties of matter
• Standard 9: Understands the sources and properties of energy
• Standard 14: Understands how human actions modify the physical environment
• Standard 16: Understands the changes that occur in the meaning, use, distribution, and importance of resources

National Geography Standards

• Standard 8: Understands the characteristics of ecosystems on Earth's surface
• Standard 14: Knows the ways in which the physical environment is stressed by human activities
• Standard 15: Understands how physical systems affect human systems

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