Learning Stations Field Trip
3rd – 5th Grade
Our Learning Stations provide your students with fun, enriching experiences learning about plants, wildlife and ecology while exploring the gardens. Stations are tailored to educational level and provide students with an opportunity to learn and explore our natural world.
Station visits are approximately one hour long. Lessons are TEKS aligned.
DETAILS
Available: By reservation only; reservations must be made in advance.
Duration: One-hour program
Group size: Due to the coronavirus pandemic, groups must not exceed the current Wildflower Center maximum.
Cost: $5 program fee, plus an additional $5 per student and $11 per adult.*
*Member benefits/free admission does not apply for group rates.
Stations Offered
Rock N’ Water (Geology)
Students will observe, describe and compare rocks by various characteristics. Students will also use water as a means of exploring and observing the effects of runoff. They will also learn about the aquifers in the Austin area.
Seed Balls (Germination)
During this hands-on session, students will mix together soil, compost, sand and wildflower seeds to make seed balls. In addition, students will learn what seeds need in order to germinate. Each student will make and take home their own seed balls.
The Perfect Fit (Pollination)
Students will use pollinator pal wands to observe pollinators at work and understand the association with the plants they visit. Flower colors and shapes are explored in relation to how they attract specific types of pollinators.
Leaf Lingo (Leaf Function & Structure)
Students will explore ways in which plant leaves have adapted to different amounts of light. Students will observe, compare, describe and record their observations in a journal. They will classify plant characteristic according to sun needs.
Additional Information & Policies
Drop Off & Parking
The bus passenger drop-off area is in front of the Admissions Kiosk. Buses may unload and load passengers in this zone. Buses should proceed to the bus parking area near the parking lot exit or to La Crosse Avenue for parking.
Running early or later? Please let us know by calling 512.232.0100 (press 8 to speak with someone).
Check-in
Please check in at the Admissions Kiosk. All remaining fees are payable at the kiosk via cash, check or credit card. Only one payment is accepted per group. Any additional payments are charged full-price admission.
Garden Etiquette
Please review the Garden Etiquette rules before you arrive and communicate those to your leaders and students.
Chaperones
Teachers and chaperones are required for all visits. The recommended chaperone to student ratio is:
- One chaperone per five pre-K to elementary school students
- One chaperone per 12 middle to high school students
Additional chaperones may join the group at the general admission fee. All school and youth group reservations must be paid in one payment to qualify for the group rate. Payments are final and non-refundable. Coupons and member benefits (free admission) do not apply to group visits.
Food & Picnics
There are two designated areas with one in the parking area and one in the gardens. Tables, inside and outside, for the Wildflower Café are for restaurant customers only. Picnic areas are first come, first served. All trash generated from school lunches and picnics must be packed up and removed by the group. The Wildflower Center would like to encourage all school groups to generate as little trash as possible during their visit.
Cancellation and No-show Policy
Cancellations should be made no less than ten business days before the reserved date to avoid the $30 cancellation fee. Groups that do not show up for the reserved date will be assessed a $30 no-show fee. Fee must be paid within 30 days of cancellation or no-show date.
Rescheduling
If you must reschedule or make changes, please contact us as soon as possible and preferably no later than 10 business days before your scheduled visit. Trips canceled due to weather can be rescheduled depending upon available dates.
Rain Policy
Field trips may be canceled due to weather by either the Wildflower Center or school staff. Generally field trips are held as scheduled as long as the weather is free of thunder, lightning, and heavy rains. f it should be raining on the day of your scheduled visit, here are our guidelines: As long as it is only drizzling and there is no thunder and lightning, come on out. Bring rain ponchos and have a great time. Schools should check the radar and use their own discretion whether they want to go ahead and visit.
Please call 512.232.0100 (press 8 to speak with someone) and let us know if you decide to not visit due to rain.
Weapons Policy
Please review the Weapons Policy here.
QUESTIONS?
Contact education coordinator Julie Graham at [email protected] or 512.232.0249.
Teacher Resources
Our “Exploring the Native Plant World” curriculum provides instructors with materials to use at the Wildflower Center, in the classroom and anywhere.
Bus Scholarships
Scholarships for bus transportation to the Wildflower Center are available for the 2018-2019 school year. Priorities for the busing scholarships are given to Title I schools and schools that utilize the Roadrunner Outdoor Adventure Bus.
Teacher Resources
Use our “Exploring the Native Plant World” curriculum on-site or anywhere
Youth Programs
Classes and programs designed especially for children
Discovery Packs
Looking for a backpack full of fun? Check one out from our Admissions Kiosk