Learning Stations Field Trip for Large Groups

3rd – 5th Grade

Students at a Learning Station Our Learning Stations provide your students with fun, enriching experiences learning about plants, wildlife and ecology while exploring the gardens. The five stations are tailored to educational level and provide students with an opportunity to learn and explore our natural world.

Lessons are TEKS aligned.

Update: Field trips are taking a break for the winter. No guided field trips or online sessions will be offered beginning December 13, 2021 through February 28, 2022. Registration is now open for field trips and online sessions beginning in March 2022. We look forward to seeing you again this spring!

DETAILS

Available: By reservation only; reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance.
Offered: March – May and September – November, Thursdays only.
Group size: 30 to 60 students – Students will be divided into five equal groups throughout the program. At least one chaperone must accompany each group for the entire visit.
Duration: Two and a half-hour program
Cost: $5 program fee, plus an additional $5 per student, 1 free teacher admission per class, $5 per 1 adult to every 5 students and $11 per additional adults not included in the 1:5 ratio (Title 1 schools receive a $1 discount: $4 per student, $4 per 1 adult to every 5 students, $10 per additional adults, program fee is not included in discount).*

*Member benefits/free admission does not apply for group rates.

Please note: Our registration forms are in the process of being updated. A registration form must be submitted for each request. Please fill out your form in accordance with the correct details above.

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 may be substituted for this Learning Station in the event that there are no flowers in bloom during the time of the scheduled visit.

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 characteristics according to sun needs.
*Please note: This Learning Station is only offered as a backup option for The Perfect Fit in the event that there are no flowers in bloom during the time of the scheduled visit.

Scavenger Hunt (Self-Guided, General)

Students will complete a self-guided Scavenger Hunt throughout the Family Play Lawn as they closely observe the features in and around the area.

Habitat Observation Walk (Habitats & Plant Communities)

Students will search out the many different habitats at our Center which support a variety of our native plants. They will explore the riparian, woodland forest, prairie and desert habitats as they look for a match to their assigned native plants.

Learning Stations for large groups, 3rd – 5th, are offered in the fall, Sept. 30 – Nov. 11, 2021, and in the spring, March, 24 – May 26, 2022, Thursdays only.

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 credit card only. 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 scouts.

Chaperones

Leaders 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 scout 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 scout 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.