Online Interactive Learning Sessions
3rd – 5th Grade
Our online interactive sessions provide your students with fun, enriching experiences learning about plants, wildlife and ecology while exploring the gardens in the comfort of their own home or in the classroom.
Sessions are tailored to educational level and each includes a discussion on a specific topic, an activity, and an online interactive walk around the gardens focused on the session topic.
Sessions last between 30 and 45 minutes; 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: Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. or 1 p.m.
Duration: 35 to 40 minutes
Group size: Eight to 30 students, one teacher
Cost: $75 per session*
*Title 1 schools receive a $15 discount per session.
Program Delivery Mode: Zoom online conferencing platform, co-hosted by teacher
Teachers are encouraged to complete a 10 to 15 minute technology setup session one to two weeks prior to the session to troubleshoot unforeseen connectivity issues. Teachers must be in attendance (in person or remotely) throughout the session.
Sessions Offered
Rocks ‘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.
Supplies needed: hand lens, sample of sandstone and limestone, plastic eye dropper, two sugar cubes, two petri dishes or saucers, small container of water and food coloring, adult guidance
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.
Supplies needed: Garden soil, sand, compost, water, native seeds, container to mix ingredients, tray or plate to put seed balls on, adult guidance
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.
Supplies needed: pollinator pal or pollinator pal instructions, access to a variety of flowers, adult guidance
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.
Supplies needed: hand Lens, leaf lingo observations booklet, access to different plants and their leaves, adult guidance
Policies
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.
Weapons Policy
Please review the Weapons Policy here.
A complete list of policies can be found 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.
Educator Resources
Upcoming events and seminars for educators
Youth Programs
Classes and programs designed especially for children
Family Programs
Nature-inspired programs designed for participants of all ages