Sixth–Eighth Grade
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR SPRING PROGRAMS
Register online here: registration form
AM and PM OPTIONS
Plant Structural Adaptations
1.5 hours
180 students maximum
Explore the structural adaptations of plants that help them survive in different ecosystems. Use scientific instruments to examine in-depth how abiotic factors influence the life cycles and characteristics of plants. Compare and contrast plants in two ecosystems to determine similarities and differences in how plants adapt seed, root and leaf structures in each habitat. For a full-day experience, add a lab to this program.
This program emphasizes the following Illinois Learning Standards:
11A-3a: Formulating Hypotheses
11A-3c: Data Collection and Recording
12B-3a: Biotic and Abiotic Factors
12B-3b: Adaptations and Survival
Woodland Ecosystem Study - Newly Revised!
1.5 hours
180 students maximum
Uncover the inner workings of the woodland. Learn how this seemingly static environment is ever changing. Explore the layers of the forest and discover the interdependence of the plants and animals that live there. Take a closer look at tree parts, investigate the life cycle of a tree from seed to soil and identify some common Illinois trees. It is recommended that students learn the vocabulary for this program before attending the field trip.
Pre-Visit Vocabulary List
Vocabulary Activity
This program emphasizes the following Illinois Learning Standards:
11A-3f: Interpret results of analysis
12A-3c: Forms and structures reflect different functions
12B-3a: Identify and classify biotic and abiotic factors in an environment
12B-3b: Compare and assess features of organisms
Restoration Stewards
1.5 hours (or 3 hours with a lunch break)
60 students maximum
Help us with natural areas management and conservation work here at The Morton Arboretum. Education guides will lead your group of students as they do an educational service project in restoration. This is a great opportunity for Ecology Clubs! Activities can include pulling invasive plants, collecting seeds, hiking off the trail and in heavily vegetated areas, and more. Students learn about ecological restoration while doing restoration! For more information contact the Associate Manager of School Programs at 630-719-7947 or
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.
Leave No Child Inside
1.5 hours
180 students maximum
A growing body of research is telling us that unstructured time spent outdoors in nature is critical to children's physical, social, and emotional development. Such outdoor experiences can foster creativity, emotional well-being, independent learning, and problem solving. The beauty of the Arboretum changes daily, and your students will have an opportunity to explore whatever is most interesting on the day of your visit. One of our guides will be on hand to answer questions and guide students to exciting questions and observations, but the focus is on free exploration of nature.
(This program is not meant to address any specific Illinois Learning Standards.)
FULL-DAY OPTIONS
To register for a full-day program, please contact the Coordinator of School Programs, Camille Grabski, at 630-725-2118 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Morning sessions are typically from 9:30-11 am and afternoon sessions are typically from 11:45 am-1:15 pm.
Eco-Comparisons Field Study (6th-8th)
3 hours
(1.5 hour woodland / meadow field session and a 1.5 hour wetland field session with lunch in between)
180 students maximum
Spend a full day outdoors in the woodland, meadow and aquatic ecosystems comparing and contrasting the plants and animals found in each ecosystem. Formulate hypotheses and then use scientific instruments to measure a variety of abiotic factors (temperature, wind, light and water quality) to determine why different plants and animals are found in each ecosystem. Work as a team to collect, compare and analyze data.
Pre-Visit Vocabulary List
This program emphasizes the following Illinois Learning Standards:
11A-3a: Formulating Hypotheses
11A-3c: Data Collection and Recording
12B-3a: Biotic and Abiotic Factors
Plant Structural Adaptations Plus Lab
3 hours (1.5 field hours and 1.5 lab hours with lunch in between)
180 students maximum
Enhance your experience at the Arboretum by spending the entire day with us. Students participate in the field Plant Structural Adaptations program for half of the day, and use microscopes the other half of the day in the lab to explore the adaptations of plants from different ecosystems.
Pre-Visit Vocabulary List
Vocabulary Crossword Puzzle
This lab emphasizes the following additional Illinois Learning Standards:
12A-3c: Plant Forms and Structures
12B-3b: Adaptations and Survival