Pre-K & Kindergarten
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR SPRING PROGRAMS
Register online here: registration form
Pre-K & Kindergarten programs are designed for students ages five and up.
Trees in a Nutshell
1.25 hours
180 students maximum
Nature detectives hit the trail to uncover the life cycle of trees through games, role play, and guided observation. Our discovery includes investigations into seeds, saplings, adult trees, and fallen logs. Connections are made between fallen logs and soil production to bring the amazing cycle full circle.
This program emphasizes the following Illinois Learning Standards:
11A-1a: Observation
12A-1a: Component Parts of Living Things
12A-2a: Simple Life Cycles
It's Spring! Newly Revised
1.25 hours
180 students maximum
From flowers on the ground to nests in the trees, observe nature waking up from winter. Use your senses to experience new life and learn about how plants and animals adapt to the seasons. Enjoy flowery scents, observe spring colors, listen for baby birds and even catch a few insects.
This program emphasizes the following Illinois Learning Standards:
11A-1b: Scientific Questions
12B-1b: Interdependence / Survival
12E-1b: Seasonal Change
Leave No Child Inside
1.25 hours
200 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.)