Second & Third Grade
Registration form for Second & Third Grades Spring Programs 2013.
AM and PM OPTIONS
Eco Explorers
1.5 hours
180 students maximum
Plants and trees are an important part of the food web in all ecosystems. In this popular and engaging program, students hunt for producers, consumers and decomposers in three different ecosystems: woodland, aquatic and meadow. Through hands-on activities, students compare the unique characteristics of living things in each ecosystem. For a full day experience, add a lab to this program!
This program emphasizes the following Illinois Learning Standards:
11A-1f: Observation Comparisons
12B-1a: Ecosystems
12B-1b: Interdependence
12B-2a: Food Webs
Animal Homes NEWLY REVISED!
1.5 hours
180 students maximum
Trees provide shelter as well as food for animals (even humans!). In return, animals are vital to the life cycle of trees by dispersing seeds, contributing to soil production, and aiding pollination. Through engaging activities, students explore what animals need to survive in their habitat and the interdependence between plants and animals.
This program emphasizes the following Illinois Learning Standards:
11A-1b: Scientific Questions
12B-1a: Habitats
12B-1b: Interdependence / Survival
Terrific Trees
1.5 hours
180 students maximum
Every tree is unique! Gain an appreciation for the diversity of trees by comparing their shapes, sizes, leaves, barks and seeds. Discover the unique characteristics of Illinois oaks and other trees. Through hands-on discovery and field notes, discover what all trees have in common and what makes each species different and easy to identify.
This program emphasizes the following Illinois Learning Standards:
11A-1d: Recording Observations - Field Notes
12A-1a: Component Parts of Living Things
12A-1b: Observable Features of Living Organisms
12A-2a: Simple Life Cycles
Leave No Child Inside
1.5 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.)
FULL DAY OPTION - 3RD GRADE ONLY
For questions, please contact the Coordinator of School Programs, Kerry Steele, at 630-725-2118 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Morning sessions are typically from 9:30-11am and afternoon sessions are typically from 11:45am-1:15pm.
Eco Explorers 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 Eco Explorers program for half of the day, and use microscopes the other half of the day in the lab to closely examine the adaptations of plants from aquatic, woodland, and meadow ecosystems.
This lab emphasizes the following additional Illinois Learning Standards:
11A-1c: Scientific Instruments
12A-1a: Component Parts of Living Things
12B-2b: Basic Adaptations