Fourth–Fifth Grade
Registration form for Fourth & Fifth Grades Spring Programs 2013.
AM and PM OPTIONS
Cycles and Solutions
1.5 hours
180 students maximum
Nature has a remarkable ability to renew itself through oxygen, water, and soil cycles. Discover the role of plants and trees in nature’s regeneration. Investigate factors that impact nature’s cycles and explore solutions for helping nature keep its natural cycles on track. As a classroom follow-up activity, take a tree seedling back to your school to plant, promoting natural renewal.
Vocabulary Fill-in-the-Blank Worksheet
This program emphasizes the following Illinois Learning Standards:
11A-2a: Scientific Questions and Exploring Solutions
12E-2a: Natural Cycles
13B-2f: Human Impact on Ecosystems
Woodland Ecosystem Study
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.
This program emphasizes the following Illinois Learning Standards:
11A-2a: Scientific Questions
12A-2a: Life Cycles
12B-2a: Food Webs
13B-3e: Conservation
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 OPTIONS
For questions, please contact the Coordinator of School Programs, Kerry Steele, 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 9:30-11 am and afternoon sessions are typically 11:45 am-1:15 pm.
Eco-Comparisons (4th-5th)
3 hours
(1.5 hour coniferous woodland and 1.5 hour deciduous woodland or prairie with lunch in between)
180 students maximum
Spend a full day in the Arboretum’s woodland and prairie ecosystems comparing and contrasting the plants and animals found in two different ecosystems. Learn to use scientific instruments to measure a variety of abiotic factors (temperature, wind, light) to determine why different plants and animals are found in different ecosystems. Work as a team to collect and compare observations.
This program emphasizes the following Illinois Learning Standards:
11A-2b: Data Collection / Process Skills
12B-2b: Habitats / Adaptations
13B-1a: Scientific Instruments
Botany Lab - New!
Enhance your experience at the Arboretum by combining Cycles and Solutions, Woodland Ecosystem Study, No Child Left Inside, or the Prairie Ecosystem Study with our new Botany Lab. Students will gain a deeper understanding of plant anatomy through the examination and disection of seeds, flowers, roots and leaves.