Putting that "WOW" Factor into Science

The Morton Arboretum Participates In Chicago Initiative To Provide Youths With Engaging Science Courses

LISLE, IL (July 29, 2008) – So you love the Cubs or the White Sox, but you’d like to know more about why ash and maple are used in bats, or how the bat bends when a hitter connects. Science can unlock all the secrets to these and other intriguing mysteries.

Now, The Morton Arboretum and more than 100 partners around Chicagoland will participate in Science Chicago: Life’s A Lab, launching in September. It’s a yearlong series of science programs geared toward youth and those who interact with them such as teachers and parents.

The Arboretum seeks to engage curious minds ages 9 - 90 in the excitement and awe of science through fun, hands-on, interactive experiences.

“Through these programs, we’re trying to instill a sense of the pride about the world-class science practices and science education opportunities in the Chicago area, just like people take pride in their favorite baseball team,” says Megan Dunning, The Morton Arboretum Manager of Natural History Education. “We’re hoping that these programs help raise awareness of the importance of science education.”

This fall, the Arboretum offers several courses as part of this important educational experience:

“Exploration Station” allows children ages 4 – 12 to explore trees and nature by visiting a different Arboretum area each time the class meets. Children discover the wonders of the Arboretum Prairie, September 13, and the trees of Northern Illinois, October 11.

Children ages 3 – 6 can appreciate trees and nature with their grandparents during “Grandparents Discovery Day,” September 7. In this course, kids and their grandparents discover the signs of late summer and early fall during a fun hike, exploring the scents, sights, and sounds.

“The Importance of Trees” shows students ages 11 and up the value of conservation as they walk through the Arboretum’s East Woods, October 4. They see the significant role trees play within the ecosystem as well as what can be done to protect trees.

During “Fallscaping” October 3, students find out how to make their gardens shimmer – how to bring the beauty and color of fall into their landscapes. Students will gain inspiration from the Arboretum’s landscapes as well as the book Fallscaping by Stephanie Cohen, a highly-respected expert on using woody plants and perennials.

“The Landscape Below Ground III” conference features presentations explaining root and soil systems, October 6 – 8. Attendees discover the latest research results and management techniques for tree root development in urban soils.

These programs are only the beginning. The Arboretum will offer new programs each month through August 2009. For more information about the Science Chicago Initiative or the Arboretum Education Program visit www.mortonarb.org or call the Registrar at 630/719-2468.

The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized 1,700-acre outdoor museum with collections of 4,117 kinds of trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world. The Arboretum's beautiful natural landscapes, gardens, research and education programs, and year-round family activities support its mission – the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Conveniently located at I-88 and Rte. 53 in Lisle, Illinois, the Arboretum is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time or sunset, whichever is earlier. The Children's Garden is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., March through October, and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., November through February. Visit www.mortonarb.org or call 630-968-0074 to learn more.

Media Contact:    Gina Tedesco, 630-725-2103, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Nicholle Heffern, 630-719-5768, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it