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Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
April 9, 2019 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
The Garden’s school programs introduce children to the wonders of nature through interactive learning experiences. They hope to encourage a lifelong interest in plant science and ecology by fostering an appreciation and understanding of the natural world.
During this 2 hour tour, students have the opportunity to experience science first-hand in the Garden’s Plant Lab. Groups will have 30 minutes in an instructor-led lab to explore using our Zeiss microscopes, models, and dissecting equipment to view plant structures in a whole new light! Outside of the lab, our experienced docents will illuminate some of the amazing adaptations of our California native plants. Each tour utilizes inquiry-based teaching methods to engage students with the natural world and inspire curiosity with their surroundings.
This field trip is for all ages. Children will be divided into groups by age so that they can get the most out of the lab experience. I estimate that we will have 9th-12th in their own group (if are you studying Biology, this field trip is perfect for you!), mid- upper elementary and middle school together, and the youngest kids (pk- 2) will be in their own small group. If your child is too young to sit still and participate in the lab portion, you are welcome to explore the garden just outside of the classroom while older students are participating in the lab. You are also welcome to stay inside the classroom and watch, but please be respectful and wait outside with your little ones if they become disruptive. The walking tour is appropriate for all ages, but keep in mind that the grounds are not stroller friendly (there are steps, hills and rugged terrain in some areas) and you will need to carry babies and little kids if they get tired.
Links to educational resources, including a downloadable wildflower coloring book : https://www.sbbg.org/learn-discover/school-programs/curriculum-resources
Cost: This field trip costs $125 for any group size up to 30 children. So, the more children we have participate, the lower the cost per person. I have personally paid for this in advance. This is a new requirement they have due to the frequency of last minute cancellations. I can only get my money back with 6 weeks’ notice. of cancellation. I need to see that there is enough interest in this field trip well in advance, so please do not wait until the last minute to sign up, or it may get cancelled. However, please keep in mind that when you sign up, you are expected to be there and make this a priority on your calendar. You won’t want to miss this field trip anyways, this is a wonderful place to visit and explore, and they do a great job with the lab! Considering the educational experience that is provided, and their regular admission prices, this is a really good deal.
Sign up on the Google Sheet linked below. You only need to sign up students who will be participating. Parents and babies/toddlers do not need to be signed up, but I would appreciate knowing if you will have little ones tagging along. If you want to bring an extra adult, like Dad or a grandparent, please check with me first. We need to be mindful that our group size does not get too large. They do not have limits on chaperones, and we don’t want to give them a reason to make any new rules.
