School & Youth Programs 2018–2019
Learning comes alive at Longwood Gardens. Students from kindergarten through high school have the opportunity to observe nature at work through hands-on, cross-curricular lessons offered in our Gardens and online. During each lesson, students learn about the history of Longwood and bring their learning to the next level by using real-world applications of science, math, art, and social studies. Other exciting programs focus on career exploration and skill development through our Teen Volunteer Program, Co-Op Programs, as well as opportunities for teachers throughout the year.
Programs in the Gardens Choose from lessons in arts and humanities, mathematics, science and technology, and social studies to meet your cross-curricular needs. Our K–12 Programs meet the Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards and utilize our Gardens as the classroom. During each program, our educators introduce students to the many career options available in the ďŹ eld of horticulture.
K–8 Programs Beyond Recycling Discover the relationships between humans and the natural world. Learn the difference between renewable and non-renewable energy with a focus on solar energy. Participate in hands-on activities throughout the Gardens and learn how to conserve energy at home, school, and in the community.
Capture It Embark on an artistic voyage to explore the enticing world of garden-inspired art. Create artwork using developmentally appropriate media and techniques through the study and interpretation of impressionist Claude Monet.
Go Figure In addition to a love of plants and flowers, professional gardeners are required to know basic math skills. Learn to use the appropriate measuring tools and mathematical concepts to solve real-world problems in a garden setting.
H2O
Dive into the study of water during this earth science program. Become acquainted with the clever ways in which plants and people use water, record your observations, and be inspired to conserve this precious natural resource.
Landmark Explore our beautiful Gardens while using maps and compasses to navigate an orienteering course. Learn basic mapping skills and cardinal directions to interpret our location on the Earth’s surface.
Life Circles Trace the life circles of plants, trees, and insects in our hands-on program connecting the cycles of nature with life science in the garden. Sequence the stages of insect and plant life cycles and identify the interdependence of plants and animals.
Natural Engineering Explore nature’s genius and discover unique ways of improving manmade materials and processes. Engineer an original design by imitating a structure and/or function that exists in the natural world. Be inspired to communicate innovations through imaginative drawings, vocabulary, and writing.
Operation Pollination Discover the connection of living systems and investigate why and how flowering plants have developed with their pollinator partners. Gain an appreciation of this delicate relationship by identifying adaptations of plants and animals.
High School Programs Biodiversity, Adaptations, and Biomes Travel through Longwood’s Conservatory to experience the characteristics of different biomes. Identify specific adaptations and explore diverse plant species surviving in unique environments.
Careers in Horticulture Embark on a scavenger hunt in our 4-acre Conservatory and discover the skills, knowledge, and experience required to manage a large garden. Use critical thinking skills to solve challenges that professional gardeners face every day.
Environmental Stewardship Discover the relationship between humans and the natural world. Identify sustainable practices throughout our Gardens and learn about changes that can be made at home, in school, and in the community to work toward a greener tomorrow.
Multiplying Plants: Reproduction and Plant Propagation Discover plant reproduction in both gymnosperms and angiosperms at the Gardens. Travel behind the scenes to our research and production greenhouses and learn how our horticulturalists propagate plants.
Self-Directed Activities for School Groups Meadow Garden Backpack Explore the 86–acre Meadow Garden with your students to see the best practices in ecological garden design. Activities included in the Meadow Garden Backpack are designed to supplement self-guided group visits and are appropriate for school groups, youth groups, scouts, and after-school groups ages 6–18. Cost is $10 per backpack, $5 admission per student, and $19 admission per adult. Each backpack has materials for up to 15 students. Visit longwoodgardens.org/education/self-directed for more information about the activities included in the Meadow Garden Backpack and how they can support your curriculum.
Pollination Activities and Tree-Inspired Curriculum Enjoy a day in the Gardens with your students and set your own pace. Download one or more of our self-directed curriculum activities from longwoodgardens.org/education/ self-directed that are designed to engage your students in meaningful exploration during their visit. Each activity has a teacher page with goals, objectives, and suggested materials. Student work pages are also included. Cost for admission is $5 per student and $19 per adult for groups of 15 or more.
Virtual Field Trips Online Learning Enhance your curriculum through live, interactive videoconferencing with Longwood experts. Our trained educators deliver lessons directly to your classroom, engaging your students in discussion and problem-solving activities as they explore topics through video, images, and hands-on activities. During each lesson, students are introduced to the many career options available in the ďŹ eld of horticulture.
A Plant’s Life (Grades 1–6) Explore the life cycle of a plant from seed to flower. Go behind the scenes at Longwood and discover how our horticulturists prepare our spectacular displays. Program runs 45 minutes.
Arbor Day: Celebrating Our Trees (Grades K–12) Celebrate Arbor Day with Longwood during the month of April! Interact with an educator and recognize the importance of planting and caring for trees, protecting our environment, and preserving our natural resources. Program runs 30 minutes.
Careers in Horticulture (Grades 5–12) Take a behind-the-scenes look at one of the great gardens of the world and meet the people that make it successful. Learn about the variety of career opportunities at a public garden and gain a better understanding of the skills and education required. Explore learning opportunities at Longwood that can help students reach their goals. Program runs 30 minutes.
Carnivorous Plants (Grades 3–8) Journey into the secret world of carnivorous plants and discover the unique methods used by these amazing organisms when capturing food to survive. Program runs 30 minutes.
Desert Plant Adaptations (Grades 3–6) Travel through Longwood’s Conservatory and get an up-close look at our desert plants. Identify characteristics of the desert climate and discover how plants have adapted to survive. Program runs 45 minutes.
Operation Pollination (Grades 1–6) Discover the connections between living systems and investigate why and how flowering plants develop with their pollinator partners. Gain an appreciation of this delicate relationship by identifying adaptations of plants and pollinators. Program runs 45 minutes.
Tropical Plant Adaptations (Grades 3–6) Travel through Longwood’s Conservatory and get an up-close look at our tropical plants. Identify characteristics of the tropical climate and how plants have adapted to survive. Program runs 45 minutes.
Plant Survival (Grades 7–12) Explore Longwood’s diverse plant collection and examine the adaptations these amazing plants exhibit for their survival. Interact with an educator as you identify these survival adaptations through video and images with a focus on live plants during this curriculum-based lesson. Program runs 30 minutes.
Career Exploration and Skill Development Teen Volunteer Program
The Longwood Teen Volunteer Program is an eight-week summer experience that provides high school students with an opportunity to gain work experience, leadership skills, and be part of a team. Throughout the program, teens will examine the history of Longwood and the horticulture and values that make it one of the great gardens of the world. Teens have the opportunity to volunteer in various areas of Longwood Gardens, earn volunteer hours, give back to the community, and make new friends in this positive, fast-paced environment. Qualifications Applicants must be:
– Entering grades 9–12
– Dedicated and have the time to commit to Longwood’s Teen Volunteer Program, including attending all meetings, trainings, and scheduled hours
– Open to interacting with visitors of all ages, especially children
– Able to get along well with other like-minded high school students and work well in a group
– Interested in learning more about Longwood Gardens and horticulture
Visit longwoodgardens.org/education/teen-volunteer to learn more about this opportunity and apply.
High School Co-Op Program
Do you have students who are interested in a hands-on learning experience during their high school career? Through our cooperative education program, students can work at Longwood Gardens in many different capacities. Opportunities range from working in the Gardens, assisting Education or Guest Services teams, or training with our masons, painters, or HVAC specialists. Students can work as their schedule allows. Applications are due December 1, 2018. The Co-Op program will run from January–June 2019. Please visit longwoodgardens.org/education/co-op for more information. If you have additional questions please contact 610.388.5401 or edu-studies@ longwoodgardens.org.
Opportunities for Educators We offer a range of professional development opportunities for teachers throughout the year. Please visit our website for more information. longwoodgardens.org/education/professional-development
Children’s Christmas Trees
Every Christmas Longwood Gardens displays 13 small trees adorned with creative ornaments designed and made by students. Applications for Christmas 2019 will open January 2019. longwoodgardens.org/education/christmas-trees
Register Today! Registration is required for all programs.
Registering for Programs in the Gardens Programs are offered Tuesday–Friday at 10 am and 12 pm from September 10– November 14, 2018 and February 5–June 14, 2019. Programs last approximately 90 minutes. Registration is required. We recommend booking early, as capacity is limited. To book call 610.388.5210 or visit longwoodgardens.org/education/k12-registration to see our availability calendar and book online. Cost is $7 per student and $19 per adult; one adult chaperone per seven students receives complimentary admission. Groups must have a minimum of 15 students and 2 chaperones. Payment in full is due two weeks prior to your scheduled visit.
Registering for Virtual Field Trips Programs are offered Tuesday–Friday between 8 am–3 pm from September– May. Most programs are for a maximum of 35 students. Advanced registration is required online at longwoodgardens.org/ education/virtual-field-trips or through CILC.org. Schools must have a reliable internet connection or videoconferencing equipment (H.323) to connect. If you have any additional questions, call 610.388.5217 or email VirtualFieldTrips@ longwoodgardens.org.
Longwood Grant for Title I Schools We offer grants for Title I K–12 groups that participate in our curriculum-based programs. Grants are awarded to those schools that have 30% or more of the student population qualifying for the Free or Reduced Lunch Program. The grant will cover admission fees for students and may also cover school bus transportation fees. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit longwoodgardens. org/k-12-grants to learn more and apply.
longwoodgardens.org
Longwood Gardens PO Box 501 Kennett Square, PA 19348
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