School programs at the Garden
The Staten Island Botanical Garden offers many classes for school age children, which affords a unique learning experience combining horticulture, history and art. The Discovery Classroom, the School of Eight Treasures and the Traveling Gardener program provide opportunities for students to meet learning and performance standards in a non-traditional setting. Students are able to visit the site and take advantage of the Garden’s outdoor resources. It is a wonderful opportunity for urban and suburban school children to interactively learn about nature and plants.
The Discovery Classroom program offers 15 different classes ranging from Basic Botany, to the A-Mazing Secret Garden, From Seed to Supermarket and Under the Green Umbrella. While programs are available year-round, many of the programs provide seasonal interest and are extremely popular during certain seasons. For example Pumpkin Seeds and Autumn Leaves is a very heavily attended program during the autumn.
The School of Eight Treasures program offers a multidisciplinary approach to teaching Chinese culture. Designed as a companion piece to the New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden, its curriculum is integrated with school science, literature, geography, math, art, botany, and the social sciences. The courses offered range from Scrolls and Brushes to the Chinese Lunar New Year Festival. This is a unique program in New York City.
Through the Traveling Gardener program Garden instructors come directly to schools bringing materials and instruction into the classroom environment. The Traveling Gardner is a good approach for teachers to bring unique instruction into the classroom without the inconvenience of a field trip.
Fees are $6.00 per student. A deposit of $50.00 is required at the time of registration. There is a minimum charge of $50.00 per class. Classes last approximately an hour and a half. Children must dress appropriately for weather conditions as classes have an outdoor component.
Click here to view the Children Educational Brochure 2008 - 2009
For further information on educational programming contact SIBG’s Education Department at 718-273-8200 x1007.
