The Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) offers a captivating field trip experience for students of all ages, providing a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty and wonder of the natural world. From guided workshops to free virtual resources, the BBG caters to the diverse learning needs and interests of students, making it an invaluable destination for educational excursions.
Guided Workshops for Students
The BBG’s guided workshops are designed to engage students in hands-on, interactive learning experiences. These programs, led by experienced Garden instructors, cover a range of topics, including nature, plants, and ecology. Some of the popular workshops include:
Walking Tours
These 45-minute outdoor nature programs allow students to explore the Garden, focusing on topics such as sensory observations, trees, and plants. Teachers receive a planting kit for each student to grow a seed connected to the tour topic, further reinforcing the learning experience.
Exploration Workshops
These 90-minute programs invite students to explore plants hands-on in classrooms, pot up a plant to take home, and tour the Garden in small groups. Topics covered include sensory exploration, trees, plants in our lives, investigating life in water, and ecological exploration.
Free Resources for Teachers
The BBG recognizes the importance of providing educators with the necessary tools to enhance their students’ learning experiences. To this end, the Garden offers free virtual tour resources, including an immersive virtual visit to the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden. This resource includes pre-visit activities, guiding questions during the viewing, and post-visit explorations to extend the lesson. Teachers can also contact the BBG for assistance with these resources.
Cost and Timings
The BBG field trip experience is designed to be accessible and affordable for schools and educational groups. Here’s a breakdown of the costs and timings:
| Type of Visit | Cost |
|---|---|
| Guided Tours | Free with Garden admission. Group tours are available for a fee of $300 for up to 10 people, with an additional $30 per person. |
| School Group Guided Workshops | Registration opens September 3, 2024. Costs vary depending on the workshop chosen. |
| Children’s Garden Classes | Fees range from $425 for non-members to $400 for members, with an additional 4.5% registration fee. |
It’s important to note that the Garden’s hours vary by season, so it’s recommended to check the BBG website for the current operating hours.
Value and Benefits
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden field trip offers a wealth of benefits for students and educators alike. By engaging in hands-on learning activities, students develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the natural world. The expert guidance provided by the Garden’s instructors ensures a high-quality educational experience, catering to diverse learning needs and interests.
Contact Information
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
990 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11225
Phone: 718-623-7200
Email: info@bbg.org
References
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden. (n.d.). Free Virtual Tour Resources for Teachers: Japanese Garden. Retrieved from https://www.bbg.org/learn/free_virtual_tour_resources_for_teachers_japanese_garden
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden. (n.d.). Children’s Garden Classes. Retrieved from https://www.bbg.org/learn/childrens_garden_classes
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden. (n.d.). Teachers & Schools. Retrieved from https://www.bbg.org/learn/teachers_and_schools
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden. (n.d.). Tours & Suggested Itineraries. Retrieved from https://www.bbg.org/visit/tours
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden. (n.d.). School Group Guided Workshops. Retrieved from https://www.bbg.org/learn/school_group_guided_workshops