Brooklyn Botanic Garden Urban Advantage: Empowering Science Education in NYC

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Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) is a key partner in the Urban Advantage (UA) program, which aims to support high-quality research-based science instruction in New York City’s elementary and middle schools. This comprehensive program offers a range of resources and opportunities to enhance science education for students and teachers alike.

Voucher Types and Usage

Brooklyn Botanic Garden Urban Advantage
Image Credit: Wikimedia

The Urban Advantage program at Brooklyn Botanic Garden provides “Student + 3” vouchers, which are valid for general admission for a student and up to three other persons. These vouchers can be used only during non-school days or non-school hours, ensuring that the program is accessible to students and their families outside of the regular school schedule.

Voucher Type Usage
“Student + 3” Valid for general admission for a student and up to three other persons, during non-school days or non-school hours.

Age Restrictions

Brooklyn Botanic Garden Urban Advantage

The Urban Advantage program at Brooklyn Botanic Garden has the following age restrictions:

  • Children Under 12: Admitted for free.
  • Children Under 14: Must be supervised by an adult 18 or over.

Admission and Parking

The Urban Advantage vouchers cover general admission for the student and up to three other persons. However, parking is not included with the vouchers, and visitors will need to pay for parking separately.

Admission Parking
Vouchers cover general admission for the student and up to three other persons. Parking is not included with the vouchers.

Program Impact

The Urban Advantage program at Brooklyn Botanic Garden has had a significant impact on science education in New York City. Some of the key outcomes include:

  1. Inquiry-Based Learning: The program has led to more inquiry-based learning experiences in classrooms, where students are actively engaged in the scientific process.
  2. Teacher Retention: UA teachers are more likely to stay at their school the following academic year, which is equivalent to approximately 45 teachers per year staying at their school rather than leaving.
  3. Student Performance: Students who have a UA teacher are 4 percentage points more likely to score “proficient” on the Grade 8 Intermediate Level Science (ILS) test compared to their non-UA peers.

Additional Resources

In addition to the voucher program, Brooklyn Botanic Garden offers a range of resources to support science education:

  1. Guided Workshops: The garden offers hands-on, guided programs for students in pre-K through 8th grade.
  2. Self-Guided Visits: Preregistered school and camp groups may visit Brooklyn Botanic Garden for free.
  3. Virtual Tours: Thematic virtual tours of Brooklyn Botanic Garden are available for teachers, along with accompanying resources to support and extend student learning.

Contact Information

For more information about the Urban Advantage program at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, you can reach out to the program team:

  • Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
  • Phone: 718-623-7250

Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Urban Advantage program is a shining example of how botanical gardens can partner with schools to enhance science education and inspire the next generation of scientists and environmental stewards. By providing access to hands-on learning experiences, virtual resources, and targeted support for teachers, the program is making a tangible difference in the lives of students across New York City.

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