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Programs for School or Youth Groups

Children's Program

Several program topics meeting state standards and the MCPS indicators are available to elementary school groups, private schools, homeschools, and children's service organizations grades 2 through 5. Each program includes a 30-minute classroom presentation, 15 minute hands-on plant potting activity (children will take home a plant) and a 45- minute outdoor garden tour.

Cost: New fee structure for Children's School or Youth Groups! $5 per person

Time: The classes are offered twice a day,Tuesday through Friday.
The first session is from 10 - 11:30 a.m. and the second is from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Place: Brookside Gardens Visitors Center Children's Classroom, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902

Reservations: Call the Children's Education Department at 301 962-1467 or email Lynn.Richard@montgomeryparks.org.
NOTE: Reservations opens February 1, for spring programs and September 1, for fall programs.
NOTE: The fee for Title I school students is $2.50 per student, (50% of the regular price) effective September 1, 2011.

Select from the following topics:

  1. Seeds
    Students will learn where seeds come from and how they are formed. The function and parts of a flower will be discussed including insect pollinators, pollination, and fertilization.
    Grade level: 3 (Spring only)
  2. How Seeds Travel
    Wind, water, animals and mechanical dispersal are methods of seed dispersal. Students will learn how and why seeds travel, the prerequisite environmental conditions needed for seeds to germinate and to continue growing, and the value seeds hold in nature.
    Grade level: 3 (Fall only)
  3. Every Plant has a Habitat
    Students will learn about plant habitats and adaptations. Environmental conditions and how plants adapt to a tropical rain forest, desert, and temperate habitats will be discussed.
    Grade level: 3-4 (Spring or Fall)
  4. Trees: A Treasure Hunt
    Students will learn why trees are important and how to identify 10 pre-selected trees by using a simple key. The key will help students compare leaf characteristics, types of bark, and other plant parts.
    Grade level: 3-5 (Spring or Fall)
  5. Plants Eat Too
    A discussion of the "green machine", the process of photosynthesis, the function of leaves, stems, roots, and how plants obtain their food and water.
    Grade level: 4-5 (Spring or Fall)