School & Group Programs

The Bartlett Arboretum currently offers six educational programs, open to any public, private, or home school groups. Contact us at edu@bartlettarboretum.org or (203) 883-4035 for more details or to schedule a program for your students.

The Incredible World of Plants

Unlock the secrets of the plant kingdom in this immersive hands-on program! Students will explore the amazing properties of plants, learn what they need to thrive, and discover how to identify different species. Get ready for an engaging journey into the world of greenery, where young minds will explore and investigate through interactive activities.

  • Grades: 1 - 3 (Aligned with NGSS & CT Science Standards)

  • Duration: 2 Hours

  • Format: In-Person Field Trip

A Day in the Life of a Seed

Seeds have incredible stories to tell! In this adventure, students will uncover the fascinating ways seeds travel and grow into plants. From nature’s hidden tricks to real-time exploration of our Arboretum grounds, this hands-on experience will reveal the magical journey of plant life from seed to sprout and back to seed!

  • Grades: 1 - 3 (Aligned with NGSS & CT Science Standards)

  • Duration: 2 Hours

  • Format: In-Person Field Trip

Composting

Dive into the wonders beneath your feet! This hands-on experience lets students get their hands dirty as they explore the rich, living world of composting. From decomposers to plant nutrients, students will discover the fundamentals of soil, while gaining a deeper understanding of the natural recycling process that fuels plant growth.

  • Grades: 1 - 3 (Aligned with NGSS & CT Science Standards)

  • Duration: 2 Hours

  • Format: In-Person Field Trip

Pollination

Get up close and personal with the world of flowers in this exciting pollination adventure! Students will explore blooming flowers and witness pollination in action. Through live garden footage and interactive learning, they’ll uncover the vital role pollinators play in our ecosystem, and discover how nature’s hidden helpers keep our planet blooming!

  • Grades: 1 - 3 (Aligned with NGSS & CT Science Standards)

  • Duration: 2 Hours

  • Format: In-Person Field Trip

Owl Pellet Detectives

This fun and fascinating program is perfect for young explorers ready to dive into the world of owls! Through this exciting, inquiry-based activity, students will learn about food webs, predator-prey relationships, and the role of owls in the ecosystem. It’s a perfect blend of science and discovery that brings learning to life. Whether you’re a parent or educator, this program offers a unique opportunity to enrich your students’ science education through exciting, real-world exploration.

  • Grades: 1 - 3 (Aligned with NGSS & CT Science Standards)

  • Duration: 2 Hours

  • Format: In-Person Field Trip

Pond Exploration

Get ready for an exciting day of discovery at Forsyth Pond! This immersive field trip invites students to explore the vibrant ecosystem of the pond, where they'll learn about the fascinating world of reptiles and amphibians, as well as the incredible insects that inhabit this dynamic environment. Students will engage in hands-on activities as they use nets, strainers, and magnifying lenses to collect and examine a variety of aquatic creatures. With a focus on predator-prey relationships and food webs, they will investigate the interconnectedness of life within the pond. Each participant will have the opportunity to examine organisms at different stages of their life cycles to generate an understanding of the different types of metamorphosis. Students might even spot a majestic Great Blue Heron as it hunts for its next meal, providing insight into the role of top predators in maintaining the balance of an ecosystem.

  • Grades: 3 - 5 (Aligned with NGSS & CT Science Standards)

  • Duration: 2 Hours

  • Format: In-Person Field Trip

For more details or to schedule a program, contact our Education Department. Let’s bring your students closer to nature with a day of hands-on discovery at the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens!

edu@bartlettarboretum.org
(203) 883-4035

151 Brookdale Rd,
Stamford, CT 06903