The United States Botanic Garden released a new manual for educators on how to start a greenhouse and grow horticultural crops. The manual lays out a basic understanding of greenhouses, how to integrate greenhouses into lessons, and how to use greenhouses in classroom curricula and after-school activities. View Resource »
Apple Taste Test for Young Children
Trying new foods at early care and education sites is a great way expand children’s taste pallets. This resource shows how a simple apple taste testing can connect with the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards. This resource is funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation of Battle Creek, Michigan. View Resource »
Garden Photography: Simple Techniques Enhance Observation Skills and Artistry
Taking photos of pretty flowers is fun, but there’s so much more that a photo can convey besides “pretty.” The best photographs instantly evoke a mood or feeling, or even call to mind a memory. The prevalence of digital and cell phone cameras has made it easy to take hundreds of “snapshots” in a short time; however, you can invite young photographers to dig a little deeper into the realms of artistry, technical skill, and communication via photos. View Resource »
Growing a Knowing Nose
Students explore a variety of plant-derived aromatic substances, reflect on the memories and feelings they evoke, and describe them. Next, as they try to taste without using their sense of smell, they begin to grasp the importance of this remarkable adaptation. They also learn that scents provide plants with a way to communicate, aid in reproduction and seed dispersal, and protect themselves. For grades 3-5, adaptable for other ages. View Resource »
Scavenger Hunt in the Garden
Although the garden provides many opportunities for exploration, sometimes it helps if kids have some direction to begin their observations. A scavenger hunt can provide a little bit of structure while still offering the flexibility for individual discovery. View Resource »
