School Programs 

 

The West Virginia Botanic Garden is offering science-based field trip opportunities for students in Pre-K through 8th grade!

Within the site you will find several different types of forest, wetlands, wet and dry meadows, streams, pools, and a variety of beautifully designed flower beds.  In other words, it’s an ideal outdoor classroom for nature study of all kinds.  The West Virginia Botanic Garden represents a convenient, affordable, and meaningful place to educate students. This is a place where students can learn about the world that exists around them, a place where they can develop a personal connection to nature and watch the Garden grow.

There are several programs available.

Be a Scientist!

 

Age group: Pre-K  through 1st Grade

 

Offered: Year-round
Students will be guided through a variety of natural areas and gardens. Students will receive a journal to draw pictures or write about what they see, hear, touch, and smell. Emphasis will be on asking questions, making and recording observations, and exploring the natural world. Each student will go home with a pencil, journal, and magnifying lens to continue exploring beyond the field trip.

Seasons Change

 

Age group:  1st-4th grade (can be adapted for younger students)
Offered: Fall
Students will be guided through different natural areas and gardens and observe how trees and plants are changing. They will also look for wildlife and discuss how animals are preparing for winter. Students will receive a journal and pencil to draw pictures or write their observations. Students will also receive a small canvas bag that they may use to collect leaves or other items to take home.

The Circle of Life

 

 

Age group:  1st-4th grade (can be adapted for younger students)
Offered: Spring/Fall
Students will participate in activities to learn about the life cycle of (1) frogs or (2) butterflies (teacher choice). Guides will assist children in observing plants, tadpoles and/or butterflies in their natural habitats while reviewing the life cycles of the organisms they see. Students will receive a journal and pencil to draw pictures or write their observations. Students will also plant a seed in a biodegradable pot to take home.

Exploring Habitats- updated for 2023-24!

 

Age group: 2nd-5th grade
Offered: Year-round

Guides will lead students through a variety of habitat types found at the WVBG including open field, wetland, hardwood forest, hemlock forest, and pond. At each habitat, students will make observations and do activities to learn about the types of plants and animals that make that habitat home and why. Each student will receive a learning packet with space to record observations during activities. Please allow at least two hours on-site for this visit.

Habitats, Humans, & Energy- updated for 2023-24!

 

Age group: 5th-8th grade
Offered: Year-round

Students will go on a walk to view different habitats, play an interactive game about habitat needs and disturbances, and view a presentation on energy.  Students will learn about how organisms rely on habitats for survival, and how disturbances to habitats, both natural and human-caused, will impact the lives of organisms that live within them (including humans!). Students will also learn about different energy sources and how to conserve energy. Each student will receive a journal to take notes in to take home.

Cost: $8 per student, adults are free.

Thanks to a grant from BHE GT &S, fall field trips we do have limited scholarships available for qualifying schools. Contact education director Abigail Waugh for more information. Spaces are limited, so act fast to reserve your spot!

Made possible with support from

All programs were designed to meet Science K-8 Content Standards and Objectives for West Virginia Schools. Field trips last approximately two hours and can be adapted to meet the needs of your group. Please make reservations at two weeks in advance of your requested date.

Please contact us to discuss special topics.

New field trips for older students are currently under development.

Contact us to learn more!

WVBG Logo

Are you ready to schedule?

Do you have questions?

Contact Education Director Abigail Waugh

Phone: 304-322-2093

Mailing Address: 714 Venture Drive, PMB 121, Morgantown, WV 26508

Send Abigail a Message