Educational outreach opportunities in our community
Tours and Talks
We offer tours and talks for schools and for private groups. This can be adapted to fit your topic and time needs.
Thomas Paine School Sensory Garden
As botany programs around the country disappear, the importance of creating interest in plants and the world around us becomes increasingly necessary. What better age to introduce kids to the incredible world of plants than when they are young enough to still hold on to the wonder and excitement of the natural world.
The Thomas Paine School Garden came into existence in 2015 with the taste garden and has steadily grown each year adding the smell, touch, see, and hear garden plots. It started small by involving only six classrooms and in just one year included every class in the school. The students are connected to every step of the process from starting seeds inside under grow lights, planting in the garden, caring for during the summer, harvesting, eating, and even mulching and garden cleanup. This is an outdoor classroom, where kids learn science: botany, etymology, ecology; math: counting, area and perimeter, graphing; language arts: reading in the garden and writing about the garden; and art: drawing in the garden and projects for the garden. This is also an opportunity for kids to stand up and move their bodies and an area for kids who need a break from the classroom.
VISIT THE BLOG TO See Whats Happening in the Garden This Month.
If you’re interested in getting involved with the garden or would like to set up a herbarium tour please contact Jamie Minnaert-Grote: minnaert@illinois.edu