Texas Discovery Gardens

Students will recognize that people plant gardens for a variety of reasons. Students learn seed structure, plant parts, and the basic components of a habitat. Each student will plant a seed in an individual container.

Students will explore the amazing lives of insects and other arthropods by visiting garden habitats to observe how creatures adapt to specific environments. Special attention is paid to the interdependence of insects and plants, especially the process of pollination.

Students will learn how math is used in a garden and will record temperature, time and measurement data as they explore habitats. Extensive post-visit worksheets use this data to solve problems and create tables, graphs and charts. Worksheets are designed to resemble TAKS tests and are grade-specific. Program is only available as a class field trip.

Students will learn about different regulatory cycles in nature (water cycle, carbon-oxygen cycle and/or nitrogen cycle - for older kids) and then create a group terrarium - a home for a plant and animals - that demonstrates these cycles.

Through composting techniques, students learn how materials from plants and animals can be recycled into rich soil for the garden. Students investigate the living things in a compost pile and learn about the role creatures play in recycling a system's energy. Students can also make their own worm bin for school or home.

Explore the life cycle and habitats for both native and tropical butterflies, including the star of the show; Marvelous Monarchs! Learn about the physical characteristics of butterflies, moths and flowers and the interdependence of insects and plants throughout nature. Students will be able to name at least one butterfly and describe its adaptations. Must be reserved with combination package.

Come discover the world inside the rainforest. Students will explore the ecological relationships of the forest creatures, including diverse flora, predators and their prey. Must be reserved with combination package.