Franklin Park Conservatory provides an active learning environment—a living classroom for your school tour. Students interact with native and exotic plant collections and have fun learning about science, the environment and the arts! All tours are offered September 13 – June 10 unless otherwise noted.Register for school tours in three ways:
Phone: 614-645-5923 M –F 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Download the 2010-2011 Field Trip BrochurE & REGISTRATION FORM
Fax: 614-645-5921 Attn: Jen Lindsey, RegistrarEmail the registration form as an attachment to: jlindsey@fpconservatory.org
Preschool & Kindergarten Programming
Each program is classroom based, lasts for 30 minutes, and includes a hands-on activity. After the program, school groups are invited to take a self-guided tour of the Conservatory.
Seasons
Explore nature as it changes through the seasons! Students will learn how seasonal change affects plants and animals throughout the year. Earth & Space EL.4, EL.7, K.5; Reading Process EL.7, EL.8; Reading Applications EL.2; Life Science EL.3Blooms & Butterflies March 14- June 10
Students will discover how butterflies interact with plants at every stage of their lives. The educational experience will continue after your visit to the Conservatory as you watch your own butterfly larva transition into an adult butterfly in your classroom. Life Science EL.3, EL.4, EL.5, K.6; Social Skills & Methods EL.1, EL.3; Scientific Inquiry K.3; Reading Process EL.7, EL.8Chihuly’s Art
Students will learn about the glass art on permanent display around the Conservatory and about the artist, Dale Chihuly, who created it! Students will handle glass blowing instruments and practice creating their own works of art during this experiential program. Reading Process EL.7, EL.8; Geography EL.7, Social Studies Skills & Methods EL.1, EL.3; Creative Expression & Communication K.1, K.3; Historical, Cultural & Social Contexts K.3Gardening Fun September 13- October 15 & April 25- June 10
Students explore the gardens and learn what a garden is and why people make them. Life Science EL.3; Earth & Space EL.3; Geography EL.7; Scientific Inquiry K.4, K.7, K.3; Reading Process EL.7, EL.8Savage Gardens September 13- November 12
Plants, just like people, have specific needs that must be met in order to survive. Students will investigate the unique ways that carnivorous plants have learned to survive. Life Science EL.1, EL.3, K.5; Scientific Inquiry K.3;Download the 2010-2011 Field Trip BrochurE & REGISTRATION FORM
Guided Biome Tours
Students interact with native and exotic plant collections while taking a guided tour through the Himalayan Mountain Biome, the Rainforest Biome, and the Desert Biome. Each school tour program lasts approximately 50 minutes and is tailored to the grade level of your students.
Columbus Counts
Better understand the carbon cycle through an exploration of biomes from around the world. This tour focuses on the Tropical Rainforest Biome, taking a closer look at how humans impact the carbon cycle.
3rd-5th: Students will be introduced the Tropical Rainforest as a “carbon sponge” and will discuss the effects of deforestation and conservation in these parts of the world. Earth & Space Sciences 5.5, 5.6; Life Science 4.1, 5.1, 4.2, 3.6; Science & Technology 3.2, 4.1, 5.1
6-8th: Students will learn about trees as an integral part of the carbon cycle. Students will discuss how special conservation projects in the Tropical Rainforest, such at AEP’s, can help reduce carbon levels. Earth & Space Sciences 7.1, 7.2; Life Science 7.7; Physical Science 6.5, 6.6, 6.8Savage Gardens September 13- November 12
Plants can do the unexpected when struggling to have their most basic needs met in some of the most inhospitable places around the world. On this tour, students will enter a world in which savage plants become predators and insects become prey!
1st-2nd: Students will discover that plants have basic needs and that many plants have unique characteristics that help them survive in their ecosystem. Life Science 1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4; Earth & Space 1.1
3rd-5th: Traditionally, plants acquire nutrients from the soil, but what if the roots are unable to secure a sufficient amount of nutrients for the plant to survive? Explore this question by examining the structures and functions of carnivorous plants and their environments. Life Science 4.2, 5.4, 5.5; Science & Technology 5.1
6th-8th: As natural environmental changes occur, the plants and animals that occupy these spaces must adapt or move elsewhere. Learn how bog ecosystems form over time and how some plants have adapted to survive in this highly acidic and nutrient depleted ecosystem. Life Science 6.8, 7.2, 7.7, 7.5, 8.5; Science & Technology 6.2
9th-12th: Students will examine the environmental factors that influenced the development of carnivorous plants over time and the chemical process in which these unique savage plants obtain nutrients from their prey. Life Science 10.9, 10.10, 10.11, 10.14, 10.15, 11.12, 11.13, 11.10, 12.7; Earth & Space 10.1Garden Connections September 13- October 15 & April 25- June 10
Hands-on programs at the new ScottsMiracle-Gro Community Garden Campus.
1st-2nd: Investigate the gardens and learn what important elements are present to keep it growing. Discover why gardens are so beneficial to humans! Life Science 1.1, 2.1, 2.5, 1.2
3rd-5th: Meet the critters that live in the garden and learn how these little crawlers keep the garden and people healthy! Life Science 4.5, 4.2, 5.3; Earth & Space 3.4, 3.5
6th-8th: Through analysis of the Central Ohio climate, determine how and why gardening is practical in our region, and discover what types of plants can and cannot grow here. Can we can grow enough food to sustain ourselves? Life Science 7.7; Earth & Space 7.8
9th-12th: Compare various gardening techniques and access the impact of current agricultural practices including erosion, pest control, nutrient cycling and genetic modifications. Life Science10.19; Earth & Space 10.6, 11.12; Science & Technology 11.3Blooms & Butterflies March 14- June 10
Celebrate the beauty & value of butterflies from all over the world and gain a new appreciation for these amazing insects.
1st-2nd: Investigate the biomes represented at the Conservatory to discover what a butterfly habitat looks like in different places around the world, and even throughout the seasons. Identify how the anatomy of a butterfly helps it find food. Life Science 1.1, 1.4, 1.3, 1.5
3rd-5th Witness how butterflies interact with plants at every stage of their lives and how humans impact the lives of these gentle creatures. Life Science 3.1, 4.5; Science & Technology 5.1Plants and Our Changing Environment
Throughout the history of the earth there have been many environmental changes that have shaped the natural spaces we experience today. Predict what transitions the earth is experiencing now and how plants are being affected.
6th-8th: Students will identify the factors that determine the climate and terrain of a place and how cultural and natural impacts can effect climate change. Students will consider plant evolution in conjunction with climate change to predict future changes. Life Science 7.2, 7.3, 7.6, 8.5, 8.3; Earth & Space 7.8, 7.2; Science & Technology 6.2
9th-12th: Students will consider the natural limitations of an environment, carrying capacity, natural equilibrium and how it relates to climate change. Life Science 10.13, 10.14, 10.15, 10.16, 10.17, 10.18, 11.12, 11.9; Earth & Space 10.1, 10.2, 10.5, 11.4, 11.5, 12.5, 11.9, 11.11, 11.12, 11.13; Scientific Ways of Knowing 11.9Habitat Adventure
Study the various habitats represented the Himalayan Mountains, the Tropical Rainforest, and the Desert and review the basic needs of plants and animals in each of these biomes.
1st-2nd: Students will identify the basic components of a habitat, why different organisms require different habitats and how plants and animals interact with one another. Life Science 1.1, 1.4, 2.5, 2.2
3rd-5th: Students will explore animal adaptations, the food chain and the interconnectedness of all organisms in an ecosystem through a study of habitats. Life Science 3.2, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 3.6, 5.4Botany Basics
Plant science comes alive in the most bio-diverse plant collection under glass in Central Ohio. This tour is an experiential study of plant classification, form and function.
3rd-5th: Students will compare the reproductive methods of various plants, learn how some plants rely on other organisms to help with reproduction and examine plant parts as a means of identification and classification. Life Science 4.1, 4.5, 4.3
6th-8th: Students will identify different plant parts and their function as it relates to reproduction, photosynthesis and plant diversity. Life Science 6.3, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 7.8, 8.3, 7.7
9th-12th: Students will learn about plant classification and how variations and adaptations have guided the evolution of plants. Life Science 10.12, 10.13, 10.20, 10.24, 10.25; Scientific Ways of Knowing 9.7Art & the Conservatory
Explore the Conservatory’s displays of glass artwork, painting, and sculpture
3rd-4th: Students will explore the collections on display at the Conservatory and practice artistic vocabulary to discuss art elements and principles of the individual pieces. Creative Expression & Communication 3.4, 4.2
5th-8th: Students will look deeper into the influences of each piece by considering the artist's history and environment circumstances that may have impacted the artists’ work. Creative Expression & Communication 5.6, 6.7; Analyzing & Responding 6.2; Connections, Relationships & Applications 5.3; Historical, Cultural & Social Contexts 5.5
9th-12th: Students will use artistic vocabulary to discuss technique and to analyze the form and media used in creating the pieces. Analyzing & Responding 9.2, 10.1, 10.2, 11.1, 9.4There is plenty to do and see before and after your school tour. Make sure you plan enough time to see everything the Conservatory has to offer!
Visit the Hot Shop Watch local , professional gaffers demonstrate the art of glass blowing during this 25-minute program. Free with admission. The Hot Shop will close for the winter on January 2, 2011 and will reopen in March; hours are available online at fpconservatory.org or inquire upon arrival at the Visitor’s Center.
Pacific Island Biome, Show House and Palm House Make sure to visit the plant collections that are not included on your guided tour! Don’t forget the rooftop garden terraces and courtyards.
ScottsMiracle-Gro Community Garden Campus & Outdoor Spaces Stroll through the grounds of the new Community Garden Campus, visit the trial garden plots & explore the park! Prior to your visit, you may download a Leaf Trail Scavenger Hunt at www.fpconservatory.org
Download the 2010-2011 Field Trip BrochurE & REGISTRATION FORM
