Inspired by the Conservatory’s unique resources, this four-week program serves Columbus City School students, bringing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) concepts to life through experiential learning. Each unit is designed to strengthen foundational knowledge and skills while fostering a love of learning.
The wrap-around curriculum, developed by Conservatory educators, is taught by FPC Outreach Educators in collaboration with CCS classroom teachers. Lesson themes for grades Pre-K through 4th are tied to the Conservatory’s exhibits and gardens, allowing students to explore topics like pollinators, biomes and glassblowing. Conservatory Educators visit each classroom four times a week, delivering 75 minutes of daily content that fosters critical thinking and, most importantly, makes learning fun! This unique learning experience is enhanced with weekly special guest visits and a field trip to the Conservatory, giving kids a chance to learn in a living classroom and strengthen the concepts taught in the classroom through experiential learning.
New this year, FPC STEM After School will extend the classroom learning happening in the K-4 Summer Experience STEM Pathway through immersion in play, art and nature. Housed at the Conservatory with a “home base” in the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, the program will allow students to dive directly into STEM concepts.
Each day, students will take a “field trip” to a different Conservatory location, then return to the Children’s Garden for hands-on, exploratory programming that combines direct nature observation, scientific exploration and creative problem-solving. Students will have the opportunity to hatch their own butterflies, observe the lifecycle of a frog, explore future career paths here at the Conservatory and get a behind-the-scenes look at spaces like our glass blowing studio, greenhouse and biomes.
