HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Huntsville Botanical Garden has a new way for students in grades K-8 to get their STEM education.
The flexible program, called Nature Academy, provides hands-on science classes at the Garden through April 2021. Each monthly two-hour class covers a different nature science topic, such as leaf chemistry and insects.
The classes are open to youth in grades K-8 in any type of school, including home school.
Another education enhancement is the Garden's Virtual Field Trip program. Virtual field trips include an exclusive video of a guided tour of the Garden as well as accompanying curriculum materials and student activities. Materials suppport the Next Generation Science Standards. Different field trips are available, with the current field trip being "Butterflies and Pollinators".
“We are thrilled to be able to offer programs that teach science in an engaging and fun way while maintaining our commitment to the health and safety of every student,” said Misty Hertzig, manager of youth programming at the Garden. “It is essential that we continue to engage and inspire young learners both in person and remotely.”
Educator and caregivers can also rent the Learning Pod and access the Garden's hands-on learning opportunities and outdoor space.
Anyone participating in in-person programs or visiting the Garden must follow COVID-19 safety guidelines, including face coverings and social distancing protocols. Those guidelines can be found here.