The American Horticultural Society offers interactive educational program for young children (Pre-K through 6th grade) at its River Farm headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. These exciting, hands-on activities - which support several of the fundamental concepts and principles set forth by the National Science Education Standards - teach children about gardening and the natural world.

In order to make the learning experience more enjoyable, groups are limited to 20 children (minimum of 10). Each group must have one chaperone (parent or school personnel) for every five children. All programs last approximately one hour.

Programs

•  Seed Pictures - Create your own picture using different seeds.

• A Card to Plant - Recycle paper and create a shape you can send and the recipient can grow.

• Worms - Come visit the garden and dig for worms in our Wobby Worm Garden.

• Make a Pot/Plant a Seed - Recycle newspaper to make a pot that you can fill with soil and plant a seed in.

• Be a Butterfly - Learn a little about butterflies and make wings of your own to fly.

• Potpourri Bags - Make a potpourri bag using herbs from the garden.

• Discovery Tour - Tour the grounds of River Farm as you look for nature along the way.

• Harry or Harrietta - Create a character using sock, soil and seeds.

• What a Plant Needs to Grow - Learn the basic needs of a plant to survive.

• Mini-Me Scarecrows - Make a miniature scarecrow that you can carry around.

• Rainsticks - Learn about rain and make your own rainstick.

• Spiders - Spin your own web to take home.

• Trees - Look at the trees at River Farm and learn how they grow.

• Sammy Slow Poke - Learn about turtles and make one to take home with you.

• Snakes - Find out why snakes are good and make a tie snake to take home.

• Finding Mommy - Many animals use a scent to find their mothers. See if you can match the scents.

• Bird Nests - Collect natural material to combine with clay and construct bird nests.

• Binoculars - Use tubes to make your own binoculars.

Fee

The cost for the Children’s Program is $5.00 per student (minimum $50 per group), which covers the cost of staff time and basic materials. Payment (check, VISA, or MasterCard are accepted) must be made 7 working days prior to your scheduled program.

Cancellation

Educational programs will be held rain or shine. If you choose to reschedule or cancel your program due to inclement weather, you must notify the American Horticultural Society prior to your scheduled program.

For More Information

Please contact: Nancy J. Busick
Youth Programs Coordinator
American Horticultural Society
7931 East Boulevard Drive
Alexandria, VA 22308-1300
703-768-5700 x132
nbusick@ahs.org

To download a printable brochure, click here.

7931 East Boulevard Drive - Alexandria VA 22308
(V) 703.768.5700 - Toll Free: 1.800.777.7931
(F) 703.768.8700 - Publications Fax: 703.768.7533

Copyright © 1998-2008 American Horticultural Society. All rights reserved.
Requests for permission may be submitted to webmaster@ahs.org.