A new education program launched by the Geelong Botanic Gardens is helping students connect the dots between nature and academic learning.
Local primary schools can teach mathematics, science and humanities in a whole new way thanks to a new education program being offered by the Geelong Botanic Gardens.
There are lessons for students in Foundation through to Year 6 (see below), and each one aligns with the current Australian curriculum.
While some topics cross age boundaries, each program is tailored to meet the needs of the specific age group.
To illustrate this, Geelong Botanic Gardens Education Officer Kim Whittaker described the programs for Foundation to Grade 2 as being more about using the senses.
These programs focus on how gardens change throughout seasons and are really just about exploring different parts of plants, experiencing different textures, smells and handling them.
Programs for middle primary are more conceptual, and Kim pointed to the Plant Geometry subject as being an example of this.
While mathematical concepts such as symmetry aren’t necessarily new to students, the way they’re being taught is.
Kids are absolutely amazed about the fact that they can come to a garden to learn about maths.
For students in upper primary, Going Underground is a great hands-on program that teaches students about how living things can not only adapt to their environment, but also help it thrive.
Students get to make their own worm hotel, so they can actually see what happens with the worm and how it can mix the sand and soil together.
While the education programs are a great way to spark the curiosity of the students, the gardens themselves are also a huge drawcard. Students seem to enjoy all aspects of the gardens – from the conservatory, which is 'a building that they’re curious about' to the expansive gardens outdoors.
Having the time to notice the wildlife...as well as the many and varied colourful flowers, enormous trees and lush green lawn spaces…it is really special to be a part of.
Geelong Botanic Gardens education programs
Foundation to Grade 2
- Veggie patch explorers
- Seasons and cycles
Grade 3 and 4
- Plant Geometry
- Plant Hunters
- Decoding the Secrets of Plants
Grade 5 and 6
- Decoding the Secrets of Plants
- Going Underground