The Conservatory is not only a great place for students to learn and experience something unique. When it comes to incorporating plants into classroom curriculum, it’s also home to a wealth of resources for teachers and other educators. There are endless possibilities for meaningful connections in science, ecology, gardening and greening, math, geography, history and art.

Remember, the Conservatory is free, so teachers are always welcome to visit and collect ideas for a field trip or classroom lesson. For teachers who want the opportunity to talk with our trained educational staff in a more structured setting, we also offer a variety of ways to access the knowledge and resources of our staff.

KNOW-BEFORE-YOU-GO Open House For Teachers At the Conservatory   

There are no upcoming Open Houses at this time. Please check back soon for updates!

GROWING GREAT TEACHERS:
CONSERVATORY CLASSES FOR EDUCATORS 

The greening movement is growing and now teachers have even more opportunities to learn how to green up their curriculum and classrooms. The content of each Conservatory teacher training will focus on particular grade levels and standards, but teachers at all levels are welcome to attend. Botanical information, hands-on activities and explorations, and greening resources included in every workshop.  

Teas, Sweets & Tropical Treats:
The Science & Culture of Edible Plants

Explore edible plants at both Garfield Park Conservatory & Chicago Botanic Garden in this 2-day training. Teachers (K-12) discover first-hand how flavorful plants like chocolate, vanilla, and ginger grow and learn how people use them to enhance their lives and tickle their taste buds. Living plants, hands-on explorations, literature connections, and tasting will all be part of the experience!

• January 26, 2013, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm at Garfield
   Park Conservatory

• February 2, 2013, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm at Chicago
   Botanic Garden

• Fee: $150

• 15 CPDU’s, 1 Lane Credit, 1 Graduate Credit

An additional fee for graduate credit ($100 per credit through Aurora University and $144 per credit through National Louis University) will be collected on the first day of the training.

To register, go to: Chicago Botanic Garden website.

For more information, please contact Melanie Harding at 773.638.1766 x16 or mharding@garfieldpark.org.

PAGE & DOWNLOAD LINKS

Garden Camp for Teachers BOTANY BASICS

Once again, Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance and Chicago Botanic Garden have teamed up to present this week-long, hands-on experience for teachers. Garden Camp immerses teachers and other educators in plant-based learning and prepares them to incorporate relevant plant activities across their curriculum. Spend a week with us learning the basics – plant parts and functions, ecosystems, adaptations, urban ecology and basic soil science – and leave with a wealth of ideas about how to include plants in your science, math, arts, language, and social studies lessons. This workshop empowers educators to do plant-based activities using everyday materials and to conduct meaningful explorations in their gardens and schoolyards. Participants need not have access to a school garden or natural area to benefit from this training.
 
Each day of training will take place at either Garfield Park Conservatory or Chicago Botanic Garden. Participants will earn 48 CPDU’s, 3 Lane Credits, or 3 graduate credits (to be awarded upon completion of the entire program.)  

Teachers in all grade levels and specialties are welcome.

For more information about Garden Camp or registration details please contact: