The Arboretum for Educators
Content and methods for teaching science outdoors
Next Workshop:
Exploring Water Habitats
Saturday, April 2
9am-11:30am
Weld Hill Research Building
This month, we will examine the living things that make their homes in ponds and streams. We will collect water samples and use magnification tools to help identify macroinvertebrates. We will also discuss ways to record scientific observations and use data as sources for poetry writing. Make sure to wear your galoshes! If weather permits, we will meet directly at the ponds. Be sure to register so you can receive a location update.
Due to current COVID restrictions, all participants need to wear a mask indoors. No food or drink are allowed in the lecture hall.
Announcing the 2022 Summer Institute:
Science is... For Me
August 15-18
9:30am-3:00pm
Free, lunch included
For Teachers in Grades K-12
Join the Arnold Arboretum for a series of morning walks, lunchtime talks, and afternoon workshops on a variety of scientific subjects aimed at invigorating the mind and soul of teachers from Boston area public schools. Each day highlights topics and activities that can be adapted for students of all ages. Let us say “thank you” for keeping science alive. Let us help your students believe that Science is for Me.

Topics include:
  • Science is… Thought-provoking: Evolution and Climate Change
  • Science is… Transformational: Carbon Capture and Science Communication
  • Science is… Agency: Inspiring Youth Activism
  • Science is… Interconnected: Science in the Field
New Virtual Learning Resources
Download our "30-Minute Nature" slide decks to share with students in grades K-5. Their purpose is to allow children to notice and observe nature, engage in thoughtful science talk, and discover playful ways to take this learning outdoors. Each slide deck comes with extensive Teacher Notes in the speaker notes section of every slide. Each slide deck provides 30 minutes of nature learning, but inspires a lifetime of nature noticing! New slide decks include Spring Signs and Sounds and Animal Signs.
Tournament of Trees
Vote in the final rounds!
Our third annual Tournament of Trees honors our 150th anniversary. We’ve curated 16 contenders that help tell our story. That is one plant per decade since 1872, including a species still under production in our greenhouses. Each tree chosen represents a milestone in the Arboretum’s history. Together, they bring to life stories of plant discovery, collection, and collaboration across time and space.

The contenders have been narrowed down to four finalists: Red pine vs. Mockernut hickory and Golden rain tree vs Upright stewartia. This Thursday, March 24, we'll announce who made it to the championship round.

Visit our website to learn more about the contenders and cast your vote!
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