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School Programs
School Tour/Activity Package | School Programs | School Tours | Self-Guided Discoveries
Taste of the Farm*
In this program students will learn how food starts at a farm, and ends up on their plates. They will explore what plants need to grow by planting a seed and harvesting a vegetable. They will discover the variety of food grown on a farm and the work involved by trying fun farm chores. They will also learn about parts of a plant and why eating a variety of food is important by tasting a root, stem, leaf and flower.
Preschool
ABCs of Life on a Farm
A is for animal, B is for Barn...come and explore the ABCs with us on the farm. Students are invited to investigate language arts in new ways. They will discover word families by deciphering animal rhymes; play with sequencing and creating action words by role playing farm chores; practice letter and sound recognition by going on an amazing farm alphabet hunt.
Kindergarten, first grade
Then and Now: Down on the Farm*
Compare past and present by participating in 1930s-era farm chores, discussing present day alternatives, making real butter and playing old-fashioned games.
Preschool, kindergarten
Farm Math: Making Things Count
Practice counting at a produce stand using colorful fruits and vegetables and play coins and currency; use a clock to time farm chores like gathering eggs, hanging laundry, pumping water and painting the fence or barn; and play a giant board game filled with farm math word problems. Math on the farm can be so much fun!
Early elementary
Making a Splash
The waterfalls in the Sculpture Park provide the perfect spot for activities focused on water. Learn which animals and insects live in water and examine water samples, explore the water cycle through hands-on experiments, and find out why water is such a valuable resource.
Early elementary
Can You Dig It?
Learn fun facts about rocks with a variety of activities such as using microscopes to look closely at what rocks are made of, experimenting with the power of glaciers, and digging for the three types of rocks. Learn why rocks rock!
Elementary
Simple Machines: Doing Work on the Farm
Move large rocks using levers, lift heavy weights with pulley systems and carve into wood using wedges. Then go on a scavenger hunt to find many other farm implements made up of simple machines. This is a wonderful program for making sense out of science.
Elementary
Michigan Tree Expedition
Learn about the importance of trees by pretending to become a lumberjack, and find out why Grand Rapids became “furniture city.” Then unlock the secret to tree identification using a special identification “key.” Discover the many ways Native Americans, settlers and wildlife all used white pines—our state tree.
Elementary
Wild About Wetlands
Imagine you’re a scientist as you explore our wetlands, record observations, sketch wildlife and perform simple experiments. Discover the amazing variety of plants and animals that make the wetlands home, and the important work that wetlands do from filtering our water to reducing flooding. A wetlands journal and bingo game are included.
Upper elementary, middle school
Fitness Fun in the Sculpture Park*
Stretch, lunge, squat, jump, lift and dance your way to fitness using world-renowned sculpture as a springboard. Walk the mile-long Sculpture Park path stopping at various pieces to participate in fitness activities inspired by each. A truly unique combination of art education and exercise.
Upper elementary, middle school
Art and Science of Observation*
Armed with sketch pads and pencils, students will practice their observation skills as they explore a variety of unique plants and intriguing sculptures and record their findings with quick drawings and detailed descriptions.
Upper elementary, middle school
*Good Summer Programs
