Virtual Field Trips

Did you know that butterflies taste with their feet? How much does a monarch caterpillar grow in 2 weeks? In this program, students learn about metamorphosis and discuss insect anatomy, camouflage and other amazing defensive and adaptation strategies.

This program pairs well with a self-led tour during Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming (March through April) but can be scheduled any time during the year.

Recommended Age Range: K-3rd grade

Program Length: 45 minutes

Curriculum Connections:

• NGSS: 1-LS3-1 Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits
• NGSS: 1-LS1-1 From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes

Reservation Requirements: Two weeks preregistration required: please email fieldtrips@meijergardens.org to register.

Capacity: Each virtual field trip can accommodate up to two classrooms (or 50 students).

Cost: $75.00 (To inquire about applying for a scholarship see “Costs and Scholarship” tab. Please email fieldtrips@meijergardens.org)

Students become butterfly detectives to discover how butterfly wings are not just beautiful—they’re critical to survival. Students will learn how butterflies fly and how their wings help to keep them safe from predators. Students will also observe pinned specimens and discover wings that are perfectly clear (providing camouflage) and wings that advertise they’re poisonous through bright colors. Those who look closely will discover what else wings can reveal—from a butterfly’s gender to its age. Participants will engage in an interactive critical thinking activity assessed by a game-based quiz to see how much they’ve learned.

This program pairs well with a self-led tour during Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming (March through April) but can be scheduled any time during the year.

Recommended Age Range: 4th-6th grade

Program Length: 45 minutes

Curriculum Connections:

​Michigan Next Generation Science Standards:

• 3-Ls3-1 Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits
• 3-Ls4-2 Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity

Reservation Requirements: Two weeks preregistration required: please email fieldtrips@meijergardens.org to register.

Capacity: Each virtual field trip can accommodate up to two classrooms (or 50 students).

Cost: $75.00 (Scholarships may be available: Please see “Costs and Scholarships” tab for more information)

Explore the incredible adaptations of plants in our Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. Learn how plants in tropical biomes survive in an environment with lots of rain and competition for sunlight, then use Google Earth to compare tropical forests from around the globe.

Recommended Age Range: 2nd-5th grade

Program Length: 45 minutes

Curriculum Connections:

Michigan Next Generation Science Standard:

• 3-LS4-3 Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity

Common Core ELA Literacy Standard:

• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.7
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.3

Reservation Requirements: Two weeks preregistration required: please email fieldtrips@meijergardens.org to register

Capacity: Each virtual field trip can accommodate up to two classrooms (or 50 students).

Cost: $75.00 (Scholarships may be available: Please see “Costs and Scholarships” tab for more information)

Students will explore examples of traditional objects and practices from countries around the world and work together to discover what diverse traditions have in common. Students will then share their stories about traditions they celebrate at home and draft a plan for sharing their traditions with others.

Recommended age range: K – 12th Grade

Program Length: 45 minutes

Curriculum Connections:

Social Studies:

• G4 Human Systems – Understand how human activities helpshape the Earth’s surface.
• 1 – G4.0.1 Use components of culture (e.g., foods, language, religion, traditions) to describe diversity in family life.

Visual Arts:

• ART.VA.IV.K.2 Identify and talk about artwork found around the world.
• ART.VA.IV.6.1 Recognize and describe how art contributes to and reflects all societies and cultures.
• .VA.IV.HS.1 Observe and describe artwork with respect to history and culture.

Availability: Available during the University of Michigan Health–West Christmas & Holiday Traditions Exhibition (November 23 - January 2).

Reservation Requirements: Two weeks preregistration required: please email fieldtrips@meijergardens.org to register.

Capacity: Each virtual field trip can accommodate up to two classrooms (or 50 students).

Cost: Cost: $75.00 (Scholarships may be available: Please see “Costs and Scholarships” tab for more information.

Virtual Field Trips are $75 per program.

Each virtual field trip can accommodate up to two classrooms (or 50 students).

Scholarships to cover the full cost of the program may be available for Title I schools in which 40% or more of students meet the federal guidelines and qualifications for additional supportive services. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Teachers may be granted only one Meijer Gardens scholarship award per fiscal year (October 1- September 30).

To inquire about applying for a scholarship, please email fieldtrips@meijergardens.org.