Wildflower Exploration

Learning About Plants through Wildflowers: A Science Discovery Program for Third-Grade Classes

Cornell Plantations is part of the Kids Discover the Trail program, where pre-k through 5th grades in the Ithaca City School District visit one of eight Discovery Trail sites.

In April through June 2009, Cornell Plantations' Wildflower Exploration program hosted 368 Ithaca-area third graders.

Our program:

• Combines hands-on, pre-tour activities in the classroom with discovery tours of the Mundy Wildflower Garden.
• Generates excitement among third-graders about wildflowers and scientific inquiry.
• Provides instruction in basic plant science including floral parts, life cycles, and the fascinating underground adaptations that many spring wildflowers have evolved.
• Breathes new life into the field trip experience!

Offering this meaningful experience relies on many
volunteers to lead program activities. All training is provided.

If you would like more information or would like to volunteer, please contact Raylene Ludgate at 255-2407 or send email to rgl3@cornell.edu.