Garden Center Field Trip

LESSON 2

Children go on a field trip to a local greenhouse and to learn about how plants grow.  

  • Something to record questions on, like a piece of paper or phone. 

Materials

Preparations

  • Call ahead to your local greenhouse to check if they offer field trips for homeschool families or groups. This would be a fun activity to do with friends.  

  • Promote curiosity and interest in how seeds grow.

  • Assist children as they think of questions for their greenhouse tour.

  • Set and model expectations and manners for children inside the greenhouse. 

Objectives for Teachers

Objectives for Children

  • Children reflect on what they have already learned about seeds.

  • Children practice inquiry skills as they think of questions and “I wonder” statements.

  • Children understand what goes on inside of a greenhouse and how the greenhouse helps plants to grow.

Collect and Connect

Practice saying the poem “The Seed,” together with the actions you came up with.  

A Seed

In the heart of a seed,

Buried deep so deep,

A dear little plant,

Lay fast asleep.

Wake, said the sun,

And creep to the light.

Wake, said the voice,

Of raindrops bright.

The little plant heard,

And arose to see,

What the wonderful,

Outside world might be.

Activity Flow

  1. Begin this lesson by checking on your seed experiments and reflecting on the previous lesson about what seeds need to grow. Ask questions like: 

  • Do you remember what seeds need to be able to grow?

  • Where do they get these things from?

  • Can you describe any changes you've noticed in your seeds or seedlings? 

2. Tell your child that you will get to visit a greenhouse! A greenhouse is like a special house for plants. It's made of glass or plastic, and it helps plants grow by keeping them warm and giving them plenty of sunlight, even when it's cold outside. Inside, we need to be extra careful and show kindness to the plants. What will that look like? Work together to establish come rules or guidelines for the field trip. Some ideas: 

  • Always stay with the group.

  • Listen to the instructions given by the teacher or guide.

  • Be respectful to the environment and any plants you encounter.

  • Keep your hands to yourself unless instructed otherwise. 

3. Before you go, ask if they have any questions or things they are wondering about. For example, I wonder if all plants grow from seeds. What are you wondering? Write down their questions and wonders and see if you can find answers while at the greenhouse. While there, you can also think about what plants or seeds you might want to purchase and grow in your garden.

4. Enjoy your field trip to the greenhouse!