School Field Trips at Brookside Gardens
Brookside Gardens offers *four* field trip programs connecting science, nature, and the outdoors. Field trip programs are 90 minutes each and are offered Tuesday through Friday mornings by reservation only. Follow this link to submit a request: Field Trip Request Form.
*Plants and Pollinators*
Bring your curious students to a guided exploration of the gardens to learn about plants. The structure and function of plant anatomy, photosynthesis, and plant reproduction are taught in age-appropriate ways with seasonally appropriate examples in the gardens. Learners will practice using a magnifying lens and gardening with live plants during this field trip.
Suggested Grades: K – 3
NGSS: 2–LS2–1; 2–LS2–2; 2–PS1–4; K–2–ETS1–2; K–2–ETS1–3
*Water Quality in the Watershed*
As a part of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, students visiting Brookside Gardens will learn first-hand how our inland streams are connected to a wider ecoregion. Students act as citizen scientists on this field trip by conducting hands-on chemical tests in our namesake “brook.” Data collection, analysis, and using evidence to make conclusions are embedded in the lessons of the day.
Suggested Grades: 4 – 7
NGSS: 5–ESS3–1; 5–PS1–1; 3–5 ETS1–2; 3–5 ETS–3.
*Native Plants and Climate Action*
Students discover the role plants play in the global climate cycle and what choices humans can make in their gardens and daily lives to support the local environment. An outdoor exploration, native/invasive plant survey, and hands-on gardening practice are parts of this interactive field trip designed for learners who want to take immediate action to restore and conserve outdoor places for climate resiliency.
Suggested Grades: 5 – 9
NGSS: MS–LS2–1; MS–ESS3–3–5; MS– LS2–4
*Service-Learning*
Participants in high school looking to immerse themselves in an action project would be perfect for this trip. Teachers will collaborate with our educator team to plan a service-learning project that authentically benefits the natural world and engages youth in hands-on ways.
Suggested Grades: 9 – 12
NGSS: Varies
Submit a Field Trip Request Form for the 2024-2025 school year by clicking this link: Request Form.
For questions or more information, please email Liz.Bullock@MontgomeryParks.org
Featured Upcoming Programs
Brookside Gardens offers a variety of programs for youth of all ages. Sign up for activities, classes, and events online through ActiveMontgomery. You can access the Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 Cultivate program guide here.
Botanical Creatures in Comics and Cartoons
$10 | Ages 8 – 12 | 10:00 – 11:30 am
Imagine a world where plant adaptations give gardens special super-powers or unlocked hidden talents! Expand your knowledge of botany and horticulture while activating your creativity and artistic skills. Thomas Crawley, an expert horticulturist, and cartoon enthusiast, leads this exploration of the science and art behind plant adaptations in the garden as you illustrate your own cartoon creatures adapted to extreme environments. Beginner scientists and beginner cartoonists between the ages of 8-12 welcome.
Yoga Sprouts!
$7 | Ages 3 – 9 | 10:00 – 10:45 am
Bring your little ones to this series of fun, garden-related yoga movement classes. Physical exercise and mindfulness will awaken your senses, boost your energy, and give you good garden vibes to start your day. Classes are outdoors and either moved indoors or canceled in cases of inclement weather. Bring your own mat or borrow one of ours. Adults must accompany children. Meet at South Terrace before walking to class location.
Children’s Garden: Explore Maryland!
Experience a unique mini-Maryland in our new children’s garden, Explore Maryland! From the mountains to the ocean, Explore Maryland! is an opportunity for children to explore a beautiful garden, pretend among mountain boulders, play in an old farm house, cook in a kitchen, boat in the sea, and gain knowledge about Maryland’s natural history, flora and fauna. Search for and learn about the state’s iconic symbols and what they stand for!