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Pre- and Post-Visit Activities
Explore pre- and post-visit activities designed for every grade level. Use the links below to find lessons, videos, and book ideas that help prepare your students for their outdoor experience—and extend learning back in the classroom.
Books
What Do Plants Need to Survive? by Emily Raij
Plants are living things. They need certain things to grow and live. What are they? Let’s investigate what plants need to survive!
From Seed to Plant by Gail Gibbons
With simple language and bright illustrations, non-fiction master Gail Gibbons introduces young readers to the processes of pollination, seed formation, and germination. Important vocabulary is reinforced with accessible explanations and colorful, clear diagrams showing the parts of plants, the wide variety of seeds, and how they grow. The book includes instructions for a seed-growing project and a page of interesting facts about plants, seeds, and flowers.
National Geographic Readers: Plants by Kathryn Williams
Adult and child readers will learn all about plants together in this new Co-reader from National Geographic Kids. Find out how plants grow as well as the different parts of plants, seeds, and flowers.
Seed Dispersal & Pollination
Activities/Videos
Seed Dispersal Activity: Build an Exploding Seed Pod
Books
From Seed to Plant by Gail Gibbons
With simple language and bright illustrations, non-fiction master Gail Gibbons introduces young readers to the processes of pollination, seed formation, and germination. Important vocabulary is reinforced with accessible explanations and colorful, clear diagrams showing the parts of plants, the wide variety of seeds, and how they grow. The book includes instructions for a seed-growing project and a page of interesting facts about plants, seeds, and flowers.
The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle
The Tiny Seed is Eric Carle’s classic story of the life cycle of a flower, told through the adventures of a tiny seed. Young readers will cheer the seed’s progress as it floats across the sky, nestles in the ground, and finally grows into a giant flower.
A Seed Is Sleepy by Dianna Aston
Part of the incredible six—book Nature Books series from artist Sylvia Long and author Dianna Hutts Aston, A Seed Is Sleepy introduces children to a fascinating array of seed and plant facts. Turn each page to explore the amazing world of these garden wonders through watercolor illustrations that bring to life nature landscapes filled with seeds, flowers, plants, leaves, and trees.
Books
Cracking Up: A Story About Erosion by Jacqui Bailey
A rocky cliff juts out toward the ocean, its rough face jagged and worn. In a process called erosion, water, ice, and wind wear away the rock and change its shape over time. From rivers cutting deep valleys to ocean waves crashing into the shore, erosion changes the face of the earth.
Weathering and Erosion by Torrey Maloof
Earth is constantly changing. Wind, water, and even humans change Earth's surface. The land is broken down and worn away by erosion. Introduce students to weathering and erosion with this science reader that features easy-to-read text. Nonfiction text features include a glossary, index, and detailed images to facilitate close reading and help students connect back to the text. Aligned to state and national standards, the book also includes a fun and engaging science experiment to develop critical thinking and help students practice what they have learned.
How Erosion and Weathering Change the Features of the Earth by Baby Professor
Discover the world of Earth Science with this Grade 2 book, ideal for budding geologists. Students will learn the dynamic processes of weathering and erosion and their pivotal role in shaping the Earth's surface. From the formation of majestic mountains to the creation of vast plains, this resource explains complex concepts in an accessib