Celebrating Outdoor Education at the Missouri Botanical Garden

Since its founding, the Missouri Botanical Garden has been committed to connecting people with plants and the natural world. Now, as young people spend less time outside, offering outdoor education is more important than ever before.

Recently, generous grants from International Paper Company allowed the Garden to expand its school programming focused on outdoor education. The awards allowed the Garden to develop new plant science curriculum and provided support for early childhood programming.

“Outdoor education allows students to see themselves as part of the natural world. Scientific concepts can have deeper meaning when taught in and through nature. Outdoor education enhances both the academic knowledge and emotional intelligence of learners – supporting their holistic development.”
Sean Doherty, Vice President of Education at the Missouri Botanical Garden

Three students sit in grass outside and small a plant handed to them by an eduactor — Children’s curiosity is sparked as they closely examine plants during an outdoor exploration, leading to wonder and discovery. Photo by Matthew Magoc.

PlantLab Student Scientists

One grant funded new PlantLab Student Scientists curriculum. This curriculum, available to students locally and globally, exposes more young people to careers connected to plant sciences.

In 2023, more than 40 classrooms throughout St. Louis piloted the new curriculum developed by the Garden last school year. After the pilot, the Garden incorporated teachers’ feedback and shared the curriculum with all St. Louis Public Schools middle schools. The curriculum is now available online for any teachers to use.

Already, educators from curriculum areas from 26 states and seven countries have downloaded the Garden’s PlantLab Student Scientist curriculum.

“We know that access to core STEM courses increases a student’s interest in a STEM career. With two out of five of plants at risk of extinction, we will need future generations of plant scientists to help conserve and restore species and their ecosystems and to explore new ways to build a climate resilient food crop,” said Matthew Magoc, school programs and partners manager at the Garden.

Students gather around a large square garden bed outdoors. — Young gardeners prepare soil in raised beds, connecting with nature through touch and teamwork as they get ready for planting. Photo by Matthew Magoc.

How does the Curriculum Teach Plant Science?

The PlantLab Student Scientists program encourages students to explore the natural world on their school campus and community.

The curriculum uses real life examples from the Garden’s research work. This includes areas like ecological restoration, new species discovery, ethnobotany, to help students explore the many facets of plant science. Students are given the opportunity to participate in real data collection and research. They complete a project using the STEM skills and practices introduced in the lesson.

“Through the PlantLab Student Scientists curriculum, we created activities that are meant to be a rich and meaningful learning experience,” Magoc said. “Throughout the lessons, our intention is to help educators create a learning environment that fosters a student’s 21^st century skills. Skills such as communication, cooperating through collaboration, critical thinking skills and solving real world questions.”

Students experience outdoor education indoors by doing a craft involving pinecones. — Children at the Mathews-Dickey after school program engage in nature-based crafting, spreading materials on pinecones to create unique feeders. This hands-on activity fosters creativity and learning. Photo by Jessie Griffard

Sprouting Science Early Childhood Program

An additional grant supported the Sprouting Science Early Childhood Program. In the spring and summer, students used plants as classroom resources. They used an inquiry-based approach that helps build a broad understanding of the scientific method.

“Sprouting Science fosters a lasting connection between young learners and the natural world through hands-on experiences in outdoor spaces, while also empowering educators and families to support their growth.” Magoc said.

Garden staff worked with districts throughout the area to align Sprouting Science with their standard-based curriculum plan for Pre-K science. Early childhood educators received educational materials and participated in professional development workshops. Throughout the school year, the Garden’s team delivered programming and provided educator support. Educators, caregivers, and parents participated in a free Family Night at the Garden to encourage nature-based community engagement.

“The programming provided with the support of International Paper has allowed learners to build strong connections to nature, gain skills they can apply to many contexts, and grow a greater appreciation for the environment. We are empowering environmental stewards for our future,” Doherty said.