Education

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Self-directed Curriculum Activities

Pollination Activities

Celebrate the year of pollination at Longwood! Engaging activities are designed for specific garden explorations.

Field Journaling

Cartooning

Flower Power on the Map

Pollinator Math

Pollinator Math answer key

Tree-inspired curriculum

Welcome to Nature’s Castles tree-inspired curriculum!  Included in this document, you will find a range of multi-disciplinary activities targeting grades 3-5 and linked to National and PA state Education Standards.  From writing tree poems to understanding vertical and horizontal measurements, students will learn and gain a greater appreciation of trees and their importance, while enjoying Longwood’s magnificent tree houses!

Download Curriculum Pages

Discovery Backpacks

Designed to supplement an unguided group visit, curriculum backpacks are appropriate for school groups, youth groups, scouts, and after-school groups ages 6-12. Activities and supplies are created for groups of 15 students.

Discovery Backpacks can be reserved for $10, in addition to the Unguided Group Rate.

Backpacks are available at the Group Visits Desk in the Visitor Center.  A valid credit card and a completed information form will be required.  Reservations can be made prior to your arrival at 610-388-5210.

FLOWERS Backpack Activities

1. Create Your Own Garden
Students observe the beautiful garden areas at Longwood and create their own garden on paper using stamps and crayons.
2. Identify Garden Flowers
Students discover new flowers in the garden, observing details of color, shape and odor.
3. Magnify Flower Parts
Students use a magnifying glass to learn about the parts of the flower.
4. Follow the Map
Students use a map to record the areas of Longwood Gardens they visit.
5. Add Your Tale
Students are able to read what others have said about their visit to Longwood Gardens  and create their own entry.
6. Insects and the Flowers
Students use an insect index ring to try to identify insects found in the garden areas. 
7. Memory Matching Game
Students try to match flowers they may have observed in the garden.
8. Flower/Plant Hunt
Students search the conservatory for specific plants and flowers using an indoor map.

TREES IN THE GARDEN Backpack Activities

1. Leaf Search
Students use Peirce’s Woods map to find designated trees and document findings.
2. Bingo in Peirce’s Woods
Students discover Pierce’s Woods and try to earn a “bingo” on laminated bingo card.
3. The PA State Tree Search
Students document on a map when they find the Pennsylvania state tree, the “Eastern Hemlock”. 
4. Bark Rub
Students use plain white paper and crayons to rub different tree barks and discuss similarities and differences.
5. The Story of a Tree
Students learn to read the lines on a tree cookie to then create a story based on their observation.
6.  Giant Comparison
Students examine different trees to compare. Students also learn tree names.
7.  What Trees Need
Students search for large trees to measure after reading, “Tell, Me Tree” and compare findings to the tree cookies provided.