Education Tours and Programs
For Children and Adults
Teachers and parents: our goal is that you consider
the Arboretum an extension of your class rather than just a day-trip destination
for the students. In 2004 our guided tours were redesigned to meet a range
of Arizona statewide academic standards, and we want to hear from educators
as we continue to develop and improve our new school outreach program.
And we offer a wide range of tours including Edible/Medicinal
plants, Plants-of-the-Bible, and summertime "Learn Your Lizards"
walks and guided butterfly tours each month. More detail on all of these
can be found below, and you can also read more
on the EVENTS page.
We realize that in this age of accountability a
teacher's ability to take their class on field trips is greatly limited.
The Arboretum can be far more than a destination for your students, we want
to be an extension of your class. This year our staff also invites Homeschool
families to gather for our guided tours during Homeschool Days which are
offered four times each year (more information at the end of this page).
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How tall does a Saguaro cactus grow?
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When do their arms begin to appear?
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If you're lost in the desert can you really drink water from a barrel cactus?
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What kind of bird made that nest?
Thousands of students from Maricopa, Pinal and
Gila county schools visit the Arboretum each year, and our volunteer tourguides
have plenty of practice answering questions like these. Classes from public
and private schools - and homeschoolers, too - visit the arboretum nearly
every week to enjoy a guided tour of the grounds and lessons in desert ecology
from our knowledgeable docents and staff.
Teachers: don't miss the opportunity to bring your
class for a guided tour. To request one review the tours below and email
your request to Education Coordinator Lacey Pacheco lpacheco@Ag.arizona.edu,
or call Lacey at 520.689.2723. Education is our highest priority, and fees
are reduced to $1-per-student for groups of at least 20 youths who are affiliated
with a public or private school; this subsidized entry fee is also extended
to homeschool groups which bring at least 20 youths and pre-arrange a tour
in advance. Guided tours must be pre-arranged with at least four weeks'
notice ahead of the requested tour date. School groups typically arrive
between 9-10 a.m. for a tour that lasts about two hours and ends up in the
picnic area for lunch. All of our theme tours are aligned with Arizona Department
of Education standards.
Themes and grade levels for the coming year include:
The Arizona Tour for grades 3-8, The Tree Tour (grades 3-8), Deserts of
the World ( grades 7-12), Plants of the Bible (for any grade level, and
adult tour groups as well).
Arizona Tour (grades 3-8)
Teaches Arizona ecology and habitat, Arizona's common plants, state symbols,
and the geology that has shaped our state.
Deserts of the World (grades 7-12)
Students learn about the various deserts of the world, weather patterns and
landforms that create these desert conditions and how plants, animals, and
people have adapted to life in the desert.
Tree Tour (grades 3-8)
Students will learn about the processes trees use to sustain life, be able
to identify trees common to central and southern Arizona, discuss the interdependence
between trees and people, and receive an introduction to "Treeometry."
Plants of the Bible (all grades -- and also available
for adult groups and clubs )
See first hand the plant species and close relatives of plants directly mentioned
in the Bible and learn how those plants were used during ancient times.
High School - Art, Photography, Language - All
Year (grades 9-12)
These self-guided tours offer opportunities for specialized classes to practice
their specialty in a natural setting. For foreign language classes, the arboretum
has printed trail guides available in Japanese, Spanish, German, and French.
Our beautiful grounds are ideal for art and photography. Be sure to bring
plenty of adult chaperones.
Homeschool Days: January 6, February 5, March 10,
April 9
Each school year we invite homeschool families to gather and experience Arboretum
education programs. January 6 (Wednesday) at 10:00 a.m. we offer Plants of
the Bible, February 5 (Friday) at 10:00 is The Arizona Tour, March 10 (Wednesday)
participants are offered the "Trees" tour at 10:00 a.m. and the
final homeschool day will be April 9 (Friday) with "Plants of the Bible"
tour at 10 a.m. Pre-payment is required, families are asked to reserve a spot
no later than two weeks prior to each tour by calling 520-689-2723 or else
emailing Education Coordinator Lacey Pacheco lpacheco@Ag.arizona.edu