
Home School Days 2021
Want to get hands-on plant science into your home-school curriculum? Consider an Arboretum learning experience. For individuals or homeschool groups, the Arboretum offers hands-on plant experiences that showcase cool science concepts in a unique and engaging educational setting.
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Nature Journal Academy
A new series specially created for safe learning adventures for 2021!
Suggested for ages 5-12 together with an adult Join Reba, your Arboretum instructor, for scientific and artistic discoveries inspired by nature! Sessions engage kids (together with an adult) in active learning and outdoor exploration, and include pre-class outdoor activities, a live Zoom program, and after-class activities to continue the learning. Each session can be taken individually, or combined as a series! A great opportunity for Homeschoolers or families to integrate art, science, and language arts skills with nearby nature.
What's Included with each session:
- Instructions for pre-class outdoor nature observation + nature walk collecting list (approximately 1.5 hours)
- Supply list of common household items to have ready for the online program
- Private platform to share your creations with other students
- At-home extension activities to continue your learning through the whole month
COUPON Save up to $20! Register for any 2 or more Nature Journal Academy sessions (themed sessions offered February 11, March 11, April 8, and May 13) and save $5 off each session. Use coupon code TAKE5 at checkout or call 612-301-1210. Classes must be purchased at the same time in the same order. Not valid on previous purchases or with other discounts. No cash value. |
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Nature Journal Academy: Evergreens, Cones & Birds (Online)
Thursday, February, 11, 2021 10:00-11:00 a.m. Virtual live program hosted on Zoom
Suggested for ages 5-12 together with an adult
Winter is when evergreens are at their most beautiful. Not every tree can keep its leaves during the Minnesota winter, and not every bird can survive the cold weather. Let's look closely at the adaptations that make this possible! Together online, we'll:
- Draw and observe evergreen needles and cones
- Explore the connections between birds and trees
- Try a simple pine cone experiment and practice making predictions
- Exchange ideas and experiences with other families
Learning Objectives:
- Visit your tree multiple times to notice how it changes over time
- Practice the scientific skill of data collection
- Learn about adaptations trees and birds use to survive
- Use math to understand the ways plants grow
How it works
- Your instructor, Reba, will email registered participants one week before the session with your instructions and pre-class outdoor nature observation + nature walk collecting list.
- Click the link Reba provides to join the live program via Zoom.
Limit 15 families, Virtual portion of the program hosted on Zoom. Registered participants will receive a link to join.

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$20/family using the same computer
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Nature Journal Academy: Mapping Maple Syrup (Online)
Thursday, March 11, 2021 10:00-11:00 a.m. Virtual live program hosted on Zoom
Suggested for ages 5-12 together with an adult
Sweet Maple syrup begins its journey to your mouth in March when the weather begins to thaw. Nature journaling can help us keep track of this delicious process! Together online, we'll:
- Learn about how maple sap becomes maple syrup
- Make a landscape drawing
- Practice make drawings that help identify trees
- Exchange ideas and experiences with other families
Learning Objectives:
- Visit your tree multiple times to notice how it changes over time
- Practice the scientific skill of data collection
- Interpret and analyze real-world data to make a conclusion
How it works
- Your instructor, Reba, will email registered participants one week before the session with your instructions and pre-class outdoor nature observation + nature walk collecting list.
- Click the link Reba provides to join the live program via Zoom.
Limit 15 families, Virtual portion of the program hosted on Zoom. Registered participants will receive a link to join.

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$20/family using the same computer
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Nature Journal Academy: Looking for Lichen (Online)
Thursday, April 8, 2021 10:00-11:00 a.m. Virtual live program hosted on Zoom
Suggested for ages 5-12 together with an adult
April showers bring...brightly colored lichen in Minnesota! Most trees and flowers haven't started blooming yet, which makes it a great time to look closely at these special creatures. Together online, we'll:
- Learn about the fungi and algae that work together to make lichen
- Practice drawing in multiple scales
- Play a plant and animal survival game
- Exchange ideas and experiences with other families
Learning Objectives:
- Visit your tree multiple times to notice how it changes over time
- Practice the scientific skill of data collection
- Learn about how different organisms compete and work together in nature
How it works
- Your instructor, Reba, will email registered participants one week before the session with your instructions and pre-class outdoor nature observation + nature walk collecting list.
- Click the link Reba provides to join the live program via Zoom.
Limit 15 families, Virtual portion of the program hosted on Zoom. Registered participants will receive a link to join.

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$20/family using the same computer
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Nature Journal Academy: Spring Buds (Online)
Thursday, May 13, 2021 10:00-11:00 a.m. Virtual live program hosted on Zoom
Suggested for ages 5-12 together with an adult
Pay close attention or you might miss Spring in Minnesota. In this class, we'll take a look at how trees use buds to get a jump start on spring. Together online, we'll:
- Practice making nature drawings without looking
- Learn why trees make buds and watch them open at super speed
- Create a folding tree bud book
- Exchange ideas and experiences with other families
Learning Objectives:
- Visit your tree multiple times to notice how it changes over time
- Practice the scientific skill of data collection
- Understand that buds are an adaptation that plants use to survive
- Make a scientific model
How it works
- Your instructor, Reba, will email registered participants one week before the session with your instructions and pre-class outdoor nature observation + nature walk collecting list.
- Click the link Reba provides to join the live program via Zoom.
Limit 15 families, Virtual portion of the program hosted on Zoom. Registered participants will receive a link to join.

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$20/family using the same computer
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FAQs
Can I bring a non-participating sibling? If the sibling will be using any supplies (eating snacks, planting projects, etc), then they should pay and register. If the sibling is purely accompanying, will not be using any supplies, nor will be a distraction to the group, they are welcome to attend for free.
To reserve a private Field Trip for your home school group: Browse and register using our Field Trip Guide and online request form. (12 or more paid participants required for a private group booking)
Questions? Arboretum Education Office Mon - Fri, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.* arbedu@umn.edu 612-301-1210* *We are temporarily working from home during Covid-19, we may return phone messages from a home phone
Cancellations & Exchanges Cancellation policy COVID-19 Class Updates
Waitlist The best chance of being enrolled in a sold out class is to add your name to the waitlist. Click the orange "waitlist" button next to the class and complete the form. There is no obligation to register if a spot opens. If the waitlist shows enough demand, additional sessions may be added.
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