Workshop topics include:

Project: Earth Care
Understand and apply the earth-friendly practices of “the three Rs.” Students work in teams to learn about composting, recycling, and alternative power sources and engage in a plan to make a difference in their world.

To view the “Project: Earth Care” pre-visit materials, click here.

Soil to Seed to Plant
Life cycles come alive in this interactive study of plants that focuses on the importance of soil, seeds and how they travel, and the elements plants need for survival. Students visit Hidden Hollow’s worm farm and learn about how worms help plants grow. Each child has a chance to plant their own seedling to take home.

To view the “Soil to Seed to Plant” pre-visit materials, click here.

Forest Floor Investigation
Students delve into the layers of the forest floor looking for decomposers, visit with our composting worm friends, and dissect a log—all while reviewing the key elements that all animals need for survival.

To view the “Forest Floor Investigation” pre-visit materials, click here.

Botanical Bonanza
This program uses three areas of the museum’s grounds to introduce students to botanical concepts such as flower, plant and tree structures, functions, and uses through hands-on activities. Teachers may select two of the three topics listed below to explore during this 75-minute lesson. (Note: Due to the seasonal nature of this program, it is available May 15–October 30)

Plants: Introduces plant parts and their uses, and includes a sensory investigation with herbs.
Flowers: Explores the flower’s role in reproduction through dissection and cataloging activities.
Trees: Introduces the structure and the many uses of trees and includes a problem-solving challenge.

To view the “Botanical Bonanza” pre-visit materials, click here.

Autos and Assembly Lines
Jump back in time and take a job on Henry Ford’s moving assembly line. Students examine models of the six simple machines—the pulley, lever, wedge, wheel and axle, inclined plane, and screw—and look for correlating examples on the 1913 Model T automobile. A discussion of Ford’s innovative use of the moving assembly line helps students explore how machines can help people do their work faster and better. The lesson culminates in a Lego challenge where students form teams, become workers on an assembly line, and try to improve their efficiency as they build Lego cars.

To view the “Autos and Assembly Lines” pre-visit materials, click here.

Creating a Nation
Following an introduction that sets the stage for the Revolutionary War by examining Boston’s people, businesses and trade, students explore the daily life and uniform of a soldier as they read period journal entries and examine authentic and reproduction artifacts that provide participants with an understanding of the hardships faced by the Continental soldier.

To view the “Creating a Nation” pre-visit materials, click here.

Art Detective
Discover the artwork of Norman Rockwell in this new program designed to introduce the creative process. Rockwell’s work captured pivotal moments within a story. Students investigate a piece of his artwork, examining clues to uncover the story it tells while learning about the elements of art and the principles of design. The experience culminates with students creating their own work of art using what they learned to illustrate a defining moment in their own story.

To view the “Art Detective” pre-visit materials, click here.

Note: This program will be available beginning May 2012.