Boyce Thompson Arboretum: Education - Educational Tours in Arizona

Boyce Thompson Arboretum: Education
37615 U.S. Highway 60
Superior, AZ 85273

520.689.2723

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 Chris Kline ckline@Ag.arizona.edu. 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 are arranged with Education Coordinator Chris Kline. 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, Plants 101 for children in kindergarten and second grade, 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). We also continue to sponsor the Southwest Monarch Butterfly Study which gives students at all grade levles different opportunities to participate in real scientific research.

To arrange a guided tour for students please choose at least two separate dates and call Education Coordinator Chris Kline at 520.689.2723 or correspond with Chris by email at ckline@Ag.arizona.edu

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.

Plants 101 (grades 1 - 2)
Students will learn how plants, animals, people, and the non-living world all work together to sustain life.

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: December 3 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.; then again January 30, March 18 and April 10
Each school year we invite homeschool families to gather and experience Arboretum education programs. December 3 participants are offered the "Plants of the Bible" tour starting at 10 a.m., then on Friday, January 30 (2009) the "Arizona Tour" at 10:00 a.m. March 18, 2009 (a Wednesday) is the "Trees" tour at 10:00 a.m. and the final homeschool day will be April 10 (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

© 2003 Arizona Board of Regents