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Programs for Teachers and Students

Dear Educator,

Welcome to the world of BBG! Our professional staff of informal educators has developed a wide range of opportunities specifically for teachers and school students in our city. We have a full suite of field trip offerings for classes visiting the Garden. Whether you're looking for a complete workshop package led by our on-site educators or would simply like to explore our amazing plant collections from around the world at your own pace, we can provide the level of support that will best meet your needs. Guides trained to lead Garden tours, education greenhouses specially equipped for children's planting exercises, and activity guides to enhance your self-guided visit are among the many resources we have to offer.

We have an online procedure to preregister your class before you come to tour the Garden on your own. The admission for school groups is free, but preregistration assures your group quality access to our collections and facilities on the date you've selected. Go online to bbg.org/childrensgroups, and be sure to plan ahead to get the widest selection of available dates.

Our award-winning Project Green Reach program provides an entire semester of learning opportunities for Title I schools in Brooklyn. Enrolled classes receive an in-class botany lesson, a Garden tour, teacher training, and plants and tools for a community horticultural project at a minimal cost.

We have many programs designed for middle school teachers and students, including eight workshop topics and the Project Green Reach program. BBG is a partner in the Urban Advantage Initiative for NYC public schools, providing training and support for grades 7–8 science teachers and students. For more information, check the website, urbanadvantagenyc.org. Middle school students interested in pursuing an education or career in science, horticulture, or the environment may apply for a yearlong internship in our Garden Apprentice program or consider attending Brooklyn Academy of Science and the Environment (BASE), a small public high school supported by community partners, BBG, and Prospect Park Alliance.

The Garden has much to offer teachers and students throughout the year. So whether you come for a workshop, a tour, or teacher training, we encourage you and your students to visit often and "bring the Garden back to your school" by growing plants in your classroom or schoolyard and integrating this experience into your curricula.

The opportunities are boundless!

Marilyn Smith
Director of Children's Education