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. Our guided tours are targeted 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. Review the guided tours we offer below and requetn one by email
to Education Coordinator Lacey Pacheco lpacheco@Ag.arizona.edu,
or call Lacey at 520.689.2723.
We offer a wide range of tours throughuot the Fall and Winter including once-a-month tours interpreting Edible/Medicinal
Desert Plants, also Plants-of-the-Bible, and during summertime months we offer "Learn Your Lizards"
guided walking tours, guided butterfly and dragonfly walks. More detail on all of these
can be found below
read more
on the EVENTS page.
In this age of accountability a
teacher's ability to take their class on field trips is greatly limited.
The Arboretum is far more than a destination for your students, our goal is
to be an extension of your class. And we invite 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
Every year we invite homeschooling families to gather and experience education programs at the Arboretum!
Admission fees for Homeschool Days are
$1.00 per Pre-Kindergarten - High School student. (Ages 4-18)
$1.00 per adult limit two adults per family: additional adults $9.00 each.
Pre-registration and payment for Homeschool Days is required and is non-refundable.
Space is limited. Families are asked to reserve in person at the Arboretum Admissions Window or by phone: 520-689-2723, no later than one week prior to each tour.
2013 Tour Schedule - All tours begin at 10 a.m.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013 - Trees The Arboretum is a natural fit for the study of trees. This tour teaches students about basic tree physiology, or in other words how trees work, plant classification, and even some mathematics with our treeometry activities. (2 hours)
Wednesday, March 13, 2013 - Arizona Join us for this special tour that highlights the many unique and wonderful attributes of Arizona, including geology, edible plants, state symbols, and habitats. (2 hours)
Wednesday, April 10, 2013 - Plants of the Bible The Arboretum is home to several plants directly and indirectly named in the Bible.
This tour will take you back to Biblical times! (2 hours) )