Red Butte Garden is happy to offer Botany Bins and Boxes at no cost for teachers and students statewide at K-12 publicly funded schools (public and charter).
Botany Boxes
Grades K-4
These single use kits are mailed directly to your school and include real plant samples, scientific tools, and journals that students get to keep. Each module supports SEEd standards by presenting students with a phenomenon to explore through investigation and experimentation. See below for information on our Botany Box modules for grades K-4.
Grow Lab
These materials support SEEd standard: 1.2.1
Students design and carry out their own investigations to find out what plants need to survive as they grow and care for Wisconsin Fast Plants. These plants complete their life cycle, from seed to seed, in 40 days in your classroom. Fast plants require a 24-hour fluorescent or LED lighting system. If you don't have your own adjustable lighting system, check out how to make one here. If you have any questions or would like to know when Red Butte will be holding a workshop where you can receive a grow kit, please email botanybins@redbutte.utah.edu.
Seed Sleuths
These materials support SEEd standards: 2.2.3, 3.2.4, 4.1.1
Students work to unravel the mystery of seeds by investigating and experimenting with a variety of seed samples and their fruits. With the help of their detective journals, phenomenon videos (3rd & 4th), and magnifying glasses, students explore the scientific process and learn about seed structures, dispersal, and survival needs.
Tree Detectives
These materials support SEEd standards: K.2.1, 1.2.1, 3.2.3
Students become detectives as they work to save a grove of trees. Their detective journal and phenomenon videos and pictures help the students break the code hidden in tree rings, using their own magnifying tool and tree cookie (slice of a tree trunk).
Botany Bins
Botany Bins are located at Red Butte Garden, district offices, and service centers statewide. Check which Bins are available at locations near you.
Grades: 2 & 6
The Botany Bin program offers plant science teacher resources that include unique materials and curriculum that support SEEd standards through hands-on explorations. The Botany Bins are available for 3-week loans at no-cost to Utah public and charter school teachers. See below for information on our Botany Bin modules.
Polleneighbors
2nd grade SEEd standards 2.2.1-3
The Polleneighbors Bin is filled with 3D printed pollen, digital microscopes, and preserved flowers and pollinators from Red Butte Garden. You and your 2nd graders will dive into plant structures, functions, and patterns alongside discussions and research on pollinators and habitats. With three lessons covering SEEd Standards 2.2.1-2.2.3, this bin equips you with innovative resources to nurture your young scientists.
Patterns & Partnerships
6th grade SEEd standards 6.4.1-5
The Patterns & Partnerships Bin is filled with phenomenon-based, 3D investigations and lesson plans that explore Utah’s mountain ecosystems. Covering all 5 of the 6th grade life science SEEd standards, this bin includes customizable curriculum, over 100 specimens, drone footage, scientific tools, and more!