Missouri Botanical Garden

A Stroll to the Carver Garden with “Dr. Carver”
Join Dr. George Washington Carver (as portrayed by Paxton Williams) for a stroll around the Carver Garden on October 17. As you walk, you will learn of the trials, tribulations, and ultimate triumph of the internationally-renowned scientist, educator, and humanitarian born into slavery in Diamond Grove, Missouri. Learn how the native plants and flowers inspired a young George and how they taught him valuable lessons about the human condition. You will see how art, nature, music and poetry influenced his scientific endeavors and you will also have the chance to explore your own creativity! Dr. Carver will be joined by a Garden Educator.

Paxton Williams is the director of outreach for the George Washington Carver Birthplace Association and has portrayed Dr. Carver nearly 300 times across the United States and in England.

This event is presented in conjunction with other Carver Day festivities at the Garden.

Date: Saturday, October 17, 2009
Time:10 –11:30 am
Location: Missouri Botanical Garden
Cost: Free
Reservations are required by October 14. E-mail tracie.cain@mobot.org.

Missouri Botanical Garden and Saint Louis Art Museum present
A Two Day Teacher Institute
A Journey Through Japanese Art, Gardens, Poetry, and History

Join us for an exciting collaboration with the Saint Louis Art Museum as we explore art, poetry, and the natural world. This two-day institute led by teachers will provide an in-depth, cross-curricular study of Japanese history and culture. The first day will be spent at the Missouri Botanical Garden, exploring garden design, aesthetics, travel, and poetry through on-site experiences in the 14-acre Seiwa-en Japanese Garden. The second day will take participants to the Saint Louis Art Museum, learning about the amazing art form of Japanese folding screens through the special exhibition Five Centuries of Japanese Screens: Masterpieces from the Saint Louis Art Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago. Through hands-on activities and guided discussions, participants will actively discover the rich connections among the art, literature, history, and garden design of Japan. Participants will also gain new ideas and teaching strategies to expand current art, world literature, and history offerings and to help develop memorable field trip experiences for your students.

Recommended for teachers of grades 4–12
Dates/Times: Friday, October 23, 2009; 8:30 am–2:30 pm &
Saturday, October 24, 2009: 10:00 am–2:00 pm
Locations: Missouri Botanical Garden and Saint Louis Art Museum
Cost: $50 registration fee
Pre-registration is required. Registration is through Saint Louis Art Museum. To register or for more information, e-mail teacherprograms@slam.org.

Shaw Nature Reserve

Join Shaw Nature Reserve and Missouri Department of Conservation staff for the following series of workshops. Contact Lydia Toth at lydia.toth@mobot.org or Jennifer Dierking at jennifer.dierking@mdc.mo.gov if you have questions.

Download SNR PD registration form.

The Wonders of Wetlands
Join us at Shaw Nature Reserve as we explore the wetland ecosystem. Learn about the plants and animals that live there and the special adaptations they have for surviving in this sometimes wet and sometimes dry environment. Other topics will include: birds of the wetlands, the functions of wetlands and the importance of the wetlands. Also visit a submerged flow septic system that utilizes the wetlands to purify water.

Teachers: Grades 4–8
Dates: Saturday, September 19, 2009
Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Shaw Nature Reserve
Fee: $30 (includes lunch)
Credit: Not available

Journey Through the Seasons (can be taken individually or as a series)

Spring Has Sprung — Studies to include: migrating birds, wildflowers and new season growth (April 18, 2009)

Summer is Here — Studies to include: butterflies, insects, weather (July 11, 2009)

Fantastic Fall — Studies to include: fall leaves, prairie plants and animal habitats (October 10, 2009)

Winter Ecology — Studies to include: hibernation, migration, dormancy or thriving in cold temperatures (January 9, 2010)

Teachers: Grades pre-K–2
Dates: See above
Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Shaw Nature Reserve
Fee: $15 each workshop; $50 for 4-part series
Credit: Graduate credit available for the 4-part series.

At the EarthWays Center

SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS
EarthWays Center offers a variety of professional development opportunities for educators and school administrators. Help jump start a green school initiative or learn about ways that your building can become more energy and resource efficient. Learn about a variety of ways that you can access and utilize resources, education materials, and the expertise of the EarthWays Center and its staff.

For more information: Contact EarthWays Center at (314) 577-0220 or earthways.center@mobot.org.