Be a plant investigator! Students on Self-Guided Exploration field trips and families visiting with children can take advantage of the U.S. Botanic Garden’s plant passports, field journals, and more to make their visit participatory, fun, and educational.
Print at home in advance of your visit or inquire about these resources when you arrive. (Large groups should plan to print these guides in advance of visiting, and some resources are only available at the Garden seasonally.)
Resources for Younger Visitors
Plant Passport – Plant Parts
Using this passport, young visitors explore our Conservatory to find seven different plants and learn about plant parts and function. Allow 30-45 minutes for this activity. Preview and print.
Plant Passport – Plants and Food
Using this passport, young visitors explore our Conservatory to learn where many of our foods come from and discover which part of the plants we eat. Allow 30-45 minutes for this activity. Preview and print.
For Readers of All Ages
Regional Garden Field Journal
Using this field journal, students explore our native plant collection in our outdoor Regional Garden. Students learn about native plants and observe plants in different seasons. Allow 30-45 minutes for this activity. Preview and print.
Bartholdi Gardens Field Journal
Using this guide, students explore Bartholdi Gardens and learn about native plants and the resources they provide to humans, wildlife, and the environment; sustainability features like rain gardens and water conservation; and environmentally friendly material choices. Allow 45-60 minutes for this activity. Preview and print.
Plant Explorer’s Field Journal – Conservatory
Using this guide, students explore the Conservatory and learn about the U.S. Exploring Expedition (1838-42) during which scientists collected both living plants and pressed specimens and discover plants from around the world to include three plants descended from the Expedition. Allow 45-60 minutes for this activity. Preview and print.