According to the NC Department of Public Instruction, in the 2022-23 school year, 38% of Forsyth County students were not proficient in science, exceeding the state average of 32%. Field trips are a useful supplement to classroom instruction. Experiential learning while on a field trip is linked to improved student performance in the plant sciences (Bauerle and Park 2012). NC essential science standards for third graders include plant science topics, which can be reinforced through activities in a garden.

N.C. Cooperative Extension, Forsyth County Center, offered its Youth Education Program for third grade students in March 2024. Over four days, 674 third grade students attended the program at the Arboretum at Tanglewood Park. Students participated in experiential lessons about composting, soil, seeds, and carnivorous plants. Extension staff and Master Gardener volunteers taught each lesson which addressed third grade science standards. 65 volunteers and staff members contributed a total of 576 hours of their time. Horticulture Agent Leslie Rose also provided a website containing supplemental information and activities related to concepts covered during the program, so that teachers could reinforce these concepts in the classroom. (View the supplemental information here.) While visiting the Arboretum, students were asked quiz questions to test their science knowledge. Teachers also responded to a follow-up evaluation to gather more information on students retention of knowledge and specific successes.

Through their participation in Youth Education, students gained knowledge of plants and gained critical thinking skills while investigating soil, seeds, and observing adaptations of carnivorous plants. Students also enjoyed time outdoors. One teacher commented, “the students LOVED working with worms. Some of these kids never get to explore nature like this.” After participating, 77% of the students responded correctly to questions demonstrating their knowledge of plant science. All teachers agreed that the lessons helped them meet NC Essential Science standards. Ten of the teachers spent time in the classroom using the supplemental materials provided on the website, spending a total of 25 hours with their students reviewing the information. A teacher said that her students “were always excited when the vocabulary we had studied (like germination) was used in a station… It was fun to see them connect our class learning to real life.”

We look forward to offering this program for more third graders in 2025!