Education Programs

Youth Education

An environmental education and arts-integrated science curriculum offered to school districts sets The Green Center apart from other local cultural and science organizations.

The Green Center offers outdoor classrooms that enable students to learn about the natural world through inquiry-based programming. Whether students are investigating the prairie, forest or wetland, they will receive a hands-on experience that will encourage them to observe and explore. In addition, Scouts can earn badges through field experiences at The Green Center.

Below are just a few general topics of programs that we offer.  We can customize a program to support educational needs.  All programs are available to students of all ages in any school or organized group. 

Field Experiences

Wetland Ecology Insects
Prairie Ecology (fall only) Ecosystem Plot Studies
Forest Ecology Letterboxing
Keying Out Tress-Classficiation Geodesic Greenhouse Growing
Prairie By Design (fall only) Missouri Rocks: Geology
Pollination Appreciation Discovery Garden Exploration

Program Time: 2 hours

Cost: $7 per student    Chaperones are free of charge.

“Nature Play” Programs

Class in Session

"Nature play" programs reconnect children to nature and offer them experiences to explore, discover and interact with the natural environment.  Connecting children to nature has beneficial effects on a child's health, development and well being.  Many programs will take place in our Discovery Garden which became a certified Nature Explore Classroom in 2011!

(These programs can also be scheduled separately with school or organized groups.) 

 

2013 Spring Programs

GREEN THUMBS UP!

Tuesday, March 26  (ages *4-5)       Wednesday, March 27 (ages 6-7)

It's never too early to discover a green thumb for planting!  Explore our greenhouse, learn how plants grow and plant a seed for your spring garden.

TRAIL TREKKING

Tuesday, April 02 (ages *4-5)        Wednesday, April 03 (ages 6-7)

Hike our forest trail to discover what belongs in the forest and what does not.  Use your observations skills to complete the trek!

INSECT SAFARI

Tuesday, April 09 (ages *4-5)              Wednesday, April 10 (ages 6-7)

Students will use investigation tools to go on a "safari" for insects in our outdoor spaces!  And will create an insect to take home. 

I SPY...A MYSTERY!

Tuesday, April 16 (ages *4-5)              Wednesday, April 17 (ages 6-7)

Follow clues to figure out where to find nature's hidden treasure!  Use a journal that you will create to record clues and treasures that you discover.

WILL YOU SPEAK FOR THE TREES?

Tuesday, April 23 (ages *4-5)             Wednesday, April 24 (ages 6-7)

Find out the importance of trees by reading "The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss and discover the different kinds of trees around the Center.

GARDEN PARTY

Tuesday, April 30 (*ages 4-5)              Wednesday, May 01 (ages 6-7)

You are invited to a party in our garden!  Join us for tea and treats made out of plants from our gardens and meet our special secret guest!

NATURE BINGO

Tuesday, May 07 (*ages 4-5)            Wednesday, May 08 (ages 6-7)

Play bingo with nature!  Use your senses to win a prize!

Time:  3:45-5:00pm

Cost:  $8 per student/ program (includes all materials)

Payment must be received in advance of the registered class.

 Pre-registration is required for each program!

 

*Parent/Guardian must stay on site with children 4 & 5 years old. 

  Programs will occur outdoors.  Please dress children appropriately for the weather.

 

To register for a class, contact:  Kathleen Evans at  314-725-8314 X 105 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

General Information

Location

Classes meet at The Green Center, 8025 Blackberry Avenue, in University City, MO 63130. (Unless otherwise specified).

Participation

Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. There is no charge for adult chaperones and scout leaders.

Registration

To schedule a field experience or if you would like more information, please call (314) 725-8314 x 105 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Forest Class Wetland Class