By Felicia Henderson
STEM Education Manager
Education at Bellingrath Gardens & Home offers a unique opportunity to blend outdoor learning with the serene environment of a beautiful garden. Our educational programs and events are not just about imparting knowledge; they provide hands-on experiences that help both youth and adults develop a deeper connection to nature. Research has shown that spending time in gardens can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being. At Bellingrath, we believe in fostering teamwork, cooperation, and social interaction through curiosity and inquiry-based learning. Education in our gardens is a powerful way to integrate experiential learning, environmental education, and holistic development.
We are excited to expand our certified-educator-led programs and events to provide even better learning opportunities in our gardens. Here’s a glimpse of what we offer:
Cultivate: Growing STEM Educators
“Cultivate” is a statewide CEU-certified teacher development program based on plant science and literacy. It provides Alabama’s K-6 educators with the tools, foundation, and lesson plans needed to inspire and engage students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Since April, we have conducted six “Cultivate” sessions, and we plan to offer more, including one on November 8. To help educators learn more about our educational programs and events, we are hosting a K-6 STEM Educator Appreciation Evening on September 26.
K – 6 Youth STEM Camps
During the summer, a certified educator led 3 different week-long day camps. Children learned about plants, insects, and creatures that inhabit Bellingrath Gardens and the surrounding areas, and they were given opportunities to observe, explore, and dive into hands-on activities that fostered critical thinking and problem-solving skills through STEM activities. During the summer, we also took lessons and STEM challenges from Cultivate: Growing STEM Educators curriculum to share with students during their summer school programs at Mary B. Austin Elementary and Eichold Mertz Magnet School.
Youth NatureNauts Field Trips
Our Youth NatureNauts field trips provide an immersive learning experience beyond the classroom. Students from public and private schools, as well as home schools, can participate in self-guided field trips featuring scavenger hunts and a Math Workshop. We are also designing educator-led workshops that align with National and Alabama Science Standards. Educators are welcome to reach out via email at [email protected] with specific workshop requests.
K-6 NatureNauts Academy
Starting in September, we are launching the K-6 NatureNauts Academy, which offers monthly 2-hour nature science workshops. These workshops are designed to inspire and educate young minds through interactive STEM challenges and hands-on activities.
Want to Make a Difference? Volunteer with Us!
Are you passionate about making a difference in a child’s life? We are currently seeking volunteers to help lead our educator-created workstations during our monthly NatureNauts Academy. For more information, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Jack Pruitt, at (251) 873-1439 or email [email protected].
Join us at Bellingrath Gardens & Home for an enriching educational experience that combines the beauty of nature with the joy of learning!