Master Gardener Junior Gardener Program
Junior Gardener Program
The purpose of the Junior Gardener program is to engage young learners in grades K-3 with environmental science and horticultural programs designed to complement Delaware State Science Education standards.
This in-the-schools program reaches about 3,000 students each year through the efforts of the Master Gardeners, a group of experienced gardeners with additional training in home horticulture with an environmental sensitivity, as well as training in developing and using teaching materials and techniques specifically targeted toward young learners.
Delaware Master Gardeners (MGs) is pleased to announce their Junior Gardener programs. MGs will come to your school to engage young learners with environmental science and horticulture programs designed to complement Delaware State Science Education standards. Contact us right away to schedule a program for your class!
- Junior Gardener programs are FREE!
- Please read and complete the program request form. A MG instructor will contact you to schedule your program and discuss equipment needs.
- Each program is approximately 45-50 minutes in length unless otherwise indicated.
- It is necessary for teachers to be in the classroom to monitor the conduct of their students during the presentation. If a teacher is not present, the class will not be conducted. Please see Suggested Guidelines for Teachers.
Schedule a Program
Please complete the program request form linked above.
An instructor will contact you to schedule your program and discuss equipment needs.
Forms can be submitted via e-mail to Harolyn Temeng, htemeng@udel.edu
with the subject heading: "JG Request", by fax (302-831-8934) or mail it to:
Junior Gardener Program
UD Cooperative Extension
461 Wyoming Road, Room 131
Newark, Delaware 19716
Program Options
TThe Buzz on Bees Gr. 1-2; indoors; 45-50 minute program
Students will learn about the life cycle of honeybees, the pollination process, the many jobs that bees perform in a beehive, and the importance of bees to the environment. The amazing array of beekeeping tools, clothing and equipment will also be demonstrated. The importance of honeybees and other pollinating insects in our environment will be stressed. Since it is known that pollinating insects are at risk, conservation methods as simple as planting sunflowers and allowing some dandelions in a lawn will be suggested. Instructors: Sherie Stiles and Ellen Pell
Insect Detectives Gr. 1-3; outdoors; 45-50 minute program
Students will explore the school grounds in search of insects, spiders, and other tiny creatures. Children will catch, identify, and record their finds using nets, specimen jars, and log sheets. Instructor: Sherie Stiles
Life Cycles of Butterflies Gr. 2-3; indoors; one-hour program
Students will learn about the life stages of butterflies, and how structure and function differ with each stage. This program will compare and contrast monarchs with black swallowtails, spicebush swallowtails, and painted lady butterflies. Instructors: Ellen Hahn, Fred Mann, Ellen Pell, Sande Taylor, and Ed Vacek
The Living Tree House Gr. K-1; indoors; 30-40 minute program; mornings preferred
Students will learn about the importance of trees for a healthy environment and for providing the food that we eat. The environmental aspects of this program include the use of wood products and the effects of trees on forest animals. The parts of a tree are reviewed and the class will play a mini-forest game. If time permits, the program concludes with drawing a tree with animals illustrating what they have learned. Instructor: Megan Grubbs and Melody Kasprzak (For this program only, we are piloting online sign up. After the program request form is submitted and reviewed, the instructors will contact you with a link to schedule this program online).
Suggested Guidelines for Teachers
Thank you for your interest in the Delaware Master Gardeners’ Junior Gardener Program. We are so excited to come to your school because we thoroughly enjoy sharing our knowledge of nature with the kids.
To help ensure a successful program, we need your help! Your interest, and engagement, in the program is just as important as that of the kids. For this reason, we ask that you stay in the classroom and participate along with your students. It’s helpful if you’re paying attention, encouraging the kids to participate, and helping to manage any disruptions. If possible, set aside your phone/computer while your visitors are there.
We want your students to have the best possible experience. You know your students best and you have the classroom management skills needed to help us deliver a successful program for all. We depend on your participation and support.
Thank you. We look forward to presenting our program to your class.