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.
Spring 2023 Programs
Delaware Master Gardeners (MGs) is pleased to announce their Spring schedule. 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!
- Each program is only available during the time indicated with its description.
- 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. 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.
Schedule a Program
Please complete the program request form and 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
The Buzz on Bees Gr. 1-2; indoors; March—May; 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; March—May; 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; March—May; 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; April—May; 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: Beverly Booth-Jones, Megan Grubbs, Melody Kasprzak.