Seeds of Science
Annual 4th grade field trips to MSU offer an engaging way to learn about plants and other living things.
Each year the OEF provides financial support, which includes transportation and admittance, for every fourth grade student to attend MSU’s Seeds of Science field trip. This is a hands-on experience that aligns with our fourth grade science curriculum.
At the heart of Seeds of Science are curiosity and wonder. Everything that happens before, during and after the field trip to the 4-H Children’s Gardens is designed to come from curiosity and wonder. It is our firm belief that if we can generate and encourage curiosity and wonder in our visitors, the specific content knowledge will follow. Students that are curious and wonder about the activities they are engaged in will meet and exceed our expectations. They will make connections that we have not thought about and they will connect science to their daily lives in meaningful ways. Basically, they will be scientists.
- Everything starts with questions and then students are encouraged to explore to find answers
- Extended time in the garden. Seeds of Science visits last all day and are three visits long.
- Students do “authentic experiments” – experiments that are the same as, or very closely modeled after, the experiments that scientists at Michigan State University are doing.
- Elegant technology integration. We use a variety of technologies to enhance and expand the hands-on experiences in the garden.
This is a shift in how many have experienced science and in our understanding of what science is. Science arises from student interests and questions, science is important to their daily lives, science is interesting and fun and students can connect directly to university scientists. Science becomes practiced doing and learning together.
The Okemos Education Foundation is proud to be able to fund these valuable learning experiences for every 4th grade class. Thank you to the Okemos Education Foundation for your generous support!