A BEEutiful Day at Longwood Gardens

In conjunction with this year's All-School Unit theme of "Bees," grades two through five spent the day at Longwood Gardens to take part in the Operation Pollination program.  We couldn't have asked for a more BEEutiful day weather-wise, and the students were a-BUZZ with excitement as they boarded the buses!

Putting all puns aside . . . the day's activities were a truly wonderful way for students to learn about bees and other pollinators, as well as the importance of pollination in our ecosystem, while enjoying the rich beauty of the gardens.  Guided by Longwood Gardens educators, the students explored various flower and vegetable gardens, identified a range of insects and elements that carry out this crucial process, pollinated flowers with wands that they created out of pipe cleaners, and ran relay races while acting like various creatures.  

Following a lunch that included (ironically) some pesky bees, students spent some quiet time sketching bees and architectural features of the Peirce-duPont House (home of the Quaker family that farmed the land as far back as the early 18th century), explored a tree house, viewed a demonstration hive, and strolled through the meadows.

One purpose of the All-School Unit is for children across grade levels to have common experiences around a single theme.  With more than half of our school on this trip, that goal was certainly achieved.

As we made our way to the buses for our return trip, a Longwood Gardens staff person commented that our students were "impressive," and told me that another guest had said, "That is the quietest school group I've ever seen.  I want to send my kids to that school."  I proudly told her where we were from!  Upon our return, a fourth grader said it was a "great day, with great bees, and beautiful flowers."  Yes, it was.

Please enjoy this slideshow of images from the day which illustrates the day perhaps better than any written words.