Native Partners:  California Plants and California Indians – Grade 4 ONLY
Download the teacher packet.
California Indians had knowledge of the land that allowed them to survive.*  Although we cannot recreate their world, students can embrace their lessons about living with the land.  Students will participate in activities that demonstrate how California Indians selected, gathered, prepared and used a variety of native plants for food, medicine and basketry.  This augments 4th grade social studies curriculum on California Indians.
*Native Indians in California today still practice traditions and customs handed down through many generations.


A Bird’s Life: The Biology and Behavior of Birds – Grade 3 ONLY
It is commonplace to see students watching the activities of birds and sharing informal observations.  Our bird study program assist teachers in capitalizing on students’ interest in these fascinating and successful animals while addressing critical life science content standards for third grade.  The Garden’s diverse plant life attracts numerous bird species and offers students a wonderful opportunity to study them up close.  We engage students in the examination of the unique physical structures (feathers, bones, beaks, feet) and behaviors (flying, nesting, feeding) that allow birds to survive in diverse habitats.
By studying birds more formally, teachers can open a window into scientific inquiry.

Web of Life: The Study of Ecological Relationships & Diversity of Life Recommended for Grades 4 through 6
Many species of plants and animals that live in the Garden are involved in complex ecological relationships.  Students will investigate some of the specialized creatures that inhabit various ecosystems and learn about life cycles, food webs, energy flow, and interdependence among living organisms.