Red Butte Garden is happy to offer Botany Bins and Boxes for teachers and students at K-12 publicly funded schools (public and charter) thanks to funding from the Utah State Legislature through the iSEE program.
Botany Boxes
Click here to have a single use Botany Box mailed to your school.
Grades K-4
These single use kits include real plant samples, magnifying tools, and journals that students get to keep. Each module supports SEEd standards by presenting students with a phenomenon to explore through investigation and experimentation. See below for information on our two Botany Box modules that enhance science standards for grades K-4.
Grow Lab
These materials support SEEd standard: 1.2.1
Students design and carry out their own investigations to find out what plants need to survive as they grow and care for Wisconsin Fast Plants. These plants complete their life cycle, from seed to seed, in 40 days in your classroom. Fast plants require a 24-hour fluorescent or LED lighting system. If you don't have your own adjustable lighting system, check out how to make one here. If you have any questions or would like to know when Red Butte will be holding a workshop where you can receive a grow kit, please email botanybins@redbutte.utah.edu.
Seed Sleuths
These materials support SEEd standards: 2.2.3, 3.2.4, 4.1.1
Students work to unravel the mystery of the stolen seeds by investigating and experimenting with a variety of seed samples and their fruits. With the help of their detective journal, optional videos, and magnifying glass, students explore the scientific process and learn about seed dispersal and survival needs.
Tree Detectives
These materials support SEEd standards: K.2.1, 1.2.1, 3.2.3
Students become detectives as they work to save a grove of trees. Their detective journal and optional videos help the students break the code hidden in tree rings, using their own magnifying tool and tree cookie (slice of a tree trunk).
Botany Bins
Check which Bins are available at locations near you.
Click here to request a loan of a Botany Bin for your classroom.
Grades: 2 & 6
The Botany Bin program offers botany-based teacher resources that include activities, materials, and curriculum that enhances SEEd standards through hands-on explorations. The Botany Bins are available for 3-week loans at no-cost to Utah public and charter school teachers. See below for information on our Botany Bin modules.
Look out for upcoming Botany Bins designed to enhance your grade level.Botany Bin Locations
Polleneighbors
2nd grade SEEd standards 2.2.1-3
The Polleneighbors Bin is filled with 3D printed pollen, digital microscopes, and preserved flowers and pollinators from Red Butte Garden. You and your 2nd graders will dive into plant structures, functions, and patterns alongside discussions and research on pollinators and habitats. With three lessons covering SEEd Standards 2.2.1-2.2.3, this bin equips you with innovative resources to nurture your young scientists.
Patterns & Partnerships
6th grade SEEd standards 6.4.1-5
The Patterns & Partnerships Bin is filled with phenomenon-based, 3D investigations and lesson plans that explore Utah’s mountain ecosystems. Covering all 5 of the 6th grade life science SEEd standards, this bin includes customizable curriculum, over 100 specimens, drone footage, scientific tools, and more!