What can I learn?

LeafEducational programs for students from pre-school to upper secondary entitled "Planted."

On offer is a range of activities for students that are both fun and informative. From "find it" quizes to guided walks, presentations and hands-on learning - a memorable visit is guaranteed.

What do we have on offer?

Maya Harrison, Education Officer / Visitors Services Officer was previously well known in the community of Mackay as the Director / Teacher at the East Mackay Preschool and Kindergarten.

As a qualified educator…                                                                                                      
• She can provide exciting outdoor, real life, hands-on, minds-on, investigative learning opportunities.
• Link experiences at the Botanic Gardens so they complement and integrate with Education Queensland curricula.                               (Science, S.O.S.E, Art, Language, Maths, Culture and Identity.)
• Children will actively engage in learning activities designed to suit specific Prep, Primary and Secondary levels.

Planted… 

 Experiences range from…Self Guided Walks, Presentations, Informative Investigations…

  • Self-guided walks - why not use the Botanic Gardens simply for a fun day outdoors with your students? (Please do not forget to book)
  • Guided walks and tours - let our guides take your class on an informative tour linked to your current curriculum -
  • Fun visits - including interactive art workshops and physical adventures in the "Under the Banyan" Playgarden
  • Formal presentations for older students from local experts covering a diverse range of linkages - from best practice ecotourism, nature based studies, local wildlife and the importance of the environment to our urban areas

 2010 is the “Year of Biodiversity”  The Botanic Gardens illustrates this wonderfully through its Plant collection, Creatures and Cultural experiences.
 Plant Conservation Day is May 18th and the Botanic Gardens will have many activities featured for schools and the public on that day and during that week.
 E.g.*Threatened Species Guided walks


Other Investigations include
* Natural Composting… plus *Reduce, Reuse, Recycle               * Water…the Wonder thing…being Water-Wise
* Plant Connections and Plant Adaptations                                   * Wildlife Wonders… inspecting mini beasts.
* Drawing in… Nature                                                                   * The History of the Lagoons 
* Bush Tucker and Useful Plants.                                                 *Sustainable Societies and Endangered Species
*Turn over a New Leaf… Plant Biodiversity                                 * Hide and Seek Trails…what’s hides in the Gardens?


Please note…

Presentations, Guided Walks, Tours and Informative Investigations incur a fee of $3.50 per student.
Self Guided Activities… Free

 

Or…  We can help you devise learning experiences to suit your school, your children, your interests…
We can also acquaint you with the wealth of experiences the Botanic Gardens has to offer and thus assist with helping you organize your own self guided activities. Please feel free to arrange a meeting and/or a guided walk.


Can’t come to us…then we can come to you…

and create learning experiences in your spaces through our “Planted Elsewhere” Program.

We can visit your school and cover a variety of topics, including:

  • Discover the plants in your school grounds - natives, exotics and weeds - which plants support wildlife - even poisonous plants.
  • Design gardens for your school - we can assist with designing new native gardens or even ressurecting existing gardens - part of our "Learnscaping" program.

We ask of you...


Having introduced you to the powerful “living” resource of the Botanic Gardens, We ask that you…

• Please contact the Botanic Gardens for any planned School or Group visit. Even if you wish to be self-contained and do not require a guide or structured information, the Gardens staff needs to be aware of your visit. Maintenance like watering, mowing, pruning, whipper-snipping, and spraying could make the area you plan to visit inaccessible, events and functions may clash and wildlife may be ‘on the move’ in certain areas. If we know your plans, we can organize ground staff to fit around your desired timetable and site choice.
• Pass on this information to others who may be involved in Education.
• Allow us to come and speak to you, possibly at a staff meeting and share what the Botanic Gardens has to offer.

 

If there is anything that you wanted us to particularly talk about with the students please don't hesitate to contact the gardens. 

 

Art in the Gardens

Art has become an exciting and valuable component with student studies. Our Lagoons Gallery exhibitions and talks present art styled, inspired or influenced by nature, botany and culture. The Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens can offer your students exciting ways to further develop art and art appreciation with a ‘natural’ flavour:

  • Exhibition calendar – a range of local and touring exhibitions on display in our Visitor’s Centre
  • Discover Art - talks and presentations offered on site by local artists and clubs
  • Plein Air Art – have an outdoor nature based art session here in the Botanic Gardens - for all ages and abilities

All staff and Gardens Friends volunteers involved with school visits hold a Queensland Government Working with Children Positive Notice Blue Card for Child Related Employment.

To book a group or class into the Art in the Gardens program, contact the gardens.