Garden Exploration at Bok Tower Gardens

for Teachers Grade K—5

Bok Tower Gardens

How to use the Garden Explorations Packets

Contents:

Teacher Packet Student Packet Page Page General Information 3 Planning Your Route 4 Preparing your Students 5 Things to Know About the Gardens 6 Student Activity Explanation & Content Information Lawn Detectives 7 2 Measuring Plants 8 3 Flowers 9 4 Leaf Rubbings 10 5 Leaf and Tree Investigations 11 6 Tower Observations 12 7 Plant Adaptations: Be a Super Sleuth! 13 8 Animals of the Gardens 14 9 Habitats of Bok Tower Gardens 15 10 Be a Scientist! 16 11 Edward W. Bok Legacy 17 12 Supplemental Activities Senses Observation Sheet 18 Habitat Hunt 19 Garden Expectations All students, teachers and chaperones have a wonderful, positive experience!

Materials or supplies to bring with you to enhance your students’ visit to Bok Tower Gardens:

Bok Tower Gardens

General Information

On February 1, 1929 President Calvin Coolidge dedicated the Gardens that Edward W. Bok had made as gift to the American people in gratitude for the opportunity they had given him. The Gardens are designed to reflect the native beauty of Florida: picturesque vistas and the seasonal color of azaleas, camellias and magnolias. There is much to explore in this remarkable Garden, but you may not know where to start. This exploration packet is intended to guide you and your class through the Gardens and to make the most of your visit! Two packets have been designed, one for you, the teacher, and the other for the student. For the student, the packet includes a simple observation activities asking the students to

pay close attention to some feature of the natural world, and to record their observations. For the teacher, the packet includes brief background content, suggested locations where to

conduct the activity, and learning objectives. The materials presented in the Student Packet are meant to help engage your students during your visit to the Gardens. You may wish to create a student notebook or folder to collect your students experiences, or modify which activities are most relevant to your grade level, curriculum requirements, student interests, or to build student teamwork. Please remember these activities are designed to foster observation—there is no right or wrong answer. Some children may begin to closely observe something other than what is described in the packet. And, that is perfectly ok! The garden is full of unpredictable surprises, and opportunities for observation which can never be anticipated but should be truly appreciated! It’s called a “teachable moment,” so be flexible when such an occurrence happens—it may turn out to be the best experience! Be certain to add a few blank pages for student creativity, individual observations, artistic possi-bility and writing talents!

Crayons

Pencils

Rulers

Magnifiers

Pencils

Clipboards

If you are unable to gather/borrow some of these items from science / art teachers, or leave them at school, Bok Tower Gardens may have a limited supply available for loan. You may contact the Education Department at (863) 734-1221.

Bok Tower Gardens

If you are unfamiliar with Bok Tower Gardens, you are welcome to visit our Gardens (on your own) before bringing your students. Your pre-visit will help you to prepare for when the students visit, what to expect upon arriving, where you can hold your activities, and explore areas of the garden you may find of particular interest to your students. At the Front Desk, you may obtain the Bok Tower Gardens Visitor Map & Guide and

the Garden Adventure Guide so as to plan the direction of your journey into the Gar-dens to begin your activities.

Places of interest: Visitor Center theatre, Visitor Center Exhibit Hall, Window by the

Pond, the Singing Tower, the Great Lawn, the Reflection Pond, St. Francis Garden, two rain shelters, seating near the Singing Tower, the Pine Ridge Nature Trail (Download the Pine Ridge Nature trail map from our website at

http://boktowergardens.org/tower-gardens/pine-ridge-nature-trail/). Picnic Area & play area near Olmsted House, and the Olmsted Lawn. Two other areas

of interest may be the Blue Palmetto Café, and the Gift & Plant Shop. Use the map to plot out where you would like to conduct your activities, along with

the suggested areas included in the activity descriptions. If your group would like to play active games, we recommend the picnic area across

form the Olmsted House. You will need to provide your own play equipment.

Encouraging Your Students to become Super Sleuths & Scientists!

Planning Your Route

To help your students prepare for their Garden visit

and exploration, please review the follow page to get

them thinking about actively participating during the

activities at the Gardens….

Bok Tower Gardens

Becoming a Super Sleuth & Scientist!

A visit to Bok Tower Gardens is a chance for students to become super sleuths and scientists through exploration and discovering the wonders of the natural world around them. Help your students get ready to make the most of their trip with the following activity. Introduce the concept of “super sleuth” or “scientist” to your students—a super sleuth or scientist is someone who explores the natural world by observing closely, thinking about what they observe, and coming up with ideas about what they discover. Every one of us can be a super sleuth - we all have special tools that can help us investigate the natural world. Divide children into small groups. Ask them to think about what tools we have in or on our bodies that we can use to explore the world around us. Each group can make a list of the tools they think of, or can draw pic-tures illustrating their ideas. Have each group share their results with the class, and compile their ideas in a large list or drawing.

Here are some suggestions—you and your class may think of others!

Eyes - counter, cameras

Noses - scent detectors

Fingers - tweezers, feelers

Hands - rulers, cups

Hair - wind detector

Memories - notebooks and pencils

Ears—tape recorders

Feet - transportation, rulers

Skin - thermometer

Bok Tower Gardens

Please share with your students and accompanying adults to practice appro-

priate garden etiquette, for their safety as well as the Gardens’.

To make you comfortable while visiting the Gardens, here are some helpful

tips:

THANK YOU FOR VISITING!

Enjoy Your Self-guided Journey!

Things to Know about Bok Tower Gardens

Restrooms are located at the Visitor Center, Café, Olmsted House and at

the Tower.

Follow paved pathways, mulched paths or use lawn areas for your students.

If you have any questions, please locate a staff member or gardener to assist

you with answering your questions.

We encourage you and your students to enjoy the Gardens to its fullest

potential. By allowing flowers to remain in place, all visitors may enjoy their

beauty. You may touch plants; all plants are safe to touch. You may pick up

plant parts that have fallen to the ground.

Be a wildlife observer! Treat all animals you see, from insects and spiders to

squirrels and birds, with respect – you are visiting their home.

You may enjoy feeding our Koi! We provide coin feed dispensers with pelleted

food for the Koi near the Tower Moat and the Reflection Pond.

Make memories and take photos throughout your visit to the Gardens.

Engage with other visitors of the Gardens. Share what you have seen, or your

experience during your visit!

Enjoy the tranquility of the Gardens, and keep loud voices to a minimum out of

respect for other Garden visitors and wildlife.

Please bring a picnic lunch to enjoy with your students before leaving the

Gardens. Help keep the Gardens as lovely as when your arrived.

Bok Tower Gardens

WHERE? This activity can be done in any of the lawn areas in the Gardens. WHAT? The students will closely observe the variety of plants found in the lawn, then record their findings and observations. If you wish, you can provide students with small ziplock bags and allow them to pick one of each leaf that they find growing in the lawn. WHY? This activity helps students to focus, make careful observations, and recognize that the plant world is full variety and diversity - even a plain green lawn! MORE, you can often find a variety of small flowers growing in the lawn. Students can list the colors, count the petals, and collect samples of these as well. Why not press them? If you are very lucky, you may spot insects, earthworms or other creatures in your observations. Be sure to take the time to watch these creatures at work!

Teacher Background Information Lawn Detectives (This activity could be done as a pre-visit activity) SC.K.N.1.1;1.2; 1.3; 1.5; SC.K.L.14.3; LAFS.K.SL.2.5; 2.6; LAFS.K12.SL.2.4 SC.1.N.1.1; 1.2; SC.1.L.14.2; 16.1; 17.1; SC.1.E.5.3; MAFS.1.MD.1.a; LAFS.K12.SL.2.4

Bok Tower Gardens

Teacher Background Information Measuring Plants (This activity could be done as a pre-visit activity) SC.K.N.1.2; 1.3; 1.5; SC.K.L.14.3; SC.K.L.14.1; LAFS.K.SL.2.5; 2.6; LAFS.K12.SL.2.4; MAFS.K.CC.1.1; MAFS.K.G.1.1; MAFS.K.MD.1.1 SC.1.N.1.1; 1.2; SC.1.L.14.2; 16.1; 17.1; LAFS.1.SL.2.4; LAFS.K12.SL.2.4; MAFS.1.MD.1.a

WHERE? All around the Gardens you will find a variety of plants ranging in height. Several large tree specimens will be found in the Great Lawn. WHAT? The students will use their bodies to measure different plants and plant parts. WHY? Students will discover the wide variety of sizes of plants and relate them to their own bodies. MORE, for younger students, the main focus is primarily on relating plants to their own bodies. Older students can work on thinking about measurement in a more general way and can extend the activity in the classroom by making the conversion between their body part and inches or centimeters.

Bok Tower Gardens

Teacher Background Information Flowers SC.K.N.1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.5; SC.K.L.14.3; SC.K.P.8.1; LAFS.K.SL.2.5; 2.6; LAFS.K12.SL.2.4; MAFS.K.G.1.1 SC.1.N.1.1; 1.2; SC.1.P.8.1; SC.1.L.14.2; 16.1; 17.1; LAFS.1.SL.2.4; LAFS.K12.SL.2.4; MAFS.1.G.1.2

WHERE? A good variety of flowers will be near the Visitor Center along the land- scaped flower beds. Sizes will range from small to large, vary in shapes, textures, and color.

Depending on the time of year, azaleas and camellias put on a spectacular display! Following the main path from the Visitor Center, then, follow the trail on the right to the St.Francis Garden to see the azaleas. Following the trail to the left will lead you to the camellias.

WHAT? Students will observe a variety of color, sizes of flowering plants that attract pollinators. Please observe carefully before having students smell any flower in bloom (insects & allergies)! Be certain to stop & smell the posies!

WHY? Most people are aware that flowers come in a variety of shape, size and with different fragrances. These fragrances may tickle your nose, but different flowers based on flower shape, and fragrance will attract different insects and other pollinators, i.e., tubular shaped flowers are ideal for hummingbirds.

Plant leaves can hold different scents also -- you may gently pick a leaf and break it several times then, scratch & sniff! (Pass just the one leaf around the group.) Try this several times along your journey through the Gardens. MORE, flowers usually have scents to attract insects & pollinators, while leaves have scents to repel insects and other animals. Why? Color and scent attract for the pure sense of pollination to assure reproduction. Strong scents or taste deter insects and ani-mals from eating them. Even the scents that humans find appealing can be unpleasant for animal who may want to eat a plant! Herbs are plants whose strong scented and flavored leaves are used in small amounts to flavor our food. Various teas are also made from leaves with strong scents and flavors. Such plants can be found in our Kitchen Garden at Pinewood and the Outdoor Kitchen - check them both out for comparison!

Bok Tower Gardens

WHERE? Students can collect leaves that have fallen to the ground as they walk just about anywhere in the Gardens. WHAT? Students will make a leaf rubbing by using a crayon and a leaf that they like. Please, bring your own crayons, however if you should leave them behind at school, let us know when you arrive, we may be able to loan crayons. Help students find a flat, tough leaf on the ground - LEAVES THAT ARE TOO SOFT don’t work so well. Students should carefully look at the leaves and notice the veins, which carry water and nutrients through the leaf. Students put their packet on the ground or a nearby bench, the place the leaf under the activity sheet with the vein-side up. They should be able to fee the leaf through the paper. Finally, they should take a crayon (with paper removed) and rub it sideways over that area of the paper. Watch the leaf picture appear. Try using differ- ent color crayons, too! (Hint: for a good leaf rubbing, the leaf needs to be held in place while rubbing. Students can work in pairs to help each other) WHY? Making a leaf rubbing will focus the student’s attention to the wide variety of shapes and textures of leaves. They will also notice the veins of a leaf, the system of pipes which carry water and nutrients through the plant. Notice the differences in vein patterns! MORE, the leaves that make the best images are tough with prominent veins. Younger children may need help finding suitable leaves. Older students can be given the challenge of finding the leaves that work the best.

Teacher Background Information Leaf Rubbings (This activity could be done as a pre-visit activity) SC.K.N.1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.5; 14.1; 14.3; SC.K.P.8.1; LAFS.K.SL.2.5; 2.6; LAFS.K12.SL.2.4 SC.1.N.1.1; 1.2; SC.1.P.8.1; SC.1.L.14.2; 16.1; 17.1; LAFS.1.SL.2.4; LAFS.K12.SL.2.4

WHERE? Any where in the Gardens, you will find leaves varying in size. Students may collect any leaves that have fallen to the ground throughout their visit, and sort them to answer the questions in their packet. Large oak specimens will be found as your students find themselves near the Tower and the Great Lawn. However, as you make your way through the Gardens, you may find just the tree you want, before ever making it to the Tower! Pick the one you would like your students to measure. WHAT? Students will discover leaves come in all shapes and sizes, some tree are evergreen, deciduous and or have needles. Students will have the option to choose leaves that appeal to them to complete the questions in the packet. Looking up at a tree’s branching pattern is a work of art. Students will realize that all trees are not the same in nature’s design! WHY? Students will learn that all trees have leaves, each leaf shape, size and other characteristics help to identify the tree. MORE, students can create a leaf collection to identify trees in your school yard or natu-ral area and develop an outdoor classroom or nature trail.

Bok Tower Gardens

Teacher Background Information Leaves and Tree Investigations SC.K.N.1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.5; SC.K.L.14.1; 14.3; SC.K.P.8.1; LAFS.K.SL.2.5; 2.6; LAFS.K12.SL.2.4; MAFS.K.CC.1.1; MAFS.K.G.1.1; MAFS.K.MD.1.1 SC.1.N.1.1; 1.2; SC.1.P.8.1; SC.1.L.14.1; 14.2; 16.1; 17.1; LAFS.K12.SL.2.4; MAFS.1.MD.1.a

Bok Tower Gardens

Teacher Background Information

Tower Observations MU.K.O.3.1; VA.K.O.2.1; VA.K.F.1.2; VA.K.H.2.2; LAFS.K.SL.1.3; 2.4; 2.5; 2.6; LAFS.K12.SL.2.4 VA .1.C.1.1; 1.2; 3.2; VA.1.S.1.3; 1.4; SS.1.A.2.1; 2.4; 3.2; SS.1.C.2.3; LAFS.1.SL.2.4; 2.5; LAFS.K12.SL.2.4

WHERE? The Singing Tower WHAT? Students will focus on the unique features and carvings of the Tower. WHY? So the students will appreciate an artistic point of view of the Tower. MORE, students can learn the story of the Tower’s brass door to create or depict their own story or timeline.

Bok Tower Gardens

Additional Information:

Who had the Tower built? Edward W. Bok

When was the Tower completed? 1929

What materials were used to create the Tower? Pink Marble (Georgia) Coquina (St. Augustine)

Who designed the Tower? Milton B. Medary

Who created the animal sculptures? Lee O. Lawrie

What is a carillon? A musical instrument consisting of at least 23 cast bronze bells that are precisely tuned. Our carillon has 60.

Who designed and built the bells? John Taylor Bellfoundry, Ltd. of Loughborough, England, 1928.

Bok Tower Gardens

WHERE? You will find plants with different characteristics and/or adaptations throughout the Gardens. WHAT? Students will discover plants are unique based on their leaves, stems, whether they have thorns, or have an aroma. Some plants flower before they “leaf” out, while others “leaf” out before they flower. Some plants have fragrance some, do not. How plants produce fruit or set seed depends on the variety. Waxy leaves provide protection, while leaves with strong odors may repel insects. WHY? Students will realize that plants, similar to animals, are well-suited to live in their given environment. Adaptations allow plants to survive various environ- mental conditions and factors, and only those able to withstand such conditions will reproduce. MORE, have students become creative artists and writers by designing plants with vari-ous adaptations. Have the students name, illustrate and offer an explanation about their plant to share with their classmates.

Teacher Background Information Plant Adaptations at Bok Tower Gardens Be a Super Sleuth! SC.K.L.14.3; SC.K.N.1.1; 1.2;1.3; 1.5; SC.K. L.14.3; LAFS.K. SL.2.5, 2.6; LAFS.K12.SL.2.4 SC.1.E.5.3; SC.1.L.14.1; 14.2; 16.1; 17.1; SC.N.1.1; 1.2; SC.1.P.8.1; LAFS.SL.1.2.4; 2.5; LAFS.K12.SL.2.4; SS.1.C.2.4

Bok Tower Gardens

Teacher Background Information Animals of the Gardens SC.K N.1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.5; SC.K.L.14.3; LAFS,K.SL.2.5; 2.6; LAFS.K12.SL.2.4; SS.K.G.3.2; 3.3 SC.1.L.14.1; 14.3; 16.1; 17.1; SC.1.N.1.1; LAFS.1.SL.2.4; LAFS.K12.SL.2.4; SS.1.C.2.4

WHERE? The activity can be done as the students move through the Gardens. Alternately, visit the Window by the Pond, the Pine Ridge Nature Trail, the Reflection Pond or Tower moat. WHAT? Students look for evidence of places where animals live as well as things they might eat and record their observations, either by drawing or writing. WHY? These activities help develop and sharpen the students’ observation skills, and help them recognize different habitats, and why animals living live in their particular habitat. The animals in the Gardens use the plants in many ways - shelter, food & nesting. After their observations, students can think about ways the Gardens provide for the animals needs. MORE, students may need to be reminded that there are may different kinds of ani-mals of all shapes and sizes - - don’t forget small creatures, like insects, spiders, snails & slugs! Small animals such as earthworms and roly-polies are fun to observe, not just the bigger and more dramatic mammals and birds. Squirrels may be the most common mammal (except perhaps for humans!) that your students are likely to see. Various insects make the Gardens their home - be sure your students know to look for six-legged creatures. Wading birds, ducks, turtles, and frogs may be observed at the Window by the Pond. Look for animal activity through evidence of tracks, feathers, nests, cavities, food chews/caches, and drop-pings (scat).

Bok Tower Gardens

Definitions for “Habitats of Bok Tower Gardens” in the student packet:

- Sandhill: a xeric (dry) ecosystem / community dependent on fire (as a management tool) to

maintain specific plant and animal populations, and as a method to prevent ecological

succession, such as oak dominance.

- Aquatic: a water ecosystem / community where organisms are dependent on each other

within their environment, i.e., a pond, lake, river, wetland, estuary, bog,

- Landscaped: an area maintained (garden) for a specific aesthetics: perennial,

shade, full sun, butterfly, edible, etc.

Answers to “Where will You Find These Animals in our Gardens?” in the Student Packet:

Gopher Tortoise: in a sandhill ecosytem

Black racer (snake): in our landscaped areas

Owl: in an oak/hammock ecosystem; could be found in a sandhilll ecosystem

Koi: in our aquatic moat surrounding the Tower

Teacher Background Information Habitats of Bok Tower Gardens

SC.K.N.1.1; 1.2; 1.5; SS.K.G.3.3; LAFS.K.SL.2.4; 2.5; 2.6; LAFS.K12.SL.2.4

SC.1.L.14.3; 16.1; 17.1; SS1.C.2.4; LAFS.1.SL.2.4; 2.5; LAFS.K12.SL.2.4; SS.1.C.2.3; 2.4

WHERE? The Pine Ridge Nature Trail is a sandhill ecosystem dominated by longleaf pines and turkey oaks. Our best aquatic ecosystems can be found at our Window by the Pond and the Reflection Pond, but you would want your students to view our koi in the moat surrounding the tower. Our landscaped areas throughout the Gardens will provide a variety of plants to support insects, birds, snakes, and other creatures by providing food sources and shelter. An example of an oak / hammock is located mid-point along our Pine Ridge trail. (Download the Pine Ridge Nature trail map

from our website at http://boktowergardens.org/tower-gardens/pine-ridge-nature-trail/).

WHAT? Students will have the opportunity to visit the variety of habitats found at Bok Tower Gardens to compare the environmental differences to where animals live, find food, water and shelter—all basic needs for survival.

WHY? Most people may not be aware that animals are well adapted to live even in the most harshest environments. The unique features of the Pine Ridge trail exemplifies endemic species of plants / animals that can only be found in Florida.

MORE, students can research the threatened / endangered plant and animal species of Florida and develop ways to help preserve /conserve our natural heritage.

Bok Tower Gardens

Teacher Background Information Become Scientist! SC.K.N.1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.5; SC.K.L.14.3; LAFS.K.SL2.4; 2.5; 2.6; LAFS.K12.SL.2.4; MAFS.K.CC.1.1; MAFS.K.MD.1.1; 1.2 SC.1.N.1.3; SC.1.L.17.1; LAFS.1.2.4; 2.5; LAFS.K12.SL.2.4; MAFS.1.MD.1.A; SS.1.C.2.3; 2.4

WHERE? You may choose any 3 different places in the Gardens for your students to compare their findings. The most distinct areas would be the Pine Ridge trail, Window by the Pond and the Gardens. WHAT? Students will assume the role of scientists making observations within the habitat they are visiting. They will record data for comparisons to the other habi- tats. You may wish to assign specific groups to each habitat, or if time allows, have your students visit all three habitats. WHY? Students will realize each habitat may have similar features, (food, water and shelter), but may contrast greatly environmentally. In general, habitats support diverse species, but may also only provide specific needs to one particular animal, i.e., sandhill ecosystem for a gopher tortoise or an eastern indigo snake. MORE, Students can research Florida’s rare plant and animal species to learn more about threats to biodiversity and to raise awareness about conservation issues.

Bok Tower Gardens

Teacher Background Information Edward W. Bok Legacy LAFS.K.SL.2.4; 2.5; 2.6; LAFS.K12.SL.2.4 LAFS.1.SL.2.4; 2.5; LAFS.K12.SL.2.4; SS.1.C.2.3; 2.4

Edward W. Bok made a gift of this garden to the American peo-

ple. This gift represents his legacy . His grandmother instilled in

him, “to make the world a bit better or more beautiful

because you lived in it.”

WHERE? You may wish to have your students work on this activity near the Singing Tower as they reflect on their visit to Bok Tower Gardens. There are a number of quiet areas you may wish to use, such as sitting under the oaks where the stu- dents may sit on the grass, or sit on the benches under the trees. An area which provides a number of benches is the carollinneur performance viewing area, or the Great Lawn. WHAT? Students may use this time to think about how they may influence others by making an impact in the world. Edward W. Bok was only 6 years old when he came to America, and was inspired to work hard to make the world more beautiful. WHY? Students often think they cannot impact the community, or world around them, when quite the opposite is possible. Young people can make a huge difference in their neighborhood, school or local community - especially, if they have a posi- tive role model inspiring them! Ask them what issues they are passionate about. MORE, students can work collaboratively on a group project, such as a school garden, or community service project. Call Bok Tower Gardens Education Department about service learning projects. Learn more about Edward Bok by reading his autobiography, The Americanization of Edward Bok.

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HABITAT HUNT

Welcome to Bok Tower Gardens! As you explore the gardens, look for signs of a habitat. A

habitat is the community where an organism lives. It provides everything the organism needs,

including food, water, shelter, and a place to raise young. Bok Tower Gardens is home to many

plants and animals, each with their own needs. See if you can find the following items here at

the Garden, and then look again to see if you can find the same types of things at your school

or home.

BOK TOWER GARDENS: SCHOOL OR HOME:

5 living organisms

Something that provides food

Something that provides water

Something that provides shelter

A place where animals live

Something that is brown

Something that is green

Something that is hard

Something that is mushy

Something that is beautiful

Something that moves

Your favorite thing

Follow-up questions for consideration once you are back at school:

Do you think Bok Tower Gardens serves as a good habitat? Why or why not?

Does your school (or home) function as a good habitat? Why or why not?

Can you think of two changes that would help make it a better habitat?

1)

2)

Why is it important to provide habitat for wildlife?

What are the components that make up your habitat?