Education — Center for Teaching and Learning

Science First at the Chicago Botanic Garden

"I loved being outside learning and looking at new things in the garden and learning a lot of science." — Chantal, 8th grader at Daniel Hale William Prep School of Medicine

Science First is a great learning opportunity, a chance to see the Garden's 365 acres of plants and nature, and a great way to meet other science-curious students during the summer. Each summer, 40 students from Chicago Public Schools travel to the Garden by school bus from designated stops for four weeks. They are immersed in a free, nature-based science enrichment program that engages students in a unique hands-on experience.

Participation and transportation

Science First students on the Garden’s McGinley Pavilion after their research project presentations.

Learn more about the program

A summer 2008 Science First student identifying plants in our outdoor classroom.

Please note: Due to restrictions on funding that supports these programs, enrollment is limited to students from Chicago Public Schools. For more information about these programs, please call Nicole Patel at (847) 835-6871.

Science First is made possible with the generous support of the Toyota USA Foundation, the Trillium Foundation, Bertha Lebus Charitable Trust and the Lloyd A. Fry Foundation.

Additional support for the Center for Teaching and Learning Department is provided by HSBC–North America, The Brinson Foundation, and the Kemper Educational and Charitable Fund

After-school and Camp Programs: Science First

Education — Center for Teaching and Learning

Science First at the Chicago Botanic Garden

After-school and
Camp Programs:
Science First