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Virtual Outreach and Bundles

Content Detail

The Morton Arboretum has developed several new and free digital resources for you to download by request. These bundles are divided by grade level, and all activities are aligned to Next Generation Science Standards and (in some cases) Common Core State Standards, as well, often including cross-curricular lessons and activities. 

These Virtual Bundles align to life science themes and come in three parts: introductory activities (to introduce the topic and domain-specific vocabulary), pre-recorded teaching videos, and concluding activities (to assess student learning). These bundles include teacher answer keys and standards-aligned rubrics (when necessary).

To access, we recommend you use a desktop or laptop computer.

Learn more about the structure and features of these bundles by watching this short, informational video:

Field Trip Bundle

Free | PreK through high school

Access maps, vocabulary lists, lessons, videos, planning material, arboretum activities, and more! The newest addition to this bundle, includes the Field Trip Social Story Modules, to help students understand what their visit may entail. These resources are for teachers, parents, chaperones, and educators to use, whether they are taking a field trip or looking for supplemental resources to use in their curriculum.

  • The activities and lessons in this Bundle utilize Next Generation Science Standards, Common Core State Standards, and Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards based on grade-level.

    Our Virtual Learning Bundles are free. Register now to access them instantly.

    Learn about the registration process by watching this tutorial video.

  • $0.00
    Our Virtual Learning Bundles are free.

Celebrate Trees! Arbor Day Bundle

Free | PreK through high school

Arbor Day can be everyday, with the Celebrate Trees! virtual bundle. Discover lesson plans, videos, interactive activities, and tree-themed resources for educators to do with their students related to trees, plants, and ways in which we can protect Earth using scientific and social ideas. They connect to The Morton Arboretum’s vision of a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.

Climate Change Toolkit

Free | Fourth grade through high school

Learn how trees help combat climate change through photosynthesis and respiration, how we can understand climate change by studying trees and inspire students to make an impact by introducing them to important advocates, encouraging them to observe and respect nature, and offer ways in which they can help combat human impacts that contribute to climate change. These lessons and activities are resources that can help reinforce the Trees, Humans, and Climate (4th/5th) and Trees and Climate (6th-8th) field trip programs in the classroom.

  • The activities and lessons in this Bundle emphasize the following Next Generation Science Standards:

    • 4-ESS3-1: Natural resources and environmental effects
    • 4-ESS3-2: Natural earth processes impacting humans
    • 5-ESS2-1: Interaction between earth’s -spheres
    • 5-ESS3-1: How communities use science to protect earth’s resources
    • MS-LS1-6: Photosynthesis
    • MS-LS2-3: Energy flow in an ecosystem
    • MS-PS1-3: Synthetic materials impact society
    • MS-ESS3-3: Minimizing human impact on the environment
    • MS-ESS3-4: Human population impacts earth’s resources
    • MS-ESS3-5: Rise in global temperatures
    • HS-LS1-6: Carbon-based molecules
    • HS-LS2-5: Photosynthesis and cellular respiration
    • HS-LS2-6: Cycling of carbon
    • HS-LS2-7: Impact of human activity on environment and biodiversity
    • HS.ESS3-1: Climate in climate affects humans
    • HS-ESS3-4: Human impact on natural systems
    • HS-ESS3-5: Future impacts of climate change

    Our Virtual Learning Bundles are free. Register now to access them instantly.

    Learn about the registration process by watching this tutorial video.

  • $0.00
    Our Virtual Learning Bundles are free.

Plants, Seasons, and Pollinators

Free | PreK through Kindergarten

Practice identifying the weather and seasons with an interactive game, learn about how animals adapt to different seasons, and find out what static electricity, flowers, and bees have in common.

  • The activities and lessons in this Bundle emphasize the following Next Generation Science Standards:

    • K-LS1-1: Survival
    • K-ESS2-1: Weather
    • K-ESS3-1: Needs of plants and animals

    This program emphasizes the following Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards:

    • 12.A.ECa: Categorize living things
    • 12.A.ECb: Changes in the environment
    • 12.C.ECa: Compare physical objects
    • 12.F.ECa: Weather and seasons

    Our Virtual Learning Bundles are free. Register now to access them instantly.

    Learn about the registration process by watching this tutorial video.

  • $0.00
    Our Virtual Learning Bundles are free.

Seeds and Growth in Different Habitats

Free | First and second grade

Go on a scavenger hunt or play seed bingo! Grow your own plant, engineer your own seed, dissect a lima bean, and keep a plant journal to learn about the adaptations and growth of seeds and plants in different ecosystems.

  • The activities and lessons in this Bundle emphasize the following Next Generation Science Standards:

    • 1-LS1-1: Adaptations and survival
    • 1-LS3-1: Young plants and mature plants
    • 2-LS2-1: Plant growth
    • 2-LS2-2: Seed dispersal and pollination

    Our Virtual Learning Bundles are free. Register now to access them instantly.

    Learn about the registration process by watching this tutorial video.

  • $0.00
    Our Virtual Learning Bundles are free.

Life Cycles and Adaptations

Free | Third and fourth grade

Test your knowledge of plant and animal life cycles and how they’ve adapted to survive by solving puzzles, reviewing vocabulary, examining life cycles, and investigating behavioral adaptations. Students can even take part in a digital escape room.

  • The activities and lessons in this Bundle emphasize the following Next Generation Science Standards:

    • 3-LS1-1: Life cycles
    • 3-LS2-1: Survival
    • 3-LS3-1: Inherited traits for survival
    • 3-LS4-3: Survival in different habitats
    • 4-LS1-1: Adaptations
    • 4-LS1-2: Animal responses
    • 4-PS3-2: Energy transfer

    Our Virtual Learning Bundles are free. Register now to access them instantly.

    Learn about the registration process by watching this tutorial video.

  • $0.00
    Our Virtual Learning Bundles are free.

Energy and Ecosystems

Free | Fifth and sixth grade

Use your omnivorous energy in STEM challenges and backyard scavenger hunts in order to navigate through a world of ecosystems and energy transfer to solve puzzles and collect clues to reunite with your field trip group as you Escape to Lake Marmo! in a digital escape room.

  • The activities and lessons in this Bundle emphasize the following Next Generation Science Standards:

    • 5-LS2-1: Energy transfer in food webs
    • 5-PS3-1: Energy from the sun to animals
    • MS-LS2-3: Energy flow in an ecosystem
    • MS-LS1-6: Photosynthesis and cycle of energy

    Our Virtual Learning Bundles are free. Register now to access them instantly.

    Learn about the registration process by watching this tutorial video.

  • $0.00
    Our Virtual Learning Bundles are free.

Plant Growth and Reproduction

Free | Seventh and eighth grade

Learn about specialized plant structures and how they affect successful reproduction through kitchen science experiments, by looking at different plant social media profiles, and solving puzzles to Escape the Greenhouse! after it’s overrun by plants—trapping you inside!

  • The activities and lessons in this Bundle emphasize the following Next Generation Science Standards:

    • MS-LS2-3: Energy flow in an ecosystem
    • MS-LS1-6: Photosynthesis and cycle of energy

    Our Virtual Learning Bundles are free. Register now to access them instantly.

    Learn about the registration process by watching this tutorial video.

  • $0.00
    Our Virtual Learning Bundles are free.

Photosynthesis and Respiration

Free | Ninth through twelfth grade

Look closer at photosynthesis and aerobic respiration on a molecular level while understanding the role of carbon in, on, and around our planet.

  • The activities and lessons in this Bundle emphasize the following Next Generation Science Standards:

    • HS.LS1.5: Photosynthesis
    • HS.LS1.6 Carbon-based molecules
    • HS.LS1.7: Chemical process of photosynthesis and transfer of energy
    • HS.LS2.5: Photosynthesis and cellular respiration in the carbon cycle

    Our Virtual Learning Bundles are free. Register now to access them instantly.

    Learn about the registration process by watching this tutorial video.

  • $0.00
    Our Virtual Learning Bundles are free.

Planted Podcast

Free | Sixth through twelfth grade

Access every episode of the Planted: Finding Your Roots in STEM Careers podcast and discover all the bonus content including standards-aligned classroom activities, guest profiles, plant profiles, videos, and more!

  • The activities and lessons in this Bundle emphasize a variety of Next Generation Science Standards based on the topic and guests appearing on each episode.

    Our Virtual Learning Bundles are free. Register now to access them instantly.

    Learn about the registration process by watching this tutorial video.

  • $0.00
    Our Virtual Learning Bundles are free.

Educational resources are generously supported by The Alfred Bersted Foundation.

Additionally, educators can register for an optional extension of their selected bundle for a nominal fee that includes a live, one-hour Zoom call with an education program guide that conducts a standards-aligned curriculum, complete with visuals, such as skulls, pelts, microscopes, and other elements that reinforce the standards outlined in the grade-level Virtual Bundles. (Please note that it may take up to two weeks to process a Virtual Outreach request.)

REGISTER NOW to book your Virtual Outreach Program.

$65 per session with a maximum of 30 students

Virtual Outreach Programs will continue to run despite the state’s or the Arboretum’s open status during the pandemic and are available year-round.

 

Plants, Seasons, and Pollinators (PreK and Kindergarten)

0.5 hour (30 minutes) | 30 students

Practice identifying the weather and seasons with an interactive game, learn about how animals adapt to different seasons and find out what static electricity, flowers, and bees have in common. This program is conducted via Zoom whether you're teaching remotely or in the classroom.

  • This Virtual Outreach Program emphasizes the following Next Generation Science Standards:

    • K-LS1-1: Survival
    • K-ESS2-1: Weather
    • K-ESS3-1: Needs of plants and animals

    This program emphasizes the following Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards:

    • 12.A.ECa: Categorize living things
    • 12.A.ECb: Changes in the environment
    • 12.C.ECa: Compare physical objects
    • 12.F.ECa: Weather and seasons

    Access the Virtual Learning Bundle for this grade-level theme here to utilize a variety of lessons, activities, games, and more with your students. Our Virtual Learning Bundles are free.

    Register now to book your Virtual Outreach Program.

  • $65 per session; 30 students per session

    Virtual Outreach Programs will continue to run despite the state’s or the Arboretum’s open status during the pandemic and are available year-round.

Seeds and Growth in Different Habitats (First and second grade)

1.0 hour | 30 students

Explore different types of seeds and their adaptations, then examine the parts of a seed that ensure its growth through a seed dissection. This program is conducted via Zoom whether you're teaching remotely or in the classroom.

  • This Virtual Outreach Program emphasizes the following Next Generation Science Standards:

    • 1-LS1-1: Adaptations and survival
    • 1-LS3-1: Young plants and mature plants
    • 2-LS2-1: Plant growth
    • 2-LS2-2: Seed dispersal and pollination

    Access the Virtual Learning Bundle for this grade-level theme here to utilize a variety of lessons, activities, games, and more with your students. Our Virtual Learning Bundles are free.

    Register now to book your Virtual Outreach Program.

  • $65 per session; 30 students per session

    Virtual Outreach Programs will continue to run despite the state’s or the Arboretum’s open status during the pandemic and are available year-round.

Life Cycles and Adaptations (Third and fourth grade)

1.0 hour | 30 students

Find camouflaged animals in an interactive game and learn about behavioral and structural adaptations by observing skulls, pelts, and plants. This program is conducted via Zoom whether you're teaching remotely or in the classroom.

  • This Virtual Outreach Program emphasizes the following Next Generation Science Standards:

    • 3-LS1-1: Life cycles
    • 3-LS2-1: Survival
    • 3-LS3-1: Inherited traits for survival
    • 3-LS4-3: Survival in different habitats
    • 4-LS1-1: Adaptations
    • 4-LS1-2: Animal responses
    • 4-PS3-2: Energy transfer

    Access the Virtual Learning Bundle for this grade-level theme here to utilize a variety of lessons, activities, games, and more with your students. Our Virtual Learning Bundles are free.

    Register now to book your Virtual Outreach Program.

  • $65 per session; 30 students per session

    Virtual Outreach Programs will continue to run despite the state’s or the Arboretum’s open status during the pandemic and are available year-round.

Energy and Ecosystems (Fifth and sixth grade)

1.0 hour | 30 students

Observe differences in deciduous and coniferous leaves and skulls of herbivores and omnivores, and study decomposers by looking at live worms.This program is conducted via Zoom whether you're teaching remotely or in the classroom.

  • This Virtual Outreach Program emphasizes the following Next Generation Science Standards:

    • 5-LS2-1: Energy transfer in food webs
    • 5-PS3-1: Energy from the sun to animals
    • MS-LS2-3: Energy flow in an ecosystem
    • MS-LS1-6: Photosynthesis and cycle of energy

    Access the Virtual Learning Bundle for this grade-level theme here to utilize a variety of lessons, activities, games, and more with your students. Our Virtual Learning Bundles are free.

    Register now to book your Virtual Outreach Program.

  • $65 per session; 30 students per session

    Virtual Outreach Programs will continue to run despite the state’s or the Arboretum’s open status during the pandemic and are available year-round.

Plant Growth and Reproduction (Seventh and eighth grade)

1.0 hour | 30 students

Learn about the growth and reproduction of angiosperms, gymnosperms, and fungus, and how the adaptations of different pollinators play a role in plant reproduction. This program is conducted via Zoom whether you're teaching remotely or in the classroom.

  • This Virtual Outreach Program emphasizes the following Next Generation Science Standards:

    • MS-LS2-3: Energy flow in an ecosystem
    • MS-LS1-6: Photosynthesis and cycle of energy

    Access the Virtual Learning Bundle for this grade-level theme here to utilize a variety of lessons, activities, games, and more with your students. Our Virtual Learning Bundles are free.

    Register now to book your Virtual Outreach Program.

  • $65 per session; 30 students per session

    Virtual Outreach Programs will continue to run despite the state’s or the Arboretum’s open status during the pandemic and are available year-round.

Why can’t I download anything from a Virtual Bundle?

After registering for an account, you need to “enroll” in the bundle(s) in which you want access to download the resources. This tutorial video reviews the process starting at 01:11.

I registered for a Virtual Bundle months ago, why can’t I access it now?

You need to re-enroll in the bundle. Please contact arborversity@mortonarb.org with your name, registered email address, and user name to be re-enrolled.

Can you conduct your Virtual Outreach Programs on Google Meets/another platform?

We use Zoom as the platform for our Virtual Outreach Programs due to its security.

I have high school students, do you offer any Virtual Outreach Programs for them?

Upon request, we have done plant career-based Virtual Outreach Programs with high school students, based on staff availability and group size. Please contact Meghan Wiesbrock (mwiesbrock@mortonarb.org) or Megan Kuhl-Horbin (mkuhl-horbin@mortonarb.org) for more information.

I registered last year for a field trip bundle, do I have to register again to access the resources? 

You need to re-enroll in the bundle. Please contact arborversity@mortonarb.org with your name, registered email address, and user name to be re-enrolled.