Winter Science Camp: Plant Pioneers

Who Was George Washington Carver?

Born into slavery in the 1860's George Washington Carver, the inspiration for the Plant Pioneer camp, was an American scientist, botanist, educator, and inventor. In an era of little opportunity for African Americans, Carver graduated from college and went on to develop and promote about 100 products made from peanuts and sweet potatoes that were useful for the house and farm, including cosmetics, dyes, paints, plastics, gasoline, and nitroglycerin.  He was one of a relative few black Americans to achieve prominence and social recognition for his work.

Be a plant pioneer like George Washington Carver, an American scientist, botanist, educator, and inventor! Using the incredible grounds and resources of the New York Botanical Garden, kids explore the fascinating worlds of plants and participate in exciting experiments, hand-on activities, and fun science games and crafts.

February 20 – 24, 2012
9:00 am - 4:00pm*
8-10 year olds
$225 non-members | $200 members

Registration Information

Space is limited. Register now!
Call 718.817.8181 to Register or Email our Registration Office
*Early drop-off (8am) and late pickup (5:30pm) available. Fee: $15 per morning or afternoon, or $25 per day for both morning and afternoon.

Tentative Schedule

Day 1- February 20th
Be a Plant Scientist!
Children will dig in and explore composting and crops, and discover ways in which George Washington Carver helped farmers in the south. Campers will act like scientists by asking questions, making predictions, conducting experiments, and examining their findings. In addition, kids will have the opportunity to explore sites and facilities where the Garden researchers conduct science.

Day 2 - February 21st
Be a Collector!
Campers will explore the Garden’s herbarium, a facility that stores over seven million pressed plant specimens from around the world, and see some of George Washington Carver’s specimens. In addition, kids will collect specimens from around the garden, and create their own plant press to take home.

Day 3 - February 22nd
Be an Inventor!
George Washington Carver’s was a great inventor, creating cosmetics, dyes, paints, and plastics. Campers will recreate some of these great inventions and get their hands dirty by planting “Carver’s crops” such as peanuts, soybeans, and sweet potatoes. In addition, there will be a special visit from a real life inventor!

Day 4 – February 23rd
Be an Artist!
Kids will explore how nature inspires poets, painters, and musicians to create art. Campers will get a special visit to the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, the Garden’s premiere glasshouse, containing thousands of tropical and desert plants. Kids will practice their artistic abilities of observing, drawing, and painting using the paint they created the day before.

Day 5 – February 24th
Be a Plant Advocate!
Campers will discover what it means to be a plant advocate and how George Washington Carver was an advocate for smart agriculture. Kids will “publish” their week-long plant experiment findings, discuss new questions and areas for further exploration. In addition, after a Carver Feast, friends and families will have the opportunity to take a special ride on the Garden tram and explore the Conservatory as a family.