At The College School, we believe learning is most powerful when students connect with real experts and authentic experiences. That’s why we are thrilled to announce a new partnership with the Missouri Botanical Garden (MOBOT), a globally recognized leader in plant science, conservation, and education. This collaboration brings world-class expertise directly into our classrooms, giving students opportunities to learn alongside professional educators while exploring the natural world in hands-on, meaningful ways.
“Partnering with The College School offers the Missouri Botanical Garden a valuable opportunity to collaborate with creative teachers and curious students while utilizing the nearby Grossman Greenhouse and Gardens,” said Jessie Griffard, Early Childhood and Elementary Instructor, Missouri Botanical Garden. “This hands-on learning space allows students to explore plant life, ask their own questions, and engage with nature in meaningful ways that build connection and appreciation for the natural world. Partnering in this way sparks curiosity and also shows why our MBG outreach in the community is so important, meeting kids where they are and making nature-based learning feel relevant and part of everyday life.”
Learning from Experts, Right Here on Campus
This pilot program is beginning with Kindergarten and Second Grade students, connecting classroom learning to hands-on exploration in the Greenhouse. Each week, MOBOT educators join TCS students to lead dynamic lessons designed to build scientific understanding.
For example, in Kindergarten, MOBOT educators guide students through greenhouse-based explorations of plant needs and growth cycles. Lessons include examining seeds and soil, experimenting with light and water, and observing how plants change over time. These activities deepen children’s natural sense of wonder while laying the groundwork for critical scientific habits: asking questions, making predictions, and recording observations.
In Second Grade, the curriculum expands to focus on ecosystems and interdependence. Students study how plants, animals, and humans interact within their environments, engaging in data collection and field observations that mirror the work of professional ecologists. Through activities like designing mini-habitats and tracking plant growth, students not only learn key science content but also practice collaboration, resilience, and problem-solving.
Why This Matters
For our students, learning directly with MOBOT educators is more than just a supplement to their classroom studies, it’s a window into what it means to be a scientist, a steward of the environment, and an engaged community member.
By grounding abstract science concepts in real-world experiences, this partnership helps children see that their work matters. It shows them that even as young learners, they can make observations, collect data, and contribute to a larger understanding of the world around them.
Preparing Students for the Future
At The College School, we prepare students not just for high school, but for life. Partnering with the Missouri Botanical Garden exemplifies this commitment:
- Authentic Connections: Students learn from world-class experts, modeling real scientific work.
- Experiential Learning: Lessons are rooted in exploration, inquiry, and hands-on investigation.
- Timeless Skills: Curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking are strengthened alongside science content.
Stay tuned as we share stories, photos, and reflections from our MOBOT Mondays on Instagram and Facebook! Together with the Missouri Botanical Garden, we’re cultivating more than knowledge—we’re growing resilient, curious, and capable learners.
