Explorer Programs (Self Guided)
Click Here for Online Registration
Self-guided tours are intended for teachers that have not scheduled a Naturalist Guided Program with the education staff at Shangri La. While your class is at Shangri La, you, as the teacher, will guide them through the lesson.
After reserving a date and time for your program, your class will receive free admission for this program, up to a maximum of three hours. These programs are for a garden experience only.
Below are lesson plans written for the Explorer Programs. All lessons are designed for a specific grade-level; however, you may select the plan that is best for your class. Just print the lesson and start teaching in Shangri La. Teachers attending, are responsible for all materials needed for these lessons.
Please read through the Explorer School Program Guidelines. If this is something that you are interested in for your class, please fill out the on-line application.
If you have questions, please contact Noelle Jordan, Environmental Education Coordinator, njordan@shangrilagardens.org, 409.670.0803.
Explorer Programs Guidelines
Explorers in Nature
Grade Levels: Pre-K, K
Explorers in Nature
Explorer Nature Journal
Students will explore the gardens of Shangri La using their five senses as tools for observation. They will explore different colors, shapes, and textures found in nature. They will keep a journal to help identify all of the interesting plants and animals they find along their journey.
Explore the Habitats of Shangri La
Grade Levels: 1, 2
Explore Habitats
Explore the Habitats of Shangri La
The gardens of Shangri La are an amazing habitat for many kinds of animals. Students will explore the four basic needs of a habitat, different kinds of habitats at Shangri La, and the animals that call these places home. The students will get up close and personal with insects, birds and reptiles during this class.
Explore the Adaptations of Organisms at Shangri La
Grade Levels: 3, 4
Explore Adaptations
Exploring the Weather and Climate
During this exciting class students will learn about the features and behaviors of animals that help them to survive in a habitat. The students will also learn basic characteristics of fish, snakes, and birds and the basic adaptations that all of these organisms have. Learning these things could only be accomplished well by having the students closely observe themselves, so here at Shangri La, they will do just that.
Explore the Weather and Climate
Grade Levels: 5, 6
Exploring the Weather and Climate
During this exciting class, students will distinguish between weather and climate. They will also analyze today's weather by using real weather instruments located at Shangri La. Students will also learn how to distinguish between abiotic and biotic factors and why both are so important.
Explore the World of Plants
Grade Levels: 7, 8
Explore the World of Plants
Dichotomous Key
Tree Map
This lesson has the students navigating through Shangri La to predetermined trees. At each tree, students use a dichotomous key to identify it. This class will greatly increase the students' map skills and their ability to use visual aides to gather information and knowledge.