As a cultural and educational facility of the Milwaukee County Park System, "The Domes" offers programming for school groups from grade K-5 through college, scouts, and adult clubs or groups.
Programs for School Groups
Students will focus on rainforest and desert ecology, and plant and animal adaptations. Discussions will be appropriate for the grade level. To help you prepare for the program, a Teacher Information Packet/Worksheets are available. Each discussion/hands-on session will last 30–45 minutes. Afterwards, students will complete worksheets during their exploration of the domes. Allow a minimum of 1-1/2 hours for this program. Programs meet state DPI standards, and MPS standards for science content. One adult chaperone is required for every 8 students.
- Grade K5
Children discover plant life through this sensory/hands-on introduction.
Registration Information
- Grade 1–2
Children will study what plants and animals need to survive and how they obtain these necessities from their environment. Hands-on activities with plants found in the Tropical and Arid domes will guide students in this early discovery of plant adaptations.
Registration Information
- Grade 3–7
Students will focus on plants as producers of oxygen and how life on earth depends on plants for survival. Students will learn how plants adapt to survive in desert and rainforest environments. Hands-on activities with plants found in the Tropical and Arid domes will lead students to a better understanding of plant adaptations.
Registration Information
- Grade 8–9
Students will discuss photosynthesis as well as limiting factors such as sunlight and water in contrasting biomes. Students will also explore the effects of these factors on plant and animal adaptations. Hands-on activities with plants found in the Tropical and Arid domes along with a visit with a live animal will enhance student understanding of plant and animal adaptations.
Registration Information
- Grade 10–College
Student discussions will focus on ecology and the limiting factors of desert and rainforest biomes. Hands-on activities with plants found in the Tropical and Arid domes, and the handling of an animal during classroom discussion will further strengthen student understanding of plant and animal adaptations.
Registration Information
Registration for Field Trips
Reserve your field-trip program year round.
Programs Times - Preregistration Required
Tues.–Fri., 9am–3pm
2009 Educational Program Fees
The following fees are for groups led by a Horticultural Conservatory Educator. Program fees include admission.
Student Age 5 $1.50
Student Age 6–17 $5.50
Student Age 18+ $7.00
Teacher, Free
Adult Chaperone $1.50
For more information on Field Trip Programs or program registration contact the Education Coordinator
Scout Programs
Boy and Girl Scouts in grades 1–12 will focus on rainforest and desert ecology, and plant and animal adaptations. Discussions will be appropriate for the grade level. The program is designed as an overview which may apply to components of several different badge requirements. To help you prepare for the program, a Leader Information Packet/Worksheets are available.
For more information on Scouting Programs or program registration contact the Education Coordinator
Teacher/Leader Information Packet/Worksheets
The handbook contains
- Confirmation Letter
- Etiquette Guidelines
- Directions to the Domes
- Instructor Sheets
- Introduction
- Comparison of Communities
- Rainforest Ecology
- Desert Ecology
- Outside Resources
- Worksheets
- Student Worksheets
- Plant ID and Use, age-appropriate
- Scavenger Hunt, Grade 5K–1
- Bingo, All ages
2009 Teacher/Leader Information Packet
$10 prepaid (includes shipping and handling)
Adult Programs
For more information on adult programs, contact the Education Coordinator