Master Gardener Junior Gardener Program

Schedule a Program

Please complete the program request form linked above.

An instructor will contact you to schedule your program and discuss equipment needs.

Forms can be submitted via e-mail to Harolyn Temeng, htemeng@udel.edu 

with the subject heading: "JG Request", by fax (302-831-8934) or mail it to:

Junior Gardener Program
UD Cooperative Extension
461 Wyoming Road, Room 131
Newark, Delaware 19716

Program Options

The Buzz on Bees Gr. 1-2; indoors; 45-50 minute program

Students will learn about the life cycle of honeybees, the pollination process, the many jobs that bees perform in a beehive, and the importance of bees to the environment.  The amazing array of beekeeping tools, clothing and equipment will also be demonstrated.  The importance of honeybees and other pollinating insects in our environment will be stressed.  Since it is known that pollinating insects are at risk, conservation methods as simple as planting sunflowers and allowing some dandelions in a lawn will be suggested. Instructors: Sherie Stiles and Ellen Pell

Insect Detectives Gr. 1-3; outdoors; 45-50 minute program

Students will explore the school grounds in search of insects, spiders, and other tiny creatures.  Children will catch, identify, and record their finds using nets, specimen jars, and log sheets. Instructor: Sherie Stiles

Life Cycles of Butterflies Gr. 2-3; indoors; one-hour program

Students will learn about the life stages of butterflies, and how structure and function differ with each stage.  This program will compare and contrast monarchs with black swallowtails, spicebush swallowtails, and painted lady butterflies. Instructors: Ellen Hahn, Fred Mann, Ellen Pell, Sande Taylor, and Ed Vacek

The Living Tree House Gr. K-1; indoors; 30-40 minute program; mornings preferred

Students will learn about the importance of trees for a healthy environment and for providing the food that we eat.  The environmental aspects of this program include the use of wood products and the effects of trees on forest animals.  The parts of a tree are reviewed and the class will play a mini-forest game.  If time permits, the program concludes with drawing a tree with animals illustrating what they have learned. Instructor: Megan Grubbs and Melody Kasprzak (For this program only, we are piloting online sign up.  After the program request form is submitted and reviewed, the instructors will contact you with a link to schedule this program online).

Suggested Guidelines for Teachers

Thank you for your interest in the Delaware Master Gardeners’ Junior Gardener Program.  We are excited to come to your school because we thoroughly enjoy sharing our knowledge of nature with the kids.

To help ensure a successful program, we need your help!  Your interest, and engagement, in the program is just as important as that of the kids.  For this reason, we ask that you stay in the classroom and participate along with your students.  It’s helpful if you’re paying attention, encouraging the kids to participate, and helping to manage any disruptions. If possible, set aside your phone/computer while your visitors are there. 

We want your students to have the best possible experience.  You know your students best and you have the classroom management skills needed to help us deliver a successful program for all.  We depend on your participation and support. 

Thank you.  We look forward to presenting our program to your class.