FREE - Desert Plant Adaptations

by Longwood Gardens

Travel through Longwood’s Conservatory and get an up-close look at our desert plants. Identify characteristics of the desert climate and how plants have adapted to survive. Interact with an Educator and explore these amazing adaptations through video, images, and live plants during this curriculum-based lesson. This program is for students in Grades 1-6.

Program Rating

based on 35 evaluation(s).

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About This Program

Cost

By Request: $0.00

FREE!

Longwood Gardens provides all of our virtual programs free of charge for K-12 schools to ensure our programs are accessible to all students.

Length

45 minutes

Target Audience

Education: Grade(s) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Minimum participants:

Maximum participants:

Primary Disciplines

Science

Program Delivery Mode

Zoom

Booking Information

Virtual Programs are available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 8:00 am–4:00 pm ET and run for 30-45 minutes. Advance registration (at least two weeks before program date) is required. Fall programs are available from September 4, 2025 until December 19, 2025. Our spring programs will open for registration on January 5, 2026.

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Receive this program and 9 more for one low price when you purchase the CILC Virtual Expeditions package. Learn more

For more information contact CILC by email info@cilc.org or by phone (507) 388-3672

Provider's Cancellation Policy

Please cancel programs at least 48 hours in advance. With the exception of inclement weather situations, schools that do not cancel in advance will be denied participation in other programming for that school year and possible future programs.

About This Provider

Longwood Gardens

Kennett Square, PA
United States

One of the world's great gardens, Longwood's story is one of legacy, innovation, and stewardship. Our Gardens are a living expression of all that our founder, Pierre S. du Pont, found inspiring, meaningful, and beautiful. From the intricate fountain systems to the meticulous gardens to the architectural grandeur, awe-inspiring discoveries await at every turn.

Longwood Gardens provides curriculum-based lessons taught by our talented Educators. Lessons include activities for students to complete as they explore our beautiful Gardens.

Contact:
Alycia Nieves-Bushek
virtualprograms@longwoodgardens.org
610-388-5217

Program Details

Format

1.Welcome to Longwood Gardens and the program
2.Define adaptation and discuss why it is necessary for plants to adapt
3.Explore the deserts of the Southwestern United States
4.Travel through Longwood’s Silver Garden located in our 4-acre Conservatory
5.Get an up-close look at unique desert plants
6.Review key concepts learned throughout the lesson and design your own desert plant
7.Close with question and answer session

Objectives

Students will…
- Describe characteristics of a desert climate
- Understand that plants adapt to their environment to meet their basic needs to survive
- Identify adaptations necessary for a plant to survive in the desert

Standards Alignment

National Standards

NS.K-4.3 Life Science
As a result of activities in grades 3-4, all students should develop understanding of
- The characteristics of organisms
- Life cycles of organisms
- Organisms and environments

NS.5-8.3 Life Science
As a result of activities in grades 5-6, all students should develop understanding of
- Structure and function in living systems
- Regulation and behavior
- Populations and ecosystems
- Diversity and adaptations of organisms