Young Botanists

Young Botanist Art Series | Foundation – Year 2

The Young Botanists Art Series is an Early Years program that immerses students in the worlds of art and science through hands-on exploration and creative expression. 

Designed for Foundation to Year 2 students, the program offers Government School students the opportunity to interact with specialist scientists, such as mycologists, botanists, and ecologists as they explore scientific concepts inspired by the natural world.

Students will also participate in experiential, hands-on art activities led by passionate artists. These creative sessions support students to make sense of their new scientific learnings through imagination, play, and expression. 

The program is delivered in either a morning or afternoon session:

• 10:15–11:45am
• 12:45–2:15pm

Students must be accompanied by a teacher, parent or carer. The program is delivered by experienced Learning Facilitators.

Program Availability

• Delivered in person at the Botanic Gardens, Melbourne
• Available on selected dates
• Designed for high-ability students (Foundation–Year 2)

Students Will

• Interact with expert artists and scientists
• Engage with the living collections of the Botanic Gardens
• Use their senses to explore, observe, and discover
• Consolidate their learning through open-ended creative art activities

Key Focus Areas

• Hands-on, experiential learning
• Scientific observation and exploration
• Creative and expressive arts

Program Outline

Sale – Regional Young Botanist Program 

Tuesday 28th of April 10.15 - 11.45am and 12.45 - 2.15pm 

This April, come and explore Sale Botanic Gardens to discover the wonderful world of birds and their unique habitats. Alongside Botanic Gardens experts, we will learn about the variety of birds that call the gardens home, their different habitats, and the important roles they play in our ecosystem.

Working with local artist Kylie from Klei Studio, young explorers will get creative, capturing their observations, questions, and discoveries through art making. This hands-on experience blends science and art, sparking curiosity, wonder, and a deeper connection to nature in a beautiful botanic gardens setting. 

Fantastic Fungi

Wednesday 10 June: 10:15 - 11:45am or 12:45 - 2:15pm (Duration 1.5 hours) 

Engage your students in the fascinating world of fungi through art- and science-based experiences at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.

Students will meet a mycologist, hear captivating stories and explore real-life specimens of fungi, gaining insight into this often-hidden world.

Children will be inspired by the wonders of mycology and invited to deepen their understanding through creative art-making.

Guided by an experienced artist, students will express their new learning through hands-on creative practices, encouraging curiosity, observation and imagination.

Spring Seeds

Tuesday 18 August: 10:15 - 11:45am or 12:45 - 2:15pm (Duration 1.5 hours) 

Inspire your students through the wonderful world of seeds with engaging Art and Science experiences.

Spend time with a Seed Ecologist and discover the incredible variety of seeds and the amazing “superpowers” that help them grow and survive.

Children will then bring their discoveries to life through hands-on art activities, guided by an experienced artist, creating a seed-inspired artwork to take home. This program combines curiosity, creativity, and exploration, helping students see the tiny wonders of nature in a whole new way.

Young Botanists Term 4

Tuesday 20 October 10:15 - 11:45am or 12:45 - 2:15pm (Duration 1.5 hours) 

More details coming soon.

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria acknowledges the support of the Department of Education, Victoria, through the Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series. Eligible schools may apply for additional funding for transportation and CRTs via the Department of Education.