 We know that healthy soils are essential for plants, but what is soil, really, and why is it important to understand? Spend the day investigating the various components of soil and the organisms that inhabit the ground. We will apply what can be learned from observation and experiments with soil to space-age problem solving as we discuss regenerative farming, terraforming, and the challenges of growing food on other planets. ISBE PD Hours: 6, Grade level: K – 12
Saturday September 12, 2026, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
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9/12/2026 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
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Climate Science in the Classroom

Make climate-change science accessible to students using an open-top warming chamber (OTC). Garden scientist Amy Iler, Ph.D., will share her expertise and explain how to use this tool to perform classroom experiments. Your students will learn to model the effects of changing climate patterns on biological events like flowering times and bird migration. Then they will collect and analyze their data. Enjoy a free lunch after the workshop and take home the OTC to try in your classroom. ISBE PD Hours: 3.5 Grade level: 6 – 12
Saturday September 26, 2026, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
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9/26/2026 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
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 Capture your students’ imagination by introducing the world of carnivorous plants. Discover the fascinating variety of traps and tricks these plants use to get fed. See the best way to present these phenomena to engage students in investigations of structure, function, adaptations, and plant needs. Create a spooky “crystal ball” terrarium to take and learn tips to help it thrive in your classroom. ISBE PD Hours: 6, Grade level: K – 12
Saturday October 10, 2026, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
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10/10/2026 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
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Teas, Sweets, and Tropical Treats
 The winter holidays are the perfect time for getting immersed in the delightful scents and flavors found in the edible plants from around the world. Learn about the plants that produce herbs and spices, teas, chocolate, and other seasonal favorites from different cultural traditions. Make custom tea bags, mulling spice mixes, hot chocolate, and other easily replicable treats for the classroom. ISBE PD Hours: 6, Gateways: 6 Grades: preK – 12
Saturday November 21, 2026, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
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11/21/2026 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
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Classroom Gardening and Engineering
 Build a simple grow-light stand with a light fixture to grow plants at school. Discuss plant selection and care to increase the success of this greening venture. Try an activity that will engage students in an engineering design solution to weekend and holiday plant watering challenges. These simple investigations can be adapted to NGSS and Early Learning Standards. ISBE PD Hours: 6, Gateways: 6, Grades: preK – 12
Saturday December 5, 2026, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
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12/5/2026 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
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