Outreach Programs

Story of a Butterfly
Grades PreK–K
Young children will learn about metamorphosis and the butterfly life cycle, the parts of a butterfly's body, and learn how its survival needs are similar to and different from those of plants and other animals.

Wings of Wonder
Grades K–2
Students experience the life cycle of a butterfly with hands-on observations using real samples of butterfly eggs, caterpillars, pupae, and wings. We also explore insect body parts using living insects in viewing containers.

Adventures in a Butterfly Garden
Grades K–3
Discover pollination as we explore and compare the life cycles of butterflies, honeybees, and plants. Students will learn that fruits and seeds can only come from plants that have been pollinated, and we will discuss different ways that insects, birds, and other animals spread pollen and disperse seeds.

Bug Lab
Grades 3–5
Learn the exciting and valuable jobs insects have while interacting with living animals. This program uses both mounted and living insects to give your students insights into the roles insects play in our world. This program features our largest variety of living animals, and each animal reveals the stories of how insects find food, escape danger, benefit other living things, and more!

Bugs Alive: Ecosystem Challenge
Grades 3–5
Through a series of live animal encounters, students will explore an animal’s place in an ecosystem by examining the adaptations, senses, and genetic variation of each. Students will be exposed to a variety of ecosystems and the challenges organisms face for survival in each. At the end of the lesson, students will be challenged to design an insect that has adaptations necessary for survival in an assigned ecosystem.

Additional outreach programs are available upon request. Options range from information and activity tables for science nights to custom classroom presentations covering specific topics that fit your curriculum. 

Family Science Nights

Let us bring the wonders of the Butterfly House to you. We will bring real specimens of butterfly wings, mounted insects and living insects. We are happy to modify the presentation to fit the theme of your evening.

STEAM Nights

Did you know that insects can provide great lessons for force and motion? They also make great models for lessons on light, sound and more! Amaze and delight your students through hands-on experiences with insects, as we provide information about the Butterfly House and its offerings.

We offer educational outreach programs for adults through our Project Pollinator program. You can learn more about the program here.

Backyard Scientist

In Backyard Scientist, we will learn how everyday observations can make a big difference.

Bee Friendly 

In Bee Friendly, we will learn ways to make your yard spaces more hospitable to the hundreds of bee species that call Missouri home. 

Beneficial Bugs

In this class, we will cover some of the most common beneficial insects found in gardens and talk about how they help us. We will also talk about easy ways to make your yard more welcoming to the beneficial bugs.

Growing a Pollinator Garden

This class covers nectar plants and butterfly host plants to give you many choices for pollinator-friendly plants to add to your garden. The class also covers native plants that support other pollinators besides butterflies.

Insect Hotels

More than any house, an insect hotel is a resort that provides all the best amenities for beneficial bees, ladybugs, lacewings, and more. Registrants construct a decorative insect hotel that will provide these beneficial bugs their necessary winter lodging in your yard.

Meet the Pollinators

In Meet the Pollinators, we will learn how to recognize and attract Missouri's diverse cast of pollinators.

Monarchs and Friends

In Monarchs and Friends, we will learn how to provide habitat for butterflies of all stripes and spots.

Putting Your Butterfly Garden to Bed

When is it safe to clean up a butterfly garden? When can you cut back a butterfly host plant? How do you make a garden safe for overwintering beneficial bugs? This class will answer all of these questions and more.

Right Plant, Right Place

In Right Plant, Right Place, we will learn how to successfully grow pollinator gardens in tricky spots.

Waking Up Your Butterfly Garden

Spring has sprung, but is your garden ready? Learn how to clean up your garden for the growing season while protecting and encouraging pollinators and other beneficial bugs that share your space. Once nature’s alarm clock goes off, everything gets growing—don’t be late!

Standard programs run 45 minutes each and can accommodate up to 30 students. Flexible timing is available with advance notice. Please contact us for details.

Up to three programs may be scheduled during a single visit. Please plan to provide a 10-minute break between program sessions.

Student participation is limited to 30 per program. Teachers/staff are required to stay in the room during the presentation. A dedicated program space is preferred.

Fees
Outreach program fees run $150 for the first session and $50 for additional sessions of the same program held on the same day at the same site. (Please note that an additional mileage fee may apply for schools located more than 20 miles from the Butterfly House.)

Scheduling
Prior to scheduling, please check your school calendar and be aware of special programs, testing days, holidays and fire/tornado drills that may conflict with scheduling an Outreach program at your location.

Classes are offered Monday through Friday. Special arrangements may be made if other days are preferred.

Registration is ongoing, but programs are booked on a first-come, first-served basis. Early registration is encouraged to ensure your desired date and time are available.

Outreach sessions must be booked at least two weeks in advance of your intended program date. Dates and times are subject to availability, so registering early is strongly advised.

Schedule an outreach program

You may also email butterflyhouseeducation@mobot.org or call (314) 577-0888 x 2 to book your program.

After you make a reservation, you will receive a confirmation letter via email. Please read and return a copy to the Education Programs Manager with proper payment as noted on the confirmation letter no later than one week prior to the scheduled program date.