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School Programs and Field Trips

The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House offers unique, inquiry-based experiences for students that align with Missouri and Illinois Learning Standards for Science. We incorporate living animals and real specimens, and each class includes an unforgettable trip through our Tropical Conservatory of living butterflies.

Learn about scheduling, chaperone requirements and program fees.

 

Classes

 
Story of a Butterfly

Grade PreK–K
Offered Year-round
Capacity: 25 students
Length of program: 45 minutes

 

CaterpillarStudents will witness the life cycle of a butterfly using our innovative caterpillar puppet, and assemble a butterfly to learn about its important body parts. They will compare and contrast the survival needs of plants and animals as they enjoy a tour of the Conservatory, where they will search for the resources butterflies and plants need to live and grow.
Adventures in a Butterfly Garden

Grades K–3
Offered Year-round
Capacity: 25 students
Length of program: 45 minutes

 

Butterfly feedingDiscover 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. In the Conservatory, students will be able to look for seeds and pollen as well as butterfly chrysalides, and they can apply what they have learned to discuss how butterflies pollinate our plants.
Wings of Wonder

Grades K–5
Offered Year-round
Capacity: 25 students
Length of program: 45 minutes

 

Butterfly eggsStudents experience hands-on observations with real samples of butterfly eggs, caterpillars, pupae, and wings. Learn how butterflies meet their survival needs and what adaptations they have to survive in their environment. In the Tropical Conservatory, we will look for butterfly adaptations that help them find food, avoid danger, and live the butterfly life.
Bugs Alive: Ecosystem Challenge

Grades 3–5
Offered Year-round
Capacity: 25 students
Length of program: 45 minutes

 

Close up of wing scalesThrough 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
Bug Lab

Grades K–5
Offered Year-round
Capacity: 25 students
Length of program: 45 minutes

 

TarantulaLearn 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!

 

Scheduling, Chaperones & Fees

Scheduling

All school groups intending to visit the Butterfly House must register their visit in advance.

  • Facilitated Programs run 45 minutes and are offered Tuesdays–Fridays at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., or 12:30 p.m. year-round except for the month of January.
  • We encourage teachers to book as early as possible, given limited capacity on high-demand days.
Chaperones

Program fees include admission for up to 5 adults. Additional chaperones are admitted at standard admission rates and will not be able to join the classroom portions of the program. All chaperones can accompany the class during the self-guided portion of your visit.

Capacity

Programs serve up to 25 students. Classes of more than 25 should book multiple programs. Call (314) 577-0888 x 2 for more information, or email butterflyhouseeducation@mobot.org.

Field Trip Class Fees

$125/program
Paraprofessionals are admitted at no cost.

Registration

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.

Schedule a facilitated program

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

 

Learn at Our Other Sites

Check out school programs at the Missouri Botanical Garden and the Shaw Nature Reserve!

Or if you're looking for an opportunity for in-depth field study with your students, consider Litzsinger Road Ecology Center, managed by the Missouri Botanical Garden.

Butterfly School

ButterflyBe sure to check out the learning resources available on our Butterfly School website including additional instructional ideas, suggested reading and activities for all ages. Explore butterfly life cycle and behaviors while you learn more about butterflies, moths and other invertebrates.