Field Trips to Shade Tree Farm

We are pleased to offer an educational program for elementary school children.  The program is geared towards K-3, but can be altered for older grades.  The cost is $6.00 per child.  We will compliment one teacher and 2 parents per classroom.  Teachers will receive an education packet about 2 weeks before the scheduled visit that will include several sections that the teacher can use to prepare the students for the visit to the orchard.

Upon arrival, the students will participate in 4 sessions.  Depending on the size of the group, students will go from one session to the next or be divided into 4 groups and rotate.  Each session is about 15 minutes long.  Sessions can be added, deleted or altered at the teacher's request.

Session 1 - Apple 101

The students will learn about the life of "Johnny Appleseed" and his influence on 19th century America that continues to this day.  The session will also include the life cycle of an apple tree as well as the different varieties of apples and different uses of the apple.  The session will include learning a song about apples.

Session 2 - Cider Making

The students will see a demonstration of how apple cider is made and there will be some hands on, allowing the children to see how whole apples are turned into cider.

Session 3 - Apple Art

The students will complete a simple, age-appropriate art project.

Session 4 - Hay Ride

A tractor-drawn hay ride around and through the orchard and farm will complete the students' visit to the orchard.

There is ample area for students to enjoy a sack lunch either before or after they have completed the 4 sessions.  Our play area includes hay rolls for climbing, feed troughs filled with corn and a corn hole toss game.  Each student will receive a goody bag upon departure that will include an apple, an apple farm coloring book and an apple-shaped sipper.

We look forward to hosting your class or group at Shade Tree Farm and Orchard!