Participatory Science ProjectClassroom Cultivation: Exploring Plant Ecology

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Plant Ecology Plant and Molecular Ecology
  • five high school students smiling at the camera holding up materials from the project

    Students planting orchids in their classrooms.

  • Two middle school students measuring a plant

    Students measuring orchids.

  • Goodyera

    Goodyera are native to Maryland

Welcome to Classroom Cultivation!

Where Students Are Scientists 

Classroom Cultivation: Exploring Plant Ecology is a project that brings plant science and interactive plant ecology exploration to classrooms and on school grounds across the United States. 

We currently work with teachers and engage students in Washington DC, Maryland, Minnesota, and Alaska.

Many plant species in the United States are in danger of becoming extinct. To combat this, scientists are learning how to grow these plants in their labs for future restoration work. Problem is, for many of these species we don’t know how to successfully grow them.

That’s where Classroom Cultivation comes in! SERC scientists are working with teachers and students to conduct experiments and figure out what these native plants need to grow. 

In each region, students conduct growth experiments with plants native to their community. They collect, analyze, and present real scientific data to their classmates and community. Plus, each classroom has the opportunity to take care of the plants they grow afterwards in their own school gardens. By fostering students’ connection with plants in their community through science, our hope is that students can see themselves as scientists making a positive impact where they live. 

Want your school to get involved? 

Fill out the 2025-2026 school year interest form by September 5th, 2025.

Questions?

Email Classroom Cultivation Project Coordinator, Shatiyana Dunn (DunnS@si.edu). 

 

Classroom Cultivation is a project made possible through partnerships with the Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Mt Cuba Center, North American Orchid Conservation Center, and Smithsonian Gardens. Classroom Cultivation is also made possible by funding from the Together We Thrive Grant. 
 

Research Topics