Arboretum Young Scientists
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Unleash your curiosity and ignite a passion for the natural world.
For more than four decades, the Arnold Arboretum has connected Boston’s young people with the wonders of nature through hands-on, outdoor learning.
The Arboretum Young Scientists (AYS) program is a free and immersive four-week summer experience for Boston Public School rising 7th and 8th graders. During AYS, students explore the hidden lives of plants and animals, conduct outdoor investigations, and discover the science of trees, soils, and ecosystems all within the living landscape of Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum.
Program Experience
AYS engages middle school students in the process of scientific inquiry and discovery through activities such as:
- Exploring the diverse plants and wildlife of the Arboretum’s gardens and woodlands
- Conducting hands-on investigations and experiments in ecology and environmental science
- Building teamwork and friendships through outdoor exploration
- Meeting Arboretum scientists and staff while learning about careers in the natural sciences
- Creating and presenting a final project showcasing what they’ve learned
