Outreach programs

The mission of the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House and its governing organization is to foster a better understanding and increased awareness of our natural world.

Programs

Children's programs:
Our outreach programs are designed to meet the specific needs for your groups and can be tailored for students of all ages. Topics include:

• Butterfly Biology: Metamorphosis, butterfly anatomy, and butterfly behaviors are discussed.
• Story of a Butterfly: Watch a butterfly grow from an egg. Then puzzle together a butterfly and finish with a caterpillar craft.
• The World According to Insects: Learn how insects are unique, from the tip of their antennae to the scales on their wings.
• A-MAZE-ing Cockroaches: Can cockroaches learn or will they stay lost? Replicate one study conducted by Dr. Charles Henry Turner.

The Fourth "R": Roaches:

• Allow a set of live insects to visit your classroom or library for a month and begin a change from fearful to fascinated! Our staff will supply the cockroaches and other materials, a starter lesson or a wrap-up lesson. Curriculum ideas will include "readin', 'ritin' and 'rithmetic." Separate pricing applies.

Science nights:

• All the Better to be Here With: Use different tools and toys to understand the adaptations insects have for survival.

Information Outreach Tables :

• General Information : Amaze and delight your guests through hands-on experiences with millipedes and cockroaches, as we provide information about The Butterfly House and its offerings.

Adult speakers:

• Butterfly Gardening: We will discuss how gardens can attract these beautiful animals, utilizing both host and nectar sources.
• Butterflies - Getting to Know You: We present a slide show to introduce some of the typical inhabitants of our Tropical Conservatory and native species of the Midwest.
• Butterfly House - A Brief History: Hear about The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House from conception to what the future holds.

Professional development workshops:
Professional development is available for preschool or elementary teachers. Different rates apply. Call for details.

Pricing and guidelines

Fees for all outreach programs are based on facilities within 30 miles of The Butterfly House. For facilities outside this distance, an additional $1.00 will be charged for each additional mile (each way).

If more than one program is offered on the same day, a minimum 10-minute break is required between programs. If a Butterfly House instructor is teaching at your facility for more than three (3) hours total, a half-hour lunch break must be scheduled between programs.

Participation is limited to 35 students per program. Teachers/staff are required to stay in the room during the presentation.

One-hour programs:
One-hour programs are $75.00 for the first program and $50.00 for each additional program scheduled for the same day. A maximum of three (3) one hour programs can be scheduled on each day.

Custom programs:
Custom Programs are available upon request. These programs may include information and activity tables for science fairs or classroom presentations covering specific topics that fit your curriculum. Pricing may vary.

To schedule:

• Prior to calling, 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.
• Classes are offered Monday through Friday. Special arrangements can be made if other days are preferred.
• Call the Education Programs Manager at (636) 530-0076, extension 13 at least two (2) weeks in advance of your desired reservation date.

Confirmation:
After you make a reservation, you will receive a confirmation letter in the mail. Please read and return a copy to the Education Programs Manager with proper payment as noted on the confirmation letter no later than one (1) week prior to the scheduled program date.

Payment must be received before the scheduled program date.