Boston Museum School

The Congregational Library Archives in Boston, Massachusetts, serves as a vital resource for understanding the Congregational story and its significance in American history. With extensive collections and research guides, the library welcomes students, researchers, and the general public to explore its archives and participate in various events throughout the year. Generated from the website

MITS, Inc, Museum Institute for Teaching Science, was founded in 1983 with the goal of improving student interest and literacy in science and encouraging more students to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in their higher education. Seven prominent museum directors in the Boston area met with the President of MIT to discuss the declining percentage of students furthering their education in science and engineering and the serious problem this presented to the economic future of this country. At this meeting the idea of using museums and their educators as a means to offer professional development for teachers was born. The focus was the elementary and middle school levels ( K-8 ) where students can easily be discouraged and/or lose interest in these subjects with little likelihood of continuing or returning to them in later years. It is important to capture and nurture students' natural curiosity of the world around them. Programs inspire and facilitate the incorporation of inquiry-based lessons into teachers' curriculum and are aligned with Massachusetts Frameworks A report from the National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching for the 21st Century states: Four important and enduring reasons underscore the need for children to achieve competency in mathematics and science: ( 1 ) the rapid pace of change in both the increasingly interdependent global economy and in the American workplace demands widespread mathematics and science-related knowledge and abilities ; ( 2 ) our citizens need both mathematics and science for their everyday decision-making ; ( 3 ) mathematics and science are inextricably linked to the nation's security interests ; and ( 4 ) the deeper, intrinsic value of mathematical and scientific knowledge shapes and defines our common life, history, and culture. Mathematics and science are primary sources of lifelong learning and the progress of our civilization.

A pastoral oasis in a busy city, Garden in the Woods is a unique destination for nature-lovers, families, or anyone seeking a little serenity. New England Wild Flower Society's "living museum" conserves, protects, and displays many of the area's most beautiful native plants while also featuring rare plants, all along a winding, sometimes hilly gravel path. Figure about an hour for a leisurely stroll throughout the Garden. Guests will enjoy noting the distinct areas including the Idea Garden, New England Rare Plant Garden, Curtis Woodland Garden, and more. There is a Family Activity Area with a few fun prompts for kids, beautiful wooden benches throughout, and three additional short trails for hikers.Must see/do at the Garden in the WoodsThe lily pond is one of the prettiest spots in the garden, and if you're lucky you might see some turtles hanging out there. If you've got kids, check out the Family Activity Area and definitely grab scavenger hunt sheets from the Garden Shop. In summer months at 10 a.m. on alternating Saturdays, kids two to six will love story time, free with admission (check the website for dates and themes). Or take an evening tour on select Thursdays at 6 p.m. to see the blooms in enchanting dusk lighting while collecting gardening tips from the experts.Best and worst time to go to the Garden in the WoodsGarden in the Woods is open to the public from mid-April to October, and there really isn't a bad time to go (except non-holiday Mondays, when they're closed). Thursdays through July offer extended evening hours. May is your best bet for blossoms including wild blue phlox and pink rhododendrons, making for an especially colorful visit. There are a lot of mosquitos, so visitors may want to avoid going on muggier days or those just after wet weather when these predators are most abundant. Check the website or call ahead to see what's blooming.Admission to the Garden in the WoodsAdmission is just over ten bucks for adults and just under for seniors over sixty-five. Kids aged three through seventeen are about five dollars, and those under three are free. Your entrance fee includes a guided walk at 10 a.m. Tuesday through Friday or at 2 p.m. on weekends. Park in their lot for free. You'll do fine on the main, one mile gravel path with strollers (but be ready to push up a few steep spots), and there are three additional short trails for those in appropriate footwear.Wildlife at the Garden in the WoodsPlants. This "living museum" features many native plants to be cultivated and studied as well as rare species that are showcased and protected. In addition to the many flowers, ferns, trees, and other flora and fauna, you may see squirrels, chipmunks, butterflies, huge dragonflies, cardinals, and more. Each week that passes brings different blossoms; repeat visits yield unique experiences. Check the bulletin board at the entrance as well as the website to learn what flowers are blooming during your visit and look for those as you explore the gardens.Insider tip for visitors to the Garden in the WoodsWear bug spray; enjoy the garden, but don't let the mosquitos enjoy you. Nature-fiends will love the Garden Shop's collection of tools, books, and whimsical items, including fun stuff for the kids. Also, peruse the website for details on a variety of programs including specialized educational series, exclusive visiting hours for artists, gardening demonstrations, and more.Author's bio: Deborah Jarvis is a freelance writer who grew up and currently lives in the Greater Boston Area. She never pahks her cah in Hahvahd Yahd and tries not to drive like she's from Boston if she can help it. She doesn't have much of a green thumb unless you count dandelions and crabgrass, so she really appreciates gardens cultivated by the experts.