Do you find yourself daydreaming about the plants around you—wondering how they grow and thrive? Indulge your curiosity as we introduce you to the fascinating world of plant science, and the techniques our scientists use to study, collect, and conserve these incredible organisms. Topics range from the basics of plant form and function to plant life cycle and reproduction (think fruits and flowers!); captivating plant survival adaptations; and a look into the critical importance of biodiversity to the planet.
Over the course of 6 weeks, you’ll be given access to a new online module each Wednesday that teaches you the basic principles of Plant Science. You will have one week to complete the assigned coursework and participate in the discussion board for each module, and you’ll get live feedback from your instructor when you turn in your final project at the end of the course.
Week 1: Explore why we study plants and their major and unique contributions.
Week 2: Review plant structure and the life cycle of a plant.
Week 3: Study plant reproduction with a focus on flowers.
Week 4: Dive deeper into plant reproduction, with a focus on fruit.
Week 5: Learn about plant adaptations; those that fulfill basic needs and provide protection.
Week 6: Survey current research about plant conservation, including work taking place at NYBG. Apply your knowledge by producing a full description of a plant species of your choosing, from root to fruit.
Course length is 6 weeks with content released every Wednesday.
When you sign up for a course, you select one of the following sessions to enroll in:
You’ll have access to the course’s Welcome Module one week prior to the start date. Upon completion of the course, you’ll have a reading period which extends 30 days past the course end date.
Regina Alvarez, Ph.D., is Associate Professor of Biology at Dominican University New York in Rockland County, NY. A graduate of the City University of New York with a degree in Urban Forest Ecology, Alvarez worked for the Central Park Conservancy for 19 years, beginning as a seasonal gardener and working her way to Director of Horticulture and Woodland Management.
Jamie Boyer, Ph.D., is the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Vice President for Children’s Education and Senior Director for Education at The New York Botanical Garden. Boyer is also the Botany Coordinator for NYBG’s Continuing Education program. He holds a Masters in Paleobotany from Illinois University-Carbondale, and a Doctorate in Plant Biology from SUNY-Binghamton.
A science educator for 20 years with a doctorate in science education from Columbia University, Leslie Day is a New York City naturalist and the author of Field Guide to the Natural World of New York City, Field Guide to the Street Trees of New York City, Field Guide to the Neighborhood Birds of New York City, and Honeybee Hotel: The Waldorf Astoria’s Roof Garden and the Heart of New York City.
Nina Naghshineh is a microbial community ecologist currently working toward her Ph.D. in the Biological Sciences program at Fordham University. Her research integrates field and laboratory work to explore the ecological system of the eastern redback salamander. Along with being a researcher at Fordham, Naghshineh teaches Microbiology Lab and Introduction to Biology Lab to undergraduates. Before Fordham, Naghshineh received her B.A. in Environmental Studies from New York University.
Whether you’d like guidance on choosing the Plant Studio course that’s right for you, or you have questions about this new program—let us know! Fill out this form and we’ll be happy to contact you as soon as possible.