Milkweed in the Classroom

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever's Milkweed in the Classroom Program is a turn-key habitat education program for the classroom. Program support includes all the necessary tools and materials (seed, soil, planting containers, grow light), online training on how to grow native plants in the classroom, and curriculum that meets all national science standards. The results of this program not only benefit pollinators by providing quality foraging and nesting habitat, but also provide opportunities for youth to get outside and gain an appreciation for wildlife and conservation.

Milkweed in the Classroom Projects

Are you interested in continuous ways to engage your students in hands-on learning projects? Order your Milkweed in the Classroom Kits from September 1st through October 31st each year.

Order Kits

Classroom Kit FAQ's

What is included in the kit?

The kit includes the following:

common milkweed seed and other native wildflower seed
1 bag of starter soil
1 germination tray
1 plastic tray for individual containers
72 individual plastic planting containers
1 LED grow light
1 timer
1 spray bottle
curriculum guide
milkweed grow guide

How much does Milkweed in the Classroom cost?

$500 (includes shipping costs).

How do I order my Milkweed in the Classroom kit?

You can order your kit online from September 1st - October 31st here.

Note: Only Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever chapters can order kits online.

How many kits do I need for each classroom, or for x number of students?

The kits have supplies and serve for one classroom per kit. The kits are used for an average of 25 kids per kit, which is the national average classroom size.

Example 1
Q: I have 20 5th graders in one classroom, how many kits do I need?
A: 1 kit

Example 2
Q: I have 30 third graders in one classroom, how many kits do I need?
A: 1 kit

Example 3
Q: I have 40 4th graders between two classrooms, how many kits do I need?
A: 2 kits

When can I order my Milkweed in the Classroom kit?

Milkweed in the Classroom kits can be ordered anytime from September 1st - October 31st of each year.

How do I know my application went through?

You should receive a confirmation order screen right away like below, along with an email within 48 hours of an accepted application. If you do not get this screen, something was either left blank on the required application or the wrong format.

When will my Milkweed in the Classroom kit be shipped to my school?

Milkweed in the Classroom kits will be shipped to classrooms by the end of January each year.

How long does it take to grow the milkweed plants in the classroom?

The classroom should plan on planting the seeds in February and plants should be big enough to plant by May.

How much space do I need to provide for the Milkweed in the Classroom kit in my classroom?

You will need approximately a 3ft x 3ft space for the entire kit.

Where do we plant the milkweed plants at the end of the program?

You can plant the plants on a site dedicated to a pollinator/milkweed garden at the school, or you can have the students take their plants home to be planted on a site of their choice.

Does the curriculum meet the Next Generation Science standards?

Yes!

What are the suggested grade levels for this program?

This program can be used and adapted for any grade level (K-12).

How can I connect with a local chapter?

There are a lot of ways to connect with a local PF or QF chapter. Visit Find a Chapter to see if a chapter exists near you. You can also reach out to our Habitat Education Programs Manager at habitateducation@pheasantsforever.org to assist you.

Milkweed Program Resources

These Milkweed in the Classroom program courses meet all national science standards. Visit the Habitat Education Resource Center for additional resources.

Habitat Education Resource Center

Conserving Bumble Bees

This UNL standards-aligned, 5-E lesson provides students with a case study approach examining bumble bee population surveys and conservation strategies.

Milkweed Growing Guide

This step-by-step visual growing guide aims to provide teachers with the information they need to know about growing milkweeds or other native plants in the classroom.

Milkweed in the Classroom

This curriculum designed for Grades 3-5 supports teachers and students in growing milkweed in the classroom and assisting in local restoration efforts.

Pollinator Habitat Guide

This UW - Madison & Earth Partnership Pollinator Habitat Guide outlines the habitat restoration process from site analysis and design through seed propagation and restoration management.

Pollinators in the Classroom

This UNL standards-aligned, 5-E lesson teaches about aerobic and anaerobic respiration, genetics, biotechnology, and food safety in the context of honey bees.

How to Grow Milkweed Video Series

Starting Milkweed Seeds

Sarah Bailey with the Prairie Plains Resource Institute explains how to start growing milkweed seeds in your classroom.

Transplanting Seedlings to Larger Containers

Sarah Bailey with Prairie Plains Resource Institute explains how to move young milkweed seedlings that have germinated into separate growing containers in order to establish strong root systems.

Transplanting Plants Outside

Sarah Bailey with the Prairie Plains Resource Institute talks about how to safely and effectively transplant milkweed plants that have been growing in the classroom to an outdoor location such as a prairie restoration site or school garden.

Monitoring Activities

Check out these citizen science monitoring activities, which are designed to engage students in collecting data for ongoing university research projects and can be used in conjunction with your project.

Xerces Society

Xerces Society community science programs involve public volunteers in scientific research to conserve invertebrates like bees, butterflies, and fireflies.

IMMP

The Integrated Monarch Monitoring Program (IMMP) is a national program to collect milkweed, nectar plant, and monarch use data from various land-use types and regions.

Bumble Bee Atlas

The Bumble Bee Atlas is a community science project that involves volunteers collecting data to track and conserve bumble bees across different regions.

Questions?

We'd be thrilled to help with any questions you might have, drop us a line!

Email Habitat Education