As a family of former teachers, Greathouse Butterfly Farm has a soft spot for educators. In the 10 years since we started farming butterflies, we have made it our mission to inform public and private school students about butterflies and the environment. We are working on grade-specific curriculums to help Florida’s teachers. Greathouse Butterfly Farm produces Grow-A-Butterfly Kits, Adopt-A-Butterfly Kits, Butterfly Hatcheries and Painted Lady larvae cultures for teachers.

Classes and groups come to our farm for educational field trips where they learn about butterflies, insects, plants and recycling. Greathouse Butterfly Farm is committed to sharing our love for Florida’s butterflies and it’s natural history with generations to come.

Feel free to explore the information below, and if you have any questions, don't hesistate to contact us.

Greathouse Butterfly Farm Programs

Come and learn about nature’s beauty where students can observe it firsthand. Greathouse Butterfly Farm is the perfect place to expose young students to a natural Florida environment and teach them about butterflies in a natural habitat.

Grade Level: Kindergarten through fifth grade.

Program Description: Students will explore a butterfly farm and demonstration gardens where they will learn more about the life cycle of a butterfly and that all living things have basic needs, such as air, food and water. They will also gain a better understanding of how important camouflage and adaptive methods are for survival.

Learning Goals: Activities are designed to integrate science, language arts, math and social studies.

Teaching Methods: Tours use a different combination of teaching methods that include hands-on demonstrations and learning activities directly involving the students. Each student will also leave the farm with their own milkweed plant to attract butterflies that they will plant themselves in a biodegradable newspaper holder.

Objectives: At the conclusion of a Greathouse Butterfly Farm program, kindergarten through second grade students should:

• Use listening strategies effectively (LA.C.1.1).
• Understand the patterns of function in living things (SC.F.1.1, SC.F.1.2, SC.F.1.3,SC.F.1.4).
• Understand the competitive, interdependent, cyclic nature of living things in the environment (SC.G.1.1, SC.G.1.2, SC.G.1.3, SC.G.1.4).
• Understand the consequences of using limited natural resources (SC.G.2.1, SC.G.2.2).
• Understand the scientific processes and habits of mind to solve problems (SC.H.1.1,SC.H.1.5).

Third through fifth grade students should:

Additional Information

Program Length: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Fees: $6.50 per student with a minimum of ten students or $65. Admission is free for up to two teachers ($6.50 for each additional child, sibling, chaperone or student teacher).

Confirmation: A valid e-mail address will be needed for confirmation and communication.

Deposit: A minimum of $50 must be paid before a classroom trip is scheduled. Payment in full is due the day of the school trip.

Program Organization: Directed lesson, guided walk, hands-on activity, wrap-up activity.

Pre-activities: Trip information on the picnic area, gift shop, cold drinks, clothing requirements, rules and safety issues, and student to chaperone ratio will be provided before the trip.

Dress Code: Students will be outside. Please remember to bring a water bottle, sunscreen and insect repellent in warm weather. Hats are also encouraged. Wear tennis shoes or hiking boots. No open-toed shoes or sandals. For colder weather, make sure to wear warm layers of clothing.

Scheduling: Call (352) 475-2088 to check availability, mail in confirmation and deposit, and come have fun while you learn. We look forward to hearing from you!