The Living Lab
Learning in the Garden
Thought-provoking, conservation-minded lessons aligned to the Sunshine State educational standards
What is the
Living Laboratory?
The mission of the Living Laboratory program is to have each student personally and actively engaged in thought-provoking, 
conservation-minded lessons that are aligned to the Sunshine State educational standards. Our learners develop an awareness of the land, our resources and our unique biodiversity.
We cover the state-mandated benchmarks and we include hands-on, interactive activities that promote field investigation and personal, conscious, ethical thinking and discussions. We develop environmentally conscious learners.
About The Living Lab
The Living Lab: K-6
Our program actively involves students. Students become “scientists” and collect information to answer questions about the world around them.
What we do
Students are welcome to return to the garden to work on their projects. The garden features educational programs throughout the year.
Schedule your class trip
Explore and download our lesson plans
Simply click on a lesson plan for complete details and to download a copy
Water, water everywhere
Let's investigate the quality of our water by collecting water samples in the garden. Lesson: Water, Water Everywhere Level: 4th Grade Source: The Living Lab Program at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden Standards: SC.4.E.6.3: Earth Structures...
What’s the dirt on dirt?
Learn to protect our dunes and paint with dirt! Lesson: Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition | What’s the Dirt on Dirt? Level: 4th Grade Source: The Living Lab Program at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden Standards: SC.4.E.6.4: Earth Structures...
Fun in the Sun
Explore the sun in the garden, make botanical art prints and learn about alternate energy sources. Lesson: Fun in the Sun Level: 4th Grade Source: The Living Lab Program at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden Standards: SC.4.E.6.3: Earth Structures...
What makes a perfect plant?
What do plants need to survive and thrive? Lesson: Plant Parts & Functions Level: 4th Grade Source: The Living Lab Program at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden Standards: SC.4.L.16.1: Heredity and Reproduction SC.4.L.16.2: Heredity and...
Plants: Is this your home?
Take a scavenger hunt to discover endangered species. Lesson: Native versus Introduced Species Level: 4th Grade Source: The Living Lab Program at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden Standards: SC.4.L.16.2: Heredity and Reproduction SC.4.L.16.3:...
What’s bugging you?
Build a pollinator and learn about the importance of bugs to the ecosystem. Lesson: Insects | What’s Bugging You? Level: 4th Grade Source: The Living Lab Program at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden Standards: SC.4.L.16.1: Heredity and Reproduction...
We are grateful to the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s approximately 120,000 libraries and 35,000 museums.
Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
The Living Lab by The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License
Help us preserve, develop and expand the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden as an arboretum, botanical garden, museum, wildlife refuge and habitat
What would you like to do today?
Become a member
Memberships include unlimited free admission, special events, gift shop discounts, volunteer opportunities and offers from our partners.
Check events calendar
There's always something to do in the botanical garden and tropical forest. The latest schedules for yoga, plant sales, speaker series and more.
Become a volunteer
Our volunteers get their hands dirty -- or not. We have opportunities for volunteers who love people, plants, trees and animals.
Make a donation
Sustain and preserve our fragile Florida Keys ecosystems. Purchase endangered plants and trees and support educational programs.
Schedule a venue
Wedding? Family reunion? Company outing? Whatever you're planning, our venues are the perfect setting for your special event.
#KWVirtualGarden
Our new online videos and classes are unique, interactive educational programs for parents and students K-8.