Science of Seeds
When: September 25, 2026 8:00 a.m. -2:30 p.m., lunch provided
Where: Paul H. Douglas Center, 100 N Lake St, Gary, IN 46403.
Who: Open to all formal and non-formal educators
Cost: $35
Scholarships are available to ensure cost is not a barrier to participation. Contact: Erin Crofton at ecrofton@duneslearningcenter.org with your inquiry.
Did you know that the Indiana Dunes is home to one of the most incredibly diverse plant populations in the entire National Park system? This rich biodiversity is exactly what makes the dunes so special—and it’s the perfect inspiration for your classroom!
Join us for Science of Seeds, a hands-on professional development day dedicated entirely to the wonderful world of plants. Together, we’ll explore the science behind why the dunes host such an amazing variety of flora. You'll walk away with a toolkit of fun, engaging, and standards-aligned lessons that bring plant structures—like roots, seeds, and flowers—to life for your students. We will also dive into local ecology, highlighting how the National Park and community organizations collect and clean seed for vital habitat restoration and pollinator support.