Rooted Remedies: Herbal Education & Plant Science Workshops
Rooted Remedies is a hands-on educational workshop series designed for homeschool students to study plants, traditional herbal practices, and environmental science through age-appropriate, experiential learning.
Classes are held at a working herbal apothecary and garden, where students engage directly with plant materials, learn foundational botanical concepts, and participate in supervised, project-based activities. Instruction integrates science, cultural studies, and practical skills, supporting a well-rounded homeschool education.
This program is designed as educational enrichment and does not provide medical advice or treatment.
Eligible Student Population
• Homeschool students participating in Step Up for Students / PEP
• Elementary, middle, and high school learners
• No prior herbal or science background required
Instruction is differentiated by age and developmental level.
Subject Areas Covered
• Life Science / Biology
• Environmental Science
• Cultural Studies / Ethnobotany
• Practical Science Labs
• Health Education (non-clinical, educational)
Instructional Approach
• Hands-on, inquiry-based learning
• Demonstration and guided practice
• Observation and discussion
• Project-based activities
• Small-group instruction
All activities are supervised and age-appropriate.
Learning Objectives by Educational Tier
Tier 1: Elementary School
Ages approximately 6–9
Learning Objectives
Students will:
• Identify basic plant parts (root, stem, leaf, flower)
• Understand that plants can be used for food, wellness, and daily care
• Practice safe and respectful handling of plants
• Recognize simple plant uses such as tea or topical preparations
• Develop observational and sensory awareness skills
Skills Developed
• Scientific observation
• Vocabulary development
• Fine motor skills
• Curiosity and confidence in natural sciences
Tier 2: Middle School
Ages approximately 10–13
Learning Objectives
Students will:
• Differentiate between common herbal preparations (tea, infusion, decoction)
• Understand basic herbal actions (soothing, warming, calming)
• Learn how different plant parts serve different functions
• Explore cultural traditions of plant use across communities
• Follow step-by-step preparation methods safely
Skills Developed
• Scientific reasoning
• Following procedures
• Introductory formulation concepts
• Cultural awareness
• Responsibility in hands-on labs
Tier 3: High School
Ages approximately 14–18
Learning Objectives
Students will:
• Understand foundational concepts of herbal systems and actions
• Identify how herbs interact with basic body systems (educational overview)
• Learn introductory plant chemistry concepts (non-clinical)
• Discuss ethical harvesting, sustainability, and sourcing
• Apply critical thinking to case-based learning scenarios
Skills Developed
• Analytical thinking
• Applied science literacy
• Ethical reasoning
• Preparation for advanced coursework or internships
• Project documentation and reflection
Hands-On Activities (All Levels)
Depending on age group, activities may include:
• Herbal tea preparation
• Salve or oil making
• Plant identification
• Garden observation and care
• Apothecary-style projects
• Science journaling or reflection
All materials are provided and all activities are supervised.
Program Format Options
• Single workshop (90–120 minutes)
• Multi-week series
• Monthly enrichment classes
• Seasonal intensives
Programs may be offered as:
• Mixed-age groups (with tiered instruction)
• Age-specific cohorts
Assessment & Documentation
• Informal observation of participation
• Project completion
• Discussion and reflection
• Skill demonstration during activities
Documentation available for homeschool records upon request.
Pricing (Step Up–Appropriate)
Pricing reflects instruction, materials, and facility use.
• Single workshop: $45–65 per student
• 4-week series: $160–220 per student
• Monthly enrichment: $75–95 per month
• Materials fee (if applicable): $10–25
Educational Disclaimer
This program is offered for educational purposes only. Instruction does not include diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Herbal activities are presented within a science and cultural studies framework.
Parent FAQ
Rooted Remedies: Herbal Education & Plant Science Workshops
What is Rooted Remedies?
Rooted Remedies is a hands-on educational enrichment program where homeschool students learn about plants, herbal traditions, and environmental science through age-appropriate, supervised activities. Classes are held at a working herbal apothecary and garden, offering students real-world learning in a safe, structured environment.
Is this a medical or health program?
No. Rooted Remedies is educational only. Students do not receive medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. Herbal activities are taught within a science, cultural studies, and life skills framework, similar to a lab-based learning experience.
Who is this program for?
This program is designed for:
• Homeschool students using Step Up for Students / PEP
• Elementary, middle, and high school learners
• Students with curiosity about science, nature, or culture
No prior herbal knowledge is required.
How are classes divided by age?
Instruction is offered in three age-based tiers:
• Elementary School
• Middle School
• High School
Each tier receives developmentally appropriate instruction, activities, and learning goals. In mixed-age settings, lessons are differentiated to meet each learner’s level.
What will my child learn?
Depending on age, students may learn:
• Basic plant biology and identification
• How herbs are traditionally prepared (such as teas or topical preparations)
• Cultural history of plant use
• Environmental stewardship and sustainability
• Observation, critical thinking, and hands-on skills
All learning outcomes are educational and age-appropriate.
Will my child be making or consuming herbal products?
Students may prepare simple items such as teas or topical products as part of supervised educational activities. Any tasting is optional, age-appropriate, and clearly explained in advance. Parents will be informed of materials used.
Is this program safe?
Yes. Safety is a priority.
• All activities are supervised
• Tools and materials are age-appropriate
• Clear safety guidelines are followed
• Herbs used are commonly known and appropriate for educational settings
Who teaches the classes?
Classes are taught by experienced herbal educators in a structured learning environment. Instruction emphasizes responsibility, respect, and safety, along with scientific and cultural understanding.
How long are the classes?
Classes may be offered as:
• Single workshops (90–120 minutes)
• Multi-week series
• Monthly enrichment sessions
• Seasonal programs
Specific schedules are listed at registration.
How does Step Up for Students work with this program?
Rooted Remedies is structured as a homeschool enrichment program eligible for Step Up / PEP funding. Families may use approved funds to cover eligible workshop fees in accordance with Step Up guidelines.
Documentation and receipts are available upon request.
How are students assessed?
Assessment is informal and age-appropriate, based on:
• Participation
• Completion of hands-on activities
• Observation and discussion
• Demonstrated understanding during projects
Parents may request documentation for homeschool records.
What should my child bring?
All core materials are provided. Students may be asked to bring:
• A water bottle
• A notebook (optional)
• Closed-toe shoes for garden activities
Specific instructions are provided before each session.
What if my child has allergies or special needs?
Please let us know in advance. We will do our best to accommodate allergies, sensitivities, and learning needs whenever possible. Safety and inclusion are important to us.
Can parents stay during class?
This depends on the age group and class format. Some sessions welcome parent observation, while others are drop-off. This will be clearly communicated at registration.
What makes this program different from other enrichment classes?
Rooted Remedies offers:
• Real-world, hands-on learning
• Small-group instruction
• Cultural and ecological context
• A working apothecary and garden setting
• An emphasis on respect for plants, people, and knowledge traditions
How do I register?
Registration details, schedules, and pricing are available on our website. Step Up payment instructions will be provided during enrollment.
Who can I contact with questions?
For questions about programming, accessibility, or registration, please contact us through the website or by email. We are happy to help.