2025 Baxter Symposium Session

Presenter: Chris Baker, Chicago Botanic Garden & Marjorie Baker, Round Lake Area Schools

Every tree has a story written in its branches. Join us for an up-close exploration of bonsai, where we’ll investigate how environmental forces and human influence shape tree growth over time. Through hands-on activities and collaborative storytelling, you’ll practice using observation, inference, and argument from evidence—strategies you can take straight back to your classroom. Walk away with a deeper appreciation for the science and art of bonsai trees and ready-to-use tools for engaging your students in scientific thinking!