Homeschool Program

Special Series for Homeschoolers Only!

The Nature Museum has a number of educational opportunities that will be of special interest to homeschooling educators and their families.

In direct response to program requests expressed by parents during the Fall 2010 Homeschool Open House at the Museum and also through increasing contact with that group of educators, the Museum has scheduled a series of seasonal programs that feature outside experts, as well as trained Museum staff.

The topics will vary with each session, but will usually include hands-on activities, outside exploration, and in-depth investigations that will most frequently focus on some aspect of science and provide the special equipment necessary for those investigations.

Detailed description of the next special program may be found under Public Programs:

• Homeschool Beaver Discovery Day October 5, 2011

Public Programs

Many of the programs open to members of the public include field trips and hands-on learning experiences that provide targeted opportunities for homeschooling families. These programs are most often free to Museum members. An annual Museum Family Membership of $50 makes them extremely affordable and allows free entrance to the Museum and its activities and exhibits throughout the year.

School and Library Programs

Many of these programs will be especially affordable if homeschoolers can gather a group together either at the Museum or at another convenient location to reduce costs.

Program in a Box Education Kits

These topical kits, geared to preschool and kindergarten students, may be rented for a month of extended learning and the fee split between cooperating families to make the cost even more affordable. Read more...

Educator Training Institutes and Educator Workshops

The Summer Educator Institutes focus on Nature Writing and Nature Journaling. Homeschooling parents are encouraged to investigate those special sessions to gain expertise and contact with other formal and informal educators. The Educator Workshops occur at different times and locations throughout the year.

Volunteer Positions

The Museum encourages those interested in sharing their knowledge and commitment to the natural world and protection of its resources to become a trained docent at the Museum.

Homeschooling families are beginning to sign up for weekend shifts because of the direct benefit to them as they become familiar with the Museum's resources and exhibits and interact with the public. They can improve their communication skills as they articulate what the Museum has to offer to visitors of all ages.

The parent/child combo also runs the store, collects money, answers the phone, and has a responsible, real-world experience that builds skills, confidence, and responsibility.

We also have a wider range of volunteer opportunities and welcome your participation. For more information about volunteering, please contact lynn@nature-museum.org.

Suggestions Requested

The Museum can be a most helpful resource to homeschooling parents through its contacts, expertise, exhibits, and teaching tools. We hope parents will feel free to contact us to let us know their needs for science programs and supplies that can augment or improve the lessons they are teaching and that can facilitate inquiry-based and hands-on science experiences and education for their students.