Our Homeschool Adventures programs are designed to introduce homeschool students to specific nature-based themes with the goal of helping students better understand the natural world and their connection to it.
Programs for Ages 5-12
Programs are usually held at our Cool Spring Preserve twice a month (usually on Thursdays) from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Pricing:
Single child: $12 for members and $15 for non-members.
(If you are not a member, but would like to become one and receive the member discount/additional member perks, click here.)
To accommodate families with siblings, separate sessions for 5-7 year olds and 8-12 year olds will be offered at the same time.
All programs include time outside for nature exploration, so please wear clothes and shoes that are comfortable for hiking and suitable for the weather.
Registration Information
- Pre-registration for each program is required.
- Registration for multiple children must be done individually
- A minimum of six participants is needed to conduct the program. The instructor will cancel the program if the minimum is not reached.
Program Policies
We know that many parents often need to bring their younger children to the program. While younger siblings will not be allowed to participate in any program activities, we have a “Kid’s Corner” in our nature center that parents and young children can enjoy during the program. Parents must supervise any children not participating in the program at all times.
Parents are welcome to stay for the duration of the program, but are not required to do so. However, if your child is disruptive or distressed during your absence, you may be asked to stay for future sessions.
Parents must register their child for the appropriate age group. If you feel that your child would be better suited to an older group, please understand an assessment of your child’s capabilities must be made by an instructor before a switch is possible. There is no guarantee that your request will be accommodated, as we need to ensure that the switch does not impact the experience for other students.
Inclement Weather
If inclement weather is in the forecast and the instructor decides to cancel or reschedule a program, you will be notified by e-mail either the day before the program or by 8:30 am on the day of the program.
Cancellations
Fees are refundable if the program is cancelled by instructor, or cancelled by parent more than one week in advance. If you need to cancel for a session you’ve registered for, please notify the lead instructor, Amy Moore (amy@potomacaudubon.org) , as soon as possible.
December 2019
Homeschool Adventures: Dirt Dwellers
Sessions available for ages 5-7 and 8-12 $15 members / $20 non-members In this program we’ll be exploring compost, fungi, worms and decomposers. This program will be science-based and includes exploring, observing, discovering, and reflecting on the program theme. Registration Information Pre-registration for this program is required. A minimum of six participants is needed to conduct the program. The instructor will cancel the program if the minimum is not reached. Fees are refundable if the program is cancelled by instructor…
Find out more »January 2020
Homeschool Adventures: Rock and Fossils
This programs has sessions available for ages 5-7 and 8-12 Single child: $12 members/ $15 non-members. In this program, students will explore our extensive collection of rocks, minerals and fossils. We'll play a game to learn about the rock cycle and explore the limestone outcroppings on the preserve. We'll also learn about coal in WV and do an activity to estimate the amount of “coal” in a cookie. This program will be science-based and includes exploring, observing, discovering, and reflecting…
Find out more »February 2020
Homeschool Adventures: Bird Watching
This programs has sessions available for ages 5-7 and 8-12 Single child: $12 members/ $15 non-members. This program is all about watching and observing birds at the preserve. We'll spend time introducing students to birding techniques, binocular usage and how to use some cool bird apps that help you identify birds. At the end of the program, we'll have compiled a list of all the birds we’ve seen or heard that we can report to an online citizen science database!…
Find out more »Homeschool Adventures: Nocturnal Animals
This programs has sessions available for ages 5-7 and 8-12 Single child: $12 members/ $15 non-members. It’s time for a lesson... at night! Join us at Cool Spring Preserve as we talk about the world of nocturnal animals and how they deal with the world they live in. We’ll discuss bats, moths, owls and more as we explore the strange lives of these unique darkness-dwellers. Activities include an owl pellet dissection, nocturnal-themed games and, of course, a night hike! This…
Find out more »March 2020
Homeschool Adventures: Art and Earth
This programs has sessions available for ages 5-7 and 8-12 Single child: $12 members/ $15 non-members. This program will explore our connection to nature through the lens of the visual arts. We will discuss the variety of ways environmental art can take shape and how it can heighten people's appreciation and understanding of the natural world and our role within it. We will be creating temporary environmental art installations, using solely the bounty that nature provides. This program will be…
Find out more »April 2020
Homeschool Adventures: Spring Wildflowers
This programs has sessions available for ages 5-7 and 8-12 Single child: $12 members/ $15 non-members. Join us at Yankauer Nature Preserve as we go on a wild flower scavenger hunt in search of ephemeral flowers that are only in bloom for a few weeks in early spring. We'll investigate the pollinators that visit these flowers as well as look for other signs that spring is here at last! Come prepared for a 1-2 mile hike around the preserve. This…
Find out more »May 2020
Homeschool Adventures: Gardening
This programs has sessions available for ages 5-7 and 8-12 Single child: $12 members/ $15 non-members. Students will explore the topic of gardening through hands on activities. Topics such as composting, seed saving, and companion planting will be investigated by students. Students will also have the opportunity to help plant container gardens at Cool Spring, and take home a carrot in a bottle to grow indoors! This program will be science-based and includes exploring, observing, discovering, and reflecting on the…
Find out more »Please register each child individually.
Programs By Request
Want to schedule a homeschool program for your group? We offer 2-hour programs by request for groups of 6 or more homeschoolers. Some programs can be held at our other Preserves upon request. You can choose one of the following programs:
| Skulls and Bones | Ages 5 & up | $10/child |
| Animal Signs | Ages 5 & up | $10/child |
| Decomposition Detectives | Ages 5 & up | $10/child |
| Birding Basics | Ages 8 & up | $10/child |
| Invasive Plants | Ages 8 & up | $10/child |
| Watershed Program (2 sessions) | Ages 8 & up | $20/child |
If you would like to schedule a program, e-mail Amy Moore at amy@potomacaudubon.org.