Homeschool Programs
For homeschoolers, science can be one of the hardest subjects to fulfill and keep up in. Placer Nature Center offers fun, outdoor, hands-on classes to fulfill curricula needs. Students, of all ages, enjoy the camaraderie of other homeschoolers while learning through affordable, experiential programs.
ShareThis! Home school groups Can visit anytime
Home school groups can book at anytime of the year, just like regular school groups! You don't have to wait for classes to begin or a schedule to be created. All you have to do is let us know what your interests are and book the class. For more information, call (530) 878-6053 or email linda@placernaturecenter.org
SPECIAL: We still have Water Education Program Funds available to students located in Placer County thanks to Placer County Water Agency – get together a group of 10 or more students and receive your water education program for free!
Fall 2010 Home School Science Class Schedule
Fall 2010 class schedule is to be announced. Each class incorporates a trail hike into the program, and each class adheres to the California Content Standards.
A sample of the classes that may be offered is listed below. We will also schedule tailored classes for any student group size of 10 or more – groups can be mixed grade levels. Or choose from any of the programs on our regular field trip page…
Wings: Birds, Bats, and Bugs
2nd to 6th Grade • 2 hours
This program focuses on the adaptations of these winged creatures. Feathers, bat puppets and plastic bugs are all used to create an understanding of the adaptation concept in a fun interactive format.
Fees: $6 per student
Food Chains
2nd to 6th Grade •2 hours
This program stresses the interrelationships found in the local ecosystem. From bugs to mountain lions and aquatic to terrestrial ecosystems, the children will gain a solid understanding of the web of life.
Fees: $6 per student
Waterworks
2nd to 6th Grade •2 hours
This program introduces the children to the concept of watershed. What is their watershed address? How does water move through it? What living things are dependent on the watershed? Children explore the answers to these questions and more, through investigation of watershed-related activities and terminology; and includes activities that explore water conservation in our Watershed Learning Hall.
Fees: $6 per student (Full Scholarship Available!)
Natural Resource Conservation
2nd to 6th Grade • 2 hours
From composting to recycling there's much we can do to reduce our solid waste stream to the landfill. This program educates on the how and why we each must do our part in using the 3 R's everyday!
Fees: $6 per student
Smart Energy Choices
5th to 8th Grade •2 hours
After an informal introduction about the energy demands and environmental impacts created by student behaviors and purchases, interactive activities show how energy concepts are related to everyday products and inspire students to consider choices they can make to practice conservation.
Fees: $6 per student
Learning from the Land (takes place at Traylor Ranch)
4th to 8th Grade • 5 hours
A full day of investigations and observations at Traylor Ranch Nature Reserve and Bird Sanctuary in Penryn. Placer Nature Center staff will guide students in small groups through three inquiry-based discovery stations that explore stream and grassland ecology and the cultural history of the land. After a lunch break, students come together to perform a riparian restoration project and then end the day with a reflective writing activity.
Fees: $10 per student (Full Scholarship Available!)