Homeschool Programs

Homeschool Classes

Homeschool Biology Labs

Registration info

Introduce your student to the Natural Sciences. Students will experience learning through classroom activities, outdoor field investigations, laboratory science, small group activities and take-home study packets. Each course curriculum is developed by the Heard Museum's education staff who strive to recognize and meet the needs of home school families.

Home School Science Program is appropriate for children ages 5-12. (Please use child’s birthday as of September 1.) Classes meet 1 day a week for 2 hours from 1-3 P.M. The cost of this 26 hour program is listed in the registration form. (New monthly payment plans and discounts are available)

 


Kids at the Heard Museum

FALL 2010 CLASS TOPICS

5s — Which ‘Ology is Which?- Ecology and Natural Science

Young scientists will explore some of the natural sciences most interesting “ologies” including ornithology (birds),herpetology (amphibians and reptiles), entomology (insects) and mammalogy (mammals). The hands-on activities, games and experiments will involve your child directly in the learning process as they also hike the sanctuary, visit the exhibits and get a close look at many of our live animals.

 

6-7s Discover Your World: Plants

Students will make weekly explorations into the amazing world of plants, from defining what a plant is to learning the parts that make up a plant. Plants make life on Earth possible, and we’ll even look at plants that were around at the time of the dinosaurs! Students will explore plant life cycles, adaptations and reproduction. They’ll take a close look at how plants make their own food and how they are used as food by other organisms, as well as learn how to identify many of the plants found our on our sanctuary.

 

8-9s Explorers: Ecosystems

Students will examine how plants and animals live together and form amazing systems that help nature work. They’ll explore food chains, food webs, and the cycles of living things. Excursions on the sanctuary will provide opportunities to closely observe and experience different woodland, prairie, and fresh water ecosystems.

 

10-12s Earth Trek: Understanding the Planet

Students will explore the geography, geology, meteorology and ecology of the Earth to understand how our planet functions and why these processes are important for our survival. We will closely examine how these systems work on the sanctuary.

 

The Nature of Math 8-9 yr olds (Thursdays, 1-3 pm)

Strengthen math skills while exploring nature! The class will focus on simple addition, subtraction and multiplication, and will explore mathematical concepts like patterns, measurement, graphs, estimation, geometric figures and angles, perimeter and percentag

 

TUITION (26 Hours/13 Weeks)

  • $205 Member 
  • $225 Non-member

*Monthly Payment Plan (includes $10 processing fee) 

  • $90   Member down payment  
  • $110  Non-member down payment

A $65 monthly payment (includes a $5 processing fee) will be charged to your credit card on file the 1st of October and November.

 


 

NEW! Homeschool Biology Labs

Class is geared to 9th grade biology, but is open to middle school to 10th grade level students (~13 to 16 year olds). Students will spend some time outside on the sanctuary, but the focus is on hands-on activities and labs. Some homework will be assigned.

Classes are held on Thursdays from 1:00-3:30pm.

The fee per unit is $95/member, $115/non-member.

Students can register for units separately.

Minimum class size is 6 students.

 

Fall 2010 Schedule

Environmental Studies

Dates – September 9, 16, 23, & 30

Students will help install and monitor a weather station and conduct soil and water testing as part of studying the local environment. They will also have opportunities for data collection and analysis.

Cell Biology and Microscopes

Dates – October 14, 21, 28 and November 4

This unit includes a basic introduction to microscopes and how they work. Various microscopes will be used to explore similarities and differences between plant and animal cell structures. A lab journal of observations will be kept.

 

Spring 2011

Classification and Dissection

Dates – January 20, 27, February 3, & 10

General animal classification, anatomy and physiology will be explored using live and preserved specimens. Student will have the opportunity to dissect an earthworm, crayfish, grasshopper and frog.

Genetics and Heredity

Dates – February 24, March 3, 21 & 31 (no classes March 10 & 17 for spring break)

This unit focuses on the structure and function of DNA, including mitosis, meiosis and basic Mendelian principles (e.g. genotypes, phenotypes, dominant & recessive traits, and Punnett Squares). Student will extract their own DNA and preserve it in a bottle. Note: This unit does not address evolutionary theories.

  


How to Register


Mail or fax (972.548.9119) your completed application to:
Attn. Reservations
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
1 Nature Place, McKinney TX 75069

Bullfrog

-or-

Call or email to:

Steffanie Mann

(972) 562-5566 x237

smann@heardmuseum.org

Only complete application packets will be processed.  Birth certificates and medical record forms already on file at the museum may be used.  One registration form per participant.  Complete applications processed on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are paying by check and fax your reservation it won't be complete until the check is received.

Complete application includes


 
Donate to the Heard