Homeschool

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VINS Homeschool Programs

We want to support you in your homeschooling efforts by inviting you to our regularly scheduled homeschool programs. Designed by our highly qualified Science Educators, these programs will enhance your homeschoolers’ learning experience this year.  

Your homeschoolers will be immersed in science and place-based education during our dynamic, fun-filled lessons!

Please Note:

  • One adult will be granted complimentary admission if they wish to accompany their child(ren).
  • Scholarships are available; please inquire at ehitchings@vinsweb.org.
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Science Symposium

Registration is open for Homeschoolers to sign up for the annual Science Symposium. Thanks to the Dorr Foundation, registration is completely free for the first 20 homeschoolers who wish to pilot this new twist on a tried and true program. Registration includes two lessons at VINS, support and resources to help with a student-driven, place-based research or action project, and admission to the Symposium itself in May. Please fill out this interest form to reserve your spot or email the Lead for School Programs, Eleanor Hitchings (ehitchings@vinsweb.org), for more information. 

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STEAM Backpacks

Through the STEAM Backpacks Program, homeschool parents will be able to borrow a kit from VINS that provides the necessary directions, background information, and scientific tools to teach a deeply stimulating scientifically and standards-based curriculum. Each will be organized along a specific theme - Nature Explorer, Birds, Insects, Tracking, Day and Night Sky, and Geology - and will additionally be differentiated to suit the needs and abilities of K-2nd, 3rd-5th, and 6th-8th grade students. Courtesy of the Dorr Foundation.

Learn more

Homeschool Programs

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Animals in Fall:

Preparing for Winter

Wednesday, November 8
Small Wonders (ages 4-6): 9:30 - 10:15 AM
Little Explorer (ages 7-9): 10:15 - 11:00 AM

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Animals in Winter:

Tracking and Animal Signs

Wednesday, January 24
Small Wonders (ages 4-6): 9:30 - 10:15 AM
Little Explorer (ages 7-9): 10:15 - 11:00 AM

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Animals in Spring:

Vernal Pools, a Temporary Habitat

Wednesday, April 10
Small Wonders (ages 4-6): 9:30 - 10:15 AM
Little Explorer (ages 7-9): 10:15 - 11:00 AM

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Animals in Summer:

Babies and Life Cycles

Wednesday, June 19
Small Wonders (ages 4-6): 9:30 - 10:15 AM
Little Explorer (ages 7-9): 10:15 - 11:00 AM

"This was an exceptional science series. The instructor was always very willing to go above and beyond to answer all questions from students and parents. The instructor also provided further websites, books, and other instructional materials and resources whenever students or parents wanted to dive deeper into the topics. The instructor was excellent at providing a variety of hands-on grade-level activities during each lesson to create engagement and further intellectual thinking. I would highly recommend this program to any interested parent. "

VINS Homeschool Program Parent Participant

"That was a great class! They loved it, and the extra activities are great. They are playing elaborate imaginative activities with bear puppets. Thank you so much!"

VINS Homeschool Program Parent Participant

Enhancing Classroom Curriculum with On-Site, Place-Based Education

Explore the natural world with hands-on lessons aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards.