August 25th, 2018 
knowtheflow Home school parents have more options to provide science and natural resources education programs for their children. The Anoka Country Parks and Recreation Department and the University of Minnesota’s Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve are offering home school programs to provide parents with a monthly naturalist led education with topics to engage students.
Wargo Nature Center Home School Program
The Anoka County Parks and Recreation Home School Classes begins October 18th. Wargo Nature Center’s professional naturalists provide quality environmental, recreational and natural history programs. Program sessions are designed for the 1st through 12th grades. For 1st and 2nd grade with separate sessions for 3rd through 5th and 6th through 12th grades.
Two-hours sessions will be held the third Thursday of the month (October through May). There will be a morning session (10:00 to 12:00 p.m.) and a afternoon session (1:00 to 3:00 p.m.). The program starts promptly so please come early. Pre-registration and pre-payment of $5/student (plus tax) is required. Space is limited so be sure to use the Youth Prgrams online registration and sign up for the season. Check out the Anoka County Parks 2018-19 Home School Brochure for more information or call the Wargo Nature Center at 651-429-8007.
Pre-school Forest Kids Club provides children ages 3-5 with opportunities to learn from a naturalist while exploring, adventuring, and learning. Wargo Nature Center naturalists will work with participants on their school-readiness skills (9:30 to 11:30 Wednesdays during the school year). If you are interested in learning more, or would like to register, visit www.anokacountyparks.com or contact Wargo Nature Center at 763-324-3350.
Cedar Creek ESR Home School Program
New this Fall! Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve is thrilled to expand its high-quality education offerings to the homeschool community! Starting on September 13th, each month focuses on a specific topic studied by world-class researchers at Cedar Creek, providing the opportunity to go in depth into subjects of importance to the world, to the research community, and to society as a whole. Instruction is provided by Cedar Creek’s seasoned naturalists, and each session offers the opportunity to experience life as a scientist.
Science options are often limited for homeschool students once they reach middle school and high school grade levels. Why not come do science at Cedar Creek, where you have the opportunity to explore many different topics alongside professional scientists and their experiments? Homeschool programs for ages 12-18 are offered on the second Thursday of each month from 10am – 3pm.
You will spend time indoors and out, conducting hand-on investigations, meeting scientists, visiting long-term scientific experiments, and exploring nature. Come prepared to be outside in the dirt, regardless of the weather!
2018-2019 topics
- September 13th: Science of Climate Change
- October 11th: Forest Ecology and Tree ID
- November 8th: Wildlife Field Methods I
- December 13th: Art & Science
- January 10th: Geology of the Anoka Sandplain
- February 14th: Wildlife Field Methods II
- March 14th: Experimental Design and Inquiry
- April 11th: Phenology and Citizen Science
- May 9th: Ornithology/Birding
- June 13th: Dragonflies & Damselflies
Register for one or more classes. Students must be at least 12 years old to participate. Pre-registration is required, and we reserve the right to cancel classes with fewer than 5 students registered. Click here to complete an initial registration form! A staff member will contact you shortly with paperwork and payment information.
Fees. Classes are $18 per student per session, and must be paid in advance by check or cash. Parents do not need to attend the class with their student.
Planning Guide. Resources to help you and your students prepare for a successful visit. Handout for students and families.
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