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Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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Diane,

We run a fairly successful Home School program here at the Edgerton Explorit
Center.  Each month we hold two sessions of the same activity and get 60-70
kids at each session (this is a large number for our rural population).  The
sessions are based upon a different theme each month.  The kids are
introduced to scientific concepts and then usually participate in a
challenge based "lab."  Last month's session focused on motion and the
forces that make things go.  next month's session is called "Solar Scouts."
Each one of the sessions also addresses Nebraska State Science Standards and
we are building materials and projects that they can do ahead of time and as
follow ups.

Our levels range from K-12 but we split the groups based on ages (usually 11
and up).  We also try not to do typical school type projects because this is
so different that what we do on a normal basis. The programs are exactly
like our 90  minute enrichment experiences that we offer to any group.  This
year we require pre-registration through our online registration process and
parents are invited to participate - we have a meeting at the beginning of
the year to express our views on how much help etc.

Last year we had on an average of 6 kids per month.  With these new changes
to a more meaningful session our numbers have amazed us.  We have also
encouraged the purchase of family memberships to the facility (35 new
memberships this year).

Overall this program has been great.  We don't advertise at all - just tap
into the already existing home school network in the area.  We have found
that once they find an idea that works they tell everyone the can!

Let me know if you have any other questions!

Chad Johnson
Experiential Educator
The Edgerton Explorit Center
http://www.edgerton.org
1.877.694.4032

----- Original Message -----
From: "Diane H Peapus" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, November 07, 2004 8:52 PM
Subject: Home Schoolers & LAB programs


> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
institutions.
>
****************************************************************************
*
>
> Hi Everyone:
>
> I wonder if anyone can give me any info on models for
> programs that offer curricula based science labs and
> target home schoolers.
>
> All the home schooler parents I talk to say that the
> hardest thing for them to provide for their kids is
> the science labs.  Some say they enroll their kids in
> Community College lab classes.  I'm wondering if there
> are any models of museums offering the needed labs in
> a curricula based package?
>
> Specific questions:
> -How is it administered?  Advertised?
> -With what ages does it work (I presume 10-12 grade
> chemistry, physics and bio labs are the most needed).
> -Do parents pick-n-choose, or buy the whole package?
> -Do parents participate in the lab with the kids?
> -Do you have labs in your own facility, or work in
> collaboration with local colleges or schools.
>
> Thanks in advance for your comments!
> diane h peapus
>
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