by Melanie Griffin
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PHOTO: MEG TRENDLER / EUGENE, CASCADES & COAST
his guide to free and affordable programs to complement your homeschool studies has it all. Spend the night at a nearby hotel and create a fun “education staycation” experience in Eugene - Springfield which is the perfect basecamp for trying any of the activities below. Cascade Raptor Center Choose to have a Zoom session with an owl, hawk, osprey or kestrel and a knowledgeable handler from the Cascade Raptor Center. Plan at-home projects using their online resources. Cascades Raptor Center also partnered with Eco Kids Village to create a birds of prey craft kit. If you want a tour in-person, reservations are required. Expand your study exploring the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife’s birding resources. Whole Earth Nature School Coyote Kids is bringing a homeschooler’s version of their popular camp to Mount Pisgah. For one day a week, your student can enjoy nature along with a small pod. Choose courses that highlight stealth and forest integration, naturalist studies, or socio-
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emotional community building. Whole Earth Nature School also offers an extensive online curriculum and more. Nearby Nature Nearby Nature is offering Nature Schooling in your neighborhood. For Fall 2020 you can also register for in-person programs. These half or fullday sessions are held once or twice a week at Nearby Nature’s “LearnScape” in local parks. There is also a pre-school option prioritizing enrollment for essential workers. Eugene Science Center Eugene Science Center is a g re a t p l a c e t o e x p l o re homeschooling topics on astronomy and science. Learn about the Earth, Moon and Sun or about planet Earth’s volcanos, earthquakes, and tsunamis on a 360-degree screen at the planetarium. You can also browse their website for online science resources. Adventure! Children’s Museum Promptly at 3pm., login in for an Afternoon Online Day Camp for painting, writing, and crafting. Even learn how to create dollhouse miniatures! Participants will receive a delivery of needed camp supplies the week prior.
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Museum of Culture & Natural History Explore the Museum of Culture & Natural History in-household groups of ten or less or virtually via their online collections’ gallery. Homeschooling families can utilize the museum’s extensive teaching resources. Learn more about the climate, landscapes and natural events that shaped Oregon. Singing Creek Educational Center This fall this non-profit is rolling out an entirely online history curriculum. Watch videos on how to churn butter and how to write with a quill pen. Sea Lion Caves Information-rich packets designed for school field trips can be downloaded on the Sea Lion Caves website. From learning about scientific principles to geology to history, there are many opportunities to tie-in grade school and middle school curriculum. One fun exercise requires an ice cream sandwich (pick one up in Historic Old Town Florence at Milk & Cookies) to simulate plate tectonics! More Coastal Education Participate in Oregon State University’s self-guided “Quests” along the Oregon Coast. Siltcoos Lagoon Quest and Historic Florence Quest are both in Lane County. For more information, visit EugeneCascadesCoast.org
PHOTO: WHOLE EARTH NATURE SCHOOL / EUGENECASCADESCOAST.ORG
Homeschooling Guide to Lane County
