Friday, April 4
ACTIVITES "BY THE BOOKS"
Early American Museum, Mahomet, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
In preparation for this morning, your family will read one or more of the following settler-themed books: Farmer Boy, by Laura Ingalls Wilder; Happy Birthday, Kirsten! from the American Girls Collection; L is for Lincoln, by Kathy-jo Wargin, and Kindle Me a Riddle, by Roberta Karim. (All books are available through the Lincoln Trails Library System.) On the 4th, we will briefly discuss the books, see some artifacts that will look familiar from the books, and do many activities "By the Books." You may even come dressed up as one of your favorite characters! This will be a great experience-filled day with settler chores, crafts and games not usually done during public events (or the settler course) such as churning butter, laundry, leapfrog, and Miss Mary Mac.
This class is recommended for ages 2 and up, with parental accompaniment required. Fee is $3 per child; registration and payment due March 26. For further information and to register, call Sandy Osborne at (217) 586-2612.
Friday, May 2
ORGANIC VEGETABLE GARDENING
Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden, Lake of the Woods, Mahomet, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Learn the basics of growing your own food naturally through this hands-on program. We will spend time in our greenhouse and new Discovery Garden (just south of the museum), planting and learning to care for vegetables. Class is designed for children 6 years and older with parental accompaniment required. Fee is $3.00 per child; registration and payment due April 25. For further information and to register, call Rachel Dawsey at (217) 896-2455.
Wednesday, May 7
AQUATIC ECOLOGIST
North Peninsula, Homer Lake Forest Preserve, Homer, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
This progam was so popular last fall, we are offering it again! Through hands-on scientific investigations, we will introduce you to the ecology of aquatic ecosystems. Students will use nets to collect aquatic organisms, and simple kits to test the water quality of the lake. We will tie their findings to a discussion of watersheds, pollution and water conservation.
This class is designed for children 7 years and older, with parental accompaniment recommended. Fee is $3.00 per child. Registration and payment due April 30. For further information and to register, call Pam Leiter at (217) 896-2455.
September 19 or 26
PRAIRIE ADVENTURES
Early American Museum, Mahomet, 9:00 a.m.-1:45 p.m.
The education staff offers Prairie Adventures to schools, and we are reserving one section for homeschool families. During the program, your section will rotate through three experiences with different focuses - settlers' harvesting, prairie animals and prairie plants.
This day is somewhat fast-paced and quite busy! You will shock and shell corn, identify mystery animals, "build a bison", witness a prairie burn demo and more! It is recommended for children 9 years and up, with parental accompaniment suggested. Fee is $3.00 per child for Champaign County residents, and $4.50 for out-of-county residents. For more information and to register, call Sandy Osborne at (217) 586-2612.
Wednesday, November 5 & 12
OREGON TRAIL
Early American Museum, Mahomet, 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Enhance your westward movement curriculum with this new two-part homeschool offering. Through primary documents, exhibits, discussion and activities, you will gain new perspective on this event in our history. If you have participated in our settler course, this is a great follow-up for the 8-15 year old. Chronologically, it ends with the Civil War period, which will be offered the following spring. (Participation in any one of these classes is not dependent on having taken any of the others.)
This class is designed for children ages 8 and older, with parental accompaniment suggested. The fee is $8.00 per child, which covers both days and materials. For further information and to register, call Sandy Osborne at (217) 586-2612.
Tuesday, December 9
ACTIVITIES "BY THE BOOKS"
Early American Museum, Mahomet
In preparation for this morning, your family will read one or more holiday and winter-themed books to be announced at a later date. On the 9th, we will briefly discuss the books, see some artifacts that will look familiar from the books, and do many activities "By the Books". You may even come dressed up as one of your favorite characters! This will be a great experience-filled day with holiday/winter activities not usually done at the museum. More information to come.
More Science Programs Next School Year!
SEED SAFARI
Homer Lake Forest Preserve, Homer - September or October
INSECTS AND SPIDERS
Lake of the Woods, Mahomet - September or October
WINTER BIRD FEEDING
Homer Lake Forest Preserve, Homer - Three-Part Course
November, Jan-March
