6-8 y.o.
Apples for Minnesota
(meet at the Horticultural Research Center)
Suggested age: 6-12 years
Tour the orchard to see apple trees loaded with ripening fruit. Help make apple cider in an old-time cider press. Try an apple taste test, learn about apple blossom pollination, and taste apple cider. Take home an apple!
Dodge Nature Center Home School Program: Raptors
Course Description:
Meet one of nature's most amazing groups of animals -- raptors. Get up close with one of Dodge's year-round raptor residents and participate in hands-on activities to better understand the crucial role these birds play in the environment.
This program is designed specifically for home school groups. Pre-registration is required.
See http://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/Activities/Public-Programs/?activityId=169 to register, and for more information.
Dodge Nature Center Home School Program: Wilderness Skills
Course Description:
What does it take to survive in the wilderness? Get to know wild Minnesota and understand the impact that it has on humans in survival situations. Students have the chance to test out their survival skills by building fires and shelters using minimal materials.
This program is designed specifically for home school groups. Pre-registration is required.
See http://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/Activities/Public-Programs/?activityId=168 to register, and for more information.
Dodge Nature Center Home School Program: Harvest Time
Course Description:
The leaves are changing colors, temperatures are dropping, and wildlife is starting to prepare for the long Minnesota winter. All of this reminds us that fall is here, and in Minnesota this also means that it is harvest time. Come to Dodge and discover fall as we take a hike, taste apples, and make fresh apple cider.
This program is designed specifically for home school groups. Pre-registration is required.
See http://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/Activities/Public-Programs/?activityId=167 to register, and for more information.
Dodge Nature Center Home School Program: Exploring Insects
Course Description:
Designed specifically for home school groups, this program will allow participants to practice their observation skills as they search the nature center for insects of all sizes and life stages. Dodge is on a 'catch-and-release' program, so all insects will be returned to their natural habitat at the conclusion of the program.
Como Zoo Homeschool Class -ART NATURALLY (Ages 5 – 15)
Class description:
Explore the beauty of nature through the eyes of a blooming artist. Using oil pastels, charcoal, watercolors, and more, students will be allowed to explore their creative side during art naturally. An array of plants and animals will be brought into the classroom as models while the instructor guides students through a variety of techniques and methods.
Cost: $12/person
To register or for more information, see the Como Zoo website:
Como Zoo Homeschool Class -WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE (Ages 5 – 15)
Class description:
Take a trip down the Mississippi River as we investigate the importance of water, water everywhere. Learn how our use of water in the Midwest affects life in the ocean. Take home a wealth of resources you can use to continue your exploration of wonderful water.
Cost: $12/person
To register or for more information, see the Como Zoo website:
Como Zoo Homeschool Day -Life in a Zoo (Ages 5 – 8)
Class description:
Explore the life of a zookeeper and learn how the animals are cared for during “Life in a Zoo.” You will be introduced to the enrichment program at Como Zoo as you work in teams to creative activities for a few of our education ambassador animals. We’ll learn a little bit about what it takes to feed a zoo and explore the world of animal behavior as we watch the animals interact with enrichments right in the classroom!
Cost: $12/person
Como Zoo Homeschool Day -Plants that Care (Ages 5 – 8)
Class description:
Como Zoo Homeschool Class -SWEET TREATS (Ages 5 – 15)
Class description: Americans spend more than $1 billion on candy for their valentines each year. Much of that money is spent on chocolate. Once a form of currency traded by the world’s wealthiest people, chocolate has a history as rich as its flavor. Explore the world of chocolate and other tasty tropical treats as we dip into this delicious topic.
Cost: $12/person
To register or for more information, see the Como Zoo website: