Homeschool at Calusa!

Join us for our Homeschool-ology classes! Each month will focus on a different “ology” study topic like Zoology, Entomology, Ornithology, and more! Classes will be built upon each other; however, students may also pick and choose classes from the series.

Classes will be held rain or shine so please prepare appropriately. Our current class format is a drop-off program. Parents and siblings not registered for the class are not allowed to stay for the entirety of the class. There will be time at the beginning and end of each class for you to see the activity stations, interact with your child, and ask any question and gather take home materials. Each class will contain classroom instruction time with activities and outdoor exploration. Students should bring a labeled refillable water bottle and preferred bug spray & sunscreen.

Homeschool Topics for 2023-2024

We have changed our program offering! Due to excessive popularity and demand for additional bookings, we will now host the first Tuesday and Thursday AND the third Tuesday and Thursday each month! (15 students) At this time all homeschool classes are a drop-off style program.

Cost per student: $15 non-member/ $12 member

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SEPTEMBER: ASTRONOMY

September 5th and 7th: Can you name the eight planets in our solar system? Do you know what galaxy we are a part of? In this class students will learn all about the planets in our solar system through hands-on activities, crafts, and games. Students will also get to attend a planetarium planet show!

September 19th and 21st: What is a star? How many constellations can you see in the night sky? Come learn all about the constellations in our night sky and the many stories they tell! Create your own constellation, learn how to read a star chart, and watch a stellar star show in our Planetarium.

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OCTOBER: ECOLOGY

October 3rd & 5th: Can We Save Them?

Did you know there are 134 endangered or threatened animal species in Florida? What can we do to help save them from extinction? Is there still time to protect them? Come learn all about Florida’s land animals & plants that are in danger of disappearing forever. This program will include hands-on activities, crafts, & a live animal encounter.

October 17th & 19th: Will We Miss Them?

In our first class we learned all about Florida’s endangered and threatened land animals and plants. In this class we will focus on Floridan’s aquatic animals and plants that are in danger of disappearing forever. Why are these animals important to save? How can we help protect them? We will answer these questions and more through hands-on activities, crafts, games, & through a live animal encounter.

NOVEMBER: NOCTURNAL NATURE

November 7th & 9th: Whooo Flies at Night?

Do flying squirrels exist? Are owls really silent flyers? What do moths feed on? While we sleep there is a whole world of animals that are awake and active! Come learn all about nocturnal animals that fly! This program will include hands-on activities, crafts, games & a live animal encounter.

November 14th & 16th: What Creeps & Crawls at Night?

Are most snakes nocturnal? Does a raccoon wash its food before eating it? Can you really see the reflection of spider eyes with a flashlight? While we sleep there is a whole world of animals that are awake and active! Come learn all about nocturnal animals that creep and crawl! This program will include hands-on activities, crafts, games & a live animal encounter.

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Registration Form HS Thursda

Sessions may fill up before we have a chance to note they are full on our website! If you are unable to view or book a session on the ticket purchase page, then please contact our Education Coordinator, Carrie by emailing her here to be put on a waitlist.

The cost is $15 per non-member child or $12 for members.

Homeschool Thursday ticket prices do not include general CNCP admission, which can be purchased separately but is not required for this program. General CNCP admission is required for access to CNCP after the end of the program time. Proof of membership is required for the discount, please bring your membership card with you.

Ages 5-8 from 10 am - 12 pm

(Drop off from 9:50am-10:00am and pick up from 12:00 - 12:10pm)

Ages 9-12 from 1 pm - 3 pm

(Drop off from 12:50-1:00pm and pick up from 3:00 - 3:10pm)

Homeschool Thursdays

I accept terms & conditions:

I have read the description of the Homeschool Thursday program experience offered at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium and understand the information listed above. Pickups after the end of the program will be charged by the 5-min increment ($5 for every 5 minutes past the designated pick-up time). I also understand that activities will be involved in my child's camp program; I find them acceptable for my child’s participation. Recognizing the educational benefits of this program to my child, and acknowledging that it is completely voluntary, I, the parent/guardian, do hereby agree to release, indemnify and hold harmless the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium for any loss, injury or damage resulting directly or indirectly from my child's participation in this program. Pictures of the program, not identifying my child, may be used online to illustrate program activities and promote future programs. My acceptance and submission of this form constitutes my digital signature (paper waiver will be signed on the first day of program).