Museum of Science and Industry - Homeschool Workshops

We are pleased to announce exciting new programs for home school students and educators at the Museum of Science and Industry. Join us for the first Home School Educator Workshop on Friday, September 18th from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. There are also new opportunities for individual students to sign up for special home school Learning Labs.

Home School Educator Workshops at MSI

Get inspired by the creative teaching strategies you'll experience in the professional development workshops offered by our Institute for Quality Science Teaching. The Museum of Science and Industry is offering one-day workshops for home school educators. Workshops will include a combination of Learning Labs, lessons from our teacher professional development workshop series, exploration of Museum exhibits and information on how home school groups can use Museum resources.

Curriculum is geared for students in grades 4 through 8. The cost is $120 per parent, or $100 for Museum members. Workshops are aligned to curriculum standards and will show you how to do inquiry-based and hands-on/minds-on science and use Museum programs and exhibits to enhance your science lessons. You'll also receive materials and lesson plans to bring what you've learned to life.

Renewable Energy Workshop
Sept. 18, 2009
8:30 am to 2:30 pm
During this session, you'll take a guided tour of Smart Home: Green + Wired, participate in two Learning Labs (Renewable Energy: Cars of the Future and Testing the Waters), and do hands-on activities with wind turbines, solar cookers and more.

Register by calling 773-684-1414. Space is limited to 20 parents and participants are chosen on a first come, first serve basis. Children are not allowed to attend the workshop, so please make arrangements.

Please note: You are not registered until you receive a confirmation from us. Full payment is due immediately, in advance of the workshop.

Home School Student Learning Labs

Bring your students to the Museum of Science and Industry for a focused, facilitated, hands-on learning experience! Led by a Museum educator, labs are multi-disciplinary and align with Illinois State Learning Goals. Our website offers vocabulary and pre- and post-visit activities, along with additional resources to extend and enhance the content of each lab.

Individual students may register for these labs. The cost is $10 per student. Advance payment is required.

Register by calling 773-684-1414. Space is limited to 20 students. Parents and siblings are encouraged to walk around the Museum during the lab.

Testing the Waters
October 13, 2009
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Ages 8-12
Work as an environmental scientist to determine the quality of Chicago-area water samples. Use environmental science methods to discover the source of pollution causing a massive fish kill in the Chicago River.

Renewable Energy
October 13, 2009
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Ages 12-16
Explore new technology like hydrogen fuel cell cars and discover how some of the latest renewable energy resources work.

Thanks, and hope to see you soon!

Dustin Axe
Home School and School Programs Facilitator
Museum of Science and Industry
57th and Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL 60637
773-947-3132
dustin.axe@msichicago.org