Homeschool Days are back in a big way this year! Learn more.
Join us as we explore the amazing world of nature’s engineers at Homeschool Day: Wild Wonders! Discover how animals survive and thrive in their unique habitats. From the design of bird beaks to the power of camouflage, we’ll uncover the science behind their extraordinary abilities. Through hands-on activities and engaging learning labs, you’ll explore animal adaptations and the interesting ways different species interact with their environments.
LEARNING LABS
SCHEDULE
10:30am AND 3:00pm - Ages 5-7
11:30am AND 2:00pm - Ages 8-10
1:00pm - Ages 11-17
The Learning Labs schedule are new this year! We have added an extra session for the Ages 5-7 and 8-10 Learning Labs. When purchasing a ticket, make sure to select your preferred time slot for the age group your child belongs to. Spots per Learning Lab are limited.
Ages 5-7 & 8-10: Beaks and Eats - Students will explore how different bird beak shapes are adapted to help birds eat specific types of food. By trying out various “beaks” at different food stations, students will learn how physical adaptations help animals survive in their environments. Students will be introduced to biomimicry and how birds have been used to develop new products and/or technology.
Ages 11-17: Wild Impressions - Students will learn about the physical and chemical changes that occur when making a cast, including how materials change state, harden, and set. Using painting techniques, students will develop artistic skills, including mixing colors, applying layers, and adding detail to their pre-made cast to create a finished piece that reflects both scientific understanding and personal expression. The Wild Impressions workshop is valued at $20, but offered at $8 for our homeschool families!
ACTIVITIES
Access to activities is free with museum admission.
Camo Chameleon - Test your eyes against one of nature’s best hiders! Chameleons have a secret superpower: they can disappear into their surroundings. You’ll design and color your own camouflaged chameleon, choose the perfect spot to hide it in its “habitat,” and then see if you can find the others. Will you be able to spot them all, or will some stay hidden in plain sight?
Off the Food Chain - From sharp teeth to lightning speed, animals have adaptations that help them snag a meal or avoid becoming one. At Homeschool Day: Wild Wonders and Saturday at the Safari, students will uncover how energy from the sun powers the entire food chain, from plants to top predators. They’ll compare herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores, design animals to fit within a food chain, and discover how humans can change the balance of nature. It’s a wild lesson in survival strategies!
Fur Real: Animal ID - Step into the role of a wildlife detective! Become a Wildlife Forensic Specialist and examine real fur samples under the microscope to uncover clues about which animal each sample came from. Observe the structure, thickness, coloration, and texture of each hair. Can you match the fur to the right animal?
Learning Lab Late Policy: To avoid disrupting the learning environment, late arrivals five minutes or more after the Learning Lab has begun will be considered no-shows. They will not be allowed into the classroom, and no refund will be given. Traffic and parking are often issues on Homeschool Day, so please allow plenty of time.