Category: Nature study

Family Expeditions for March

Trout Fishing for Kids

Wood Dale Grove- Saturday, March 30: 8 a.m.- Noon.

Introduce your young anglers to trout fishing at this preseason special event that’s just for them. Bait provided. Ages 15 and under with an adult. Free.

Registration not required. Call (630) 933-7668. Visit base camp for the 2013 pins.

When Darkness Falls

Waterfall Glen

Saturday, March 16: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Hike through the dark woods with a ranger, and discover what it’s like to use your senses like a nocturnal predator. Ages 6 and up; under 16 with an adult. Free. Registration begins March 4.

Call (630) 933-7248.

Get Sticky! Maple Syrup Sundays

Fullersburg Woods

Sunday, March 10: Noon- 4 p.m.

Sunday, March 17: Noon- 4 p.m.

Take a self-guided stroll through the woods, and discover the secret of turning tree sap into syrup. Activities ongoing. All ages. Free. Registration not required. Call (630) 850-8110.

April Fools’ Adventure

Kline Creek Farm

Monday, April 1: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

One day out of the year, what you see and hear at Kline Creek Farm is not quite right. Test your knowledge. Search for things that just don’t belong in the 1890s, from our costumes and tools to some decorations and little extras around the farm. This program is free, and no registration is needed.

Call (630) 876-5900 for more information.

Spring Night Hike

Mayslake

Saturday, March 16: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Hike through the dark woods with a ranger, and discover what it’s like to use your senses like a nocturnal predator. Ages 6 and up; under 16 with an adult. Free. Registration begins March 4.

Call (630) 933-7248.

Under Cover of Night

Lincoln Marsh

Saturday, March 16: 7:15-8:45 p.m.

Shake those winter blues at Lincoln Marsh on an adventurous night hike! Explore the changing season under cover of darkness. Our hike ends with roasting marshmallows and hot chocolate around a crackling fire. Recommended for age 4 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Register online or call (630) 871-2810.

Look “Hoo” I Had for Dinner

Willowbrook

Sunday, March 31: 1:30-3 p.m.

Discover what an owl ate for dinner by dissecting a real owl pellet; then, meet one of these interesting raptors.

Ages 7-12 with an adult. $2 per person. Registration begins March 4.

Call (630) 942-6200.

Spring Cleaning

Kline Creek Farm

March 25, 28, & 29: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Don’t sit around over spring break; get out and enjoy the farm! You can help get manure to the fields, sweep the house, beat rugs, and keep the kitchen garden weed free. After work there may be time for games. Hands-on activities will vary and will be ongoing during the week. This program is free, and no registration is needed.

Call (630) 876-5900 for more information.

Busy As A Bee

Kline Creek Farm

Sunday, April 7: 9:30, 10:30, 11 a.m., 12:30, 1, 1:30, 2, 2:30, 3 p.m.

Meet some of Kline Creek Farm’s expert beekeepers, examine a hive, learn how to plant a bee friendly garden and get a taste of Kline Creek Farm honey. Your visit will extend home with Make and Take projects. A great program for Scouts, youth groups, families or friends. Reservations required.

To reserve call (630) 876-5900.

Find more on these events and more at the DuPage County Forest Preserve website.

Educator’s Night at the Museum in Sycamore

Midwest Museum of Natural History

Hi Homeschool families!

The Midwest Museum of Natural History is holding an educators’ open house on Thursday, February 28, 4:30-6:30 pm. The event is for teachers, scout leaders, homeschool parents, and other educators in the community. Explore the Museum, enjoy refreshments, and learn about the resources the Museum has to offer. The event is free. Please rsvp by calling the Museum at 815-895-9777 or reply to this email.

We hope to see you there!

Molly Trickey

Executive Director

Calendar of Events
A quick view of events, classes and other things of interest. Enjoy!

Coming up…

Heart Dissection
February 16

Big Run Wolf Ranch
March 16

STEM Exploration Lab
March 30

 Educators’ Night at the Museum

Thursday, February 28, 4:30-6 pm

You’re invited! Join us for an open house for educators at the Midwest Museum of Natural History in Sycamore.

Explore the Museum, enjoy refreshments, meet our live animals, and learn about the programs we offer, including our new Educator Resource Boxes.

The event is FREE, but please RSVP by calling 815-895-9777 or email information@mmnh.org

Educator Resource Boxes are supported by a grant from the DeKalb County Community Foundation.

Where: Midwest Museum of Natural History
425 West State Street • Sycamore, Illinois 60178
Phone: (815) 895-9777 •

Website: www.MMNH.org

Activities just for Homeschoolers in Glenview

Forwarded via email:
Introducing…. Home School Week at The Grove!
For the first time ever…
The Grove is dedicating one week exclusively for Homeschoolers to experience our hands-on programs!
Historical and Environmental Educational programs are available for homeschoolers from grades K-8.
For more information or to register for a program, please contact Kris (224) 521-2101 or Judy (224)521-2105 by February 20, 2013. Late registrants may be accepted based on availability. Please note that payment in full is required at time of registration (children 4 and under are free).
For a full description of our programs and to see a video of our field trips, please  click here.
The Grove is located at 1421 Milwaukee Avenue in Glenview, IL 60025
Grove logo w acorn
Monday, March 4, 2013
Pioneer Skills:
Think your chores are tough today? Learn what life was like for pioneer children-from candle making to weaving, students will experience what it took to be a pioneer firsthand! This program ends with a delicious lunch prepared by students featuring: tomato based beef stew, cornbread with freshly churned butter, applesauce and snickerdoodles for dessert!
Who: Grades 4-8

When: 9:30am-12:30pm

Where: The Grove, 1421 Milwaukee Ave, Glenview IL. Please park in the West Lot, staff will direct you to the correct building

Fee: $13.50 adult + child (lunch included), each additional child $6.75

Max/Min: 30/15

Log Cabin:

Do you think it’s possible for a family of six to live together in one or two rooms? Students will discover what life was like living in a 1850s log cabin, and what children were expected to do-from tin punch to drawing water from a well-these hands on experiences will make students appreciate the difference between pioneer life and the modern world! A pioneer lunch is included in the program-see above description for menu.

Who: Grades K-3

When: 9:30am-12:30pm

Where: The Grove, 1421 Milwaukee Ave, Glenview IL. Please park in the West Lot, staff will direct you to the correct building

Fee: $13.50 adult + child (lunch included), each additional child $6.75

Max/Min: 30/15

Pack Your Wagon:

Imagine having to load up your car-for a trip from the east coast to the west coast. Would you be able to pack enough food/clothing/soap to last for weeks at a time? Work together to determine what’s important enough to bring along and what can be left behind and pack The Grove’s wagon to ready for a trip westward!

Who: Grades 1-8

When: 12:30pm-2:30pm

Where: The Grove, 1421 Milwaukee Ave, Glenview IL. Please park in the West Lot, staff will direct you to the correct building

Fee: $10.50 adult + child, each additional child $4 (within same family)

Max/Min: 30/15
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
The Kent Fuller Air Station Prairie

2400 Compass Road, Glenview, IL. 60025

Parking is available along Compass Road and along Lehigh.

Mighty Wind:
Harness the power of the wind in this fact filled program in which students will work in groups to build a kite! Learn about some of the alternative forms of energy being produced at the Tyner Center.
Who: Grades 1-8
When: 9:30am-11:30am
Fee: $10.50 adult + child, each additional child $4 (within same family)

Max/Min: 30/15

Recycling 101:

Do you know how long it takes a shoe to decompose in a landfill? Learn all about the 3 R’s and how making small changes can make a huge impact on the Earth!
Who: Grades 1-8
When: 12:30pm-2:30pm
Fee: $10.50 adult + child, each additional child $4 (within same family)

Max/Min: 30/15
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Schoolhouse: 

Travel back in time and learn what school was like in the 1850s at The Grove. Experience a typical school day in our reproduction Schoolhouse, where a schoolmarm or school master will lead students through lessons in history, math, spelling and geography using slate boards and quill pens.

Who: Grades 1-8, Fee: $10.50 adult + child, each additional  child $4 (within same family)

When: 9:30am-11:30am

Where: The Grove, 1421 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview, IL. Please park in the West Lot, staff will direct you to the correct building

Max/Min: 30/15

Native North Americans:
Learn all about the Potawatomi Indians’ culture and heritage, and the historical ties between this native group and the settlers around The Grove. Learn about the traditions of the Potawatomi and how they impacted the land, and try your hand at using some of their tools and playing some of their games.

Who: Grades 1-8,Fee: $10.50 adult + child, each additional child $4 (within same family)

When:12:30-2:30am

Where: The Grove, 1421 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview, IL. Please park in the West Lot, staff will direct you to the correct building

Max/Min: 30/15
Thursday, March 7, 2013

Seasonal Changes:

Walk along our trails with one of our trained interpreters as they explain the significance of the changing seasons and what signs to look for along the trails. Meet some of the native animals that reside at The Grove and some of the natural artifacts in the Interpretive Center.

Who: Grades K-3

When: 9:30am-11:30am

Where: The Grove, 1421 Milwaukee Ave, Glenview IL. Please park in the West Lot, staff will direct you to the correct building

Fee: $10.50 adult + child, each additional child $4 (within same family)

Max/Min: 30/15

Dynamic Earth:

Ever seen a glacial erratic up close? Discover all the forces that have shaped the Earth through time, as well as learning how to look for evidence of glaciers.

Who: Grades 4-8

When: 9:30am-11:30am

Where: The Grove, 1421 Milwaukee Ave, Glenview IL. Please park in the West Lot, staff will direct you to the correct building

Fee: $10.50 adult + child, each additional child $4 (within same family)

Max/Min: 30/15

Habitats and Lifecycles:

Dig into the soil and discover what’s in the ground! Learn all about the lifecycles of different animals and the types of habitats that can be found at The Grove.

Who: Grades 1-3

When: 12:30pm-2:30pm

Where: The Grove, 1421 Milwaukee Ave, Glenview IL. Please park in the West Lot, staff will direct you to the correct building

Fee: $10.50 adult + child, each additional child $4 (within same family)

Max/Min: 30/15

GSI:

Dissect an owl pellet as part of your investigation into the crime that was committed at The Grove. To solve the case, students learn about predator/prey relationships and use this understanding to eliminate suspects to come to a logical conclusion.

Who: Grades 4-8

When: 12:30pm-2:30pm

Where: The Grove, 1421 Milwaukee Ave, Glenview IL. Please park in the West Lot, staff will direct you to the correct building

Fee: $10.50 adult + child, each additional child $4 (within same family)

Max/Min: 30/15

Friday, March 9, 2013

Letterboxing:

Letterboxing is a fun way to go on a hike and explore new places at the same time. Each participant will receive a journal and learn its use, and how & where to find the Letterboxes.   Participants will hit the trails in search of The Grove’s Letterboxes.

Who: Grades 1-4

When: 9:30am-11:30am

Where: The Grove, 1421 Milwaukee Ave, Glenview IL. Please park in the West Lot, staff will direct you to the correct building

Fee: $14.50 adult + child, each additional child $5 (within same family)

Max/Min: 30/15

Blacksmithing:

Participants will learn how to work with the forge, anvil and hammers that a Blacksmith uses to make useful household items. Everyone will take a finished project home.

Who: Grades 5-8

When: 9:30am-11:30am

Where: The Grove, 1421 Milwaukee Ave, Glenview IL. Please park in the West Lot, staff will direct you to the correct building

Fee: $14.50 adult + child, each additional child $5 (within same family)

Max/Min: 10/5

Grove Adventures:

Take a hike in the woods to find animal homes and their footprints. Then gather around the camp fire to roast marshmallows, make s’mores and sing songs. Dress for the weather. Program may be modified due to inclement weather.

Who: Grades K-8

When: 12:30pm-2:30pm

Where: The Grove, 1421 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview, IL. Please park in the West Lot, staff will direct you to the correct building.

Fee: $14.50 adult + child, each additional child $5 (within same family)

Max/Min: 40/15

Homeschool classes through IIT in Wheaton

Here is a fantastic looking opportunity, and very affordable! Hat-tip to the Naperville Home Educators Yahoo group for sharing.

Hello Home School parents~

I would like to invite your child to participate in the Illinois Institute of Technology science offering, Let’s Be Water Wise! Home schooled students will meet together for 8 weeks (Thursdays), beginning February 21st, at the IIT- Rice Campus in Wheaton. See http://www.iit.edu/rice/about/directions.shtml for directions and location. The class will run from 8:00 AM until 10:30.

The group will be comprised of six to ten students, aged 11-15, and interested parents. I will facilitate. I have taught biology, chemistry, physical science, environmental science and methods in science education for 36 years, working with students aged 6 through adult. After examining the attached syllabus, if you would like your child to participate, respond to this email with your child’s name and age. Next, please send a check for $25 payable to the IIT School of Applied Technology, to my attention at the address below. This will reserve a spot for your child and will cover the lab fee for the class. There may be field trip entrance fees and transportation costs as well, but there will be no other course fee. If you have other questions, let me know.

Looking forward to this new IIT collaboration,Susan
Susan Camasta, PhD
Adjunct Faculty
School of Applied Technology &

Department of Mathematics & Science Education
Illinois Institute of Technology
Rice Campus201 East Loop Road Wheaton, IL 60189
(630) 408-8054

This pilot program, supported by the IIT School of Applied Technology, will run for 8 weeks, meeting once/week at the IIT Rice Campus in Wheaton.  Each session will be approximately 2.5 hours. Field experiences will meet off campus, and at least two are planned.  Six to ten students will be enrolled; the intended audience is young people, aged 12-16. Parents are welcome participants.

Please contact her for more details and a preliminary syllabus.

Research 4 Reptiles

Wanted to share with you about an amazing organization — Research 4 Reptiles.

Research 4 Reptiles, LLC. is a privately-owned company, founded by Holly Zak, whose mission is to provide challenging, hands-on, field-based programs for participants ages 12 years to adult to inspire enthusiasm for and understanding of native Illinois reptile and amphibian species.

This is not your ordinary outdoor education program!

What makes their programs different from the usual outdoor education classes ?

  • Participants assist in real herpetological research whereby they help survey areas for species.
  • Participants help to identify species, mark them for identification, measure them, and record information about each animal capture.
  • Participants learn through critical inquiry, delving into research with inquiring questions!
  • Every class is limited to 8 students.
  • All classes are held outdoors at prairie/pond sites within Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Wilmington, Illinois (approximately 15 miles south of Joliet).
  • Species conservation and environmental protection is emphasized.
  • Best of all, the data collected from research is compiled and given to biological staff at Midewin for species’ management purposes!
3 juvenile painted turtles at Buttonbush Pond

Other opportunities you can find on their website:
If you have a herp lover they have gift certificates available that might make a great Christmas gift.

Also, be sure to check back in January to find  OPEN ENROLLMENT for summer programs!

Contact info: Research 4 Reptiles, LLC.
508 Pheasant Chase Drive
Bolingbrook, IL 60490
Email: research4reptiles@comcast.net
Phone: 630-337-0757
Website: www.research4reptiles.biz
This is a sponsored post from a paid advertiser with our site. For more information about advertising with the Chicagoland Homeschool Network, please email me at info@chicagolandhomeschoolnetwork.com.

Free Polar Adventure Days in Chicago

This will happen a few times this winter, but this weekend is the first one:
Polar Adventure Days at Northerly Island

Have fun while enjoying all the wonders of nature at the eighth annual
POLAR ADVENTURE DAYS at NORTHERLY ISLAND

First 500 visitors receive a Polar Adventure Day mug filled with hot chocolate.

Dress for the outdoors. Call to confirm scheduled activities (phone number below).  These events are free and no registration is required.

  • See Siberian huskies, wolves and other live animals
  • Enjoy music from the Old Town School of Folk Music
  • Explore the island on snowshoes (if there’s snow)
  • Make a nature-inspired winter craft
  • Encounter birds of prey from Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation
  • Sip hot cocoa while strolling across the prairie
  • Take a bird hike led by Wendy Paulson, co-sponsored by Audubon Chicago, Openlands & The Field Museum

Date: December 8, 2012 along with January 19, 2013 and February 16, 2012

Start Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Cost: FREE

Location : Northerly Island is located at 1521 S. Linn White Drive, on the Museum Campus

312.745.2910

Free Admission

It’s winter in Chicago – come out and enjoy it!

Lapidary day at Lizzadro Museum

masthead

This Saturday’s Event: Lapidary Day!

Check Out Our Gift Shop!
City of Elmhurst Logo
Lapidary Day
November 17th
lapidary day
Demonstrations by artists from the West Suburban Lapidary Club will include: beading, silversmithing, cabochon cutting, wire wrapping, faceting, hands-on activities and free jewelry cleaning.  The event is a great way to learn more about stones and lapidary art.
Free Admission 10am-4pm

Masters of Lightning!

Received via email:

The Masters of Lightning is coming to SciTech Museum! See precisely controlled “bolts of lightning” – some 15 feet long leap from huge Tesla coils and play music from Bach’s Toccata and Fuge and even the 8 bit theme from Super Mario Brothers!  “Dr. Zeus”, adds an astonishing element to the show by standing between the coils wearing a metal suit of layered chain mail and interacting with the lightning bolts! A Wow! show not to be missed!

  • Doors open at 6 pm, the show starts at 7 pm.
  • Stay and explore the Museum after the show, we will be open until 9 pm.
  • The SciTech Cafe will be open for delicious treats, and there will be popcorn, a juice bar and more.
  • Adult Tickets are $20 and Children 12 and under are $1

Hurry! This show sells out quickly so purchase your tickets now. Tickets are available online here:

Learn more about Masters of Lightning here:

call 630-859-3434 or

visit www.scitechmuseum.org for further information.

18 W. Benton St. Aurora, Il. 60506

Birds of Prey demonstration at Cantigny

Fall Festival, Saturday, October 13

This is coming quickly:

What: Walk on the Wild Side (Birds of Prey)
When:  October 18. 2012, 6:30-7:30 pm
Where: Education Center

More details: Free, family program,  regular parking fee applies.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED due to limited seating. No walk-ins. Please call 630-260-8162 or email register@cantigny.org to save your seat! Registration closes 24 hours before the program or when capacity is reached.

Bring your family out to Cantigny Park for a Walk on the Wild Side! Dates have been set for a fun-filled learning adventure. Be amazed with fascinating animal facts! Each presentation will also offer the opportunity to interact with live animals.

This evening’s program will feature a live birds of prey presentation from the Willowbrook Wildlife Center Staff. Learn about this facinating group of birds and see some raptors up close!

Save the date for the next Walk on the Wild Side presentation!
November 15 (6:30pm)-Simply Snakes

Also check out their other classes for homeschoolers:

Kandinsky Kids for Homeschoolers

In this popular class, students will create using a wide range of media including but not limited to all types of paint, clay, fabric, sculpture, printmaking, etc.

Instructor: Kari Kraus, Water Street Studios

Ages: 7-11 years
October 22, 29, November 5, 12
10:30-11:30am
Location: Education Center
$60 per participant, registration required. No parking fee.

Click here to register online and pay by debit/credit card

Click here to download a registration form and send by mail or fax.

Questions? Please call 630 260 8162.

Click here to review our program policies and directions to class locations.

If you are a Cantigny Member Plus, please call 630 260 8162 to register and receive your class discount of $5.00.

Homeschool classes in West Dundee

Received this via email:

The Dundee Township Park District offers special hands-on animals classes for Homeschoolers at the Randall Oaks Zoo in West Dundee.  All of the details are available at our website www.dtpd.org The programs require pre-registration and fees are below.  Here are our special Homeschool educational classes available in the fall…

Animal Caretakers Club for grades 2-6

Join this club and take care of the Randall Oaks Zoo animals.  Brush the donkeys, make enrichment toys for the birds, socialize the reptiles, visit with the goats and much more!

Program # 428317-01
Wednesdays / 10-11 am
August 22 – October 10
$50 Dundee Township resident / $70 non resident

Program # 428317-02
Wednesdays / 10-11 am
October 17 – December 5
$50 Dundee Township resident / $70 non resident


Digestive Journey for grades 1-6

Take a wild tour through animal’s digestive systems.  We will learn about ungulates, gastric juices in reptiles, the function of a cecum, and much more.  Afterward we will have a snack and see how we break down food.  YUM!

Program # 428311-01
Friday / 10-11:30 am
September 14
$8 Dundee Township resident / $11 non resident

Zoo Math for grades 1-6

What does math have to do with running a zoo?  Plenty!  Come along for a journey of fractions, ratios, geometry, shapes, word problems, estimation, and plenty of mental math.  Math applications “in real life,” will be presented.

Program # 428311-02
Friday / 10-11:30 am
September 21
$8 Dundee Township resident / $11 non resident

Jumping Geography for grades 1-6

Where in the world are these animals from?  Australia, the desert of northern Africa, Thailand…the list goes on.  We will learn how the animals are specially adapted to, and are an expression of the environments that they are from.

Program # 428311-03
Friday / 10-11:30 am
September 28
$8 Dundee Township resident / $11 non resident

Veritable Vocabulary for grades 1-6

Come and see words in action!  Do donkeys see dichromatically?  Are deer crepuscular?  How does a cow’s eructation impact the ozone layer?  Is a duck nidifugous?  How does a ruminant ruminate exactly?  Enjoy the wonderful world of words!

Program # 428311-04
Friday / 10-11:30 am
October 5
$8 Dundee Township resident / $11 non resident

Hands-on History grades 1-6

How did donkeys impact the gold rush?  How did goats change the history of Neolithic farmers 11,000 years ago?  What did pigs have to do with the founding of England’s town, Bath?  Enjoy stories of how humans and animal history are intertwined in some pretty odd ways!

Program # 428311-05
Friday / 10-11:30 am
October 12
$8 Dundee Township resident / $11 non resident


For more information please call me at (847) 551-4310.   Thank you!

Katherine Ellinghausen

Natural Areas/Program Supervisor

Dundee Township Park District

750 N Randall Road, West Dundee, IL  60118

Office  (847) 551-4310

Cell  (847) 997-8894