Field Trip Fridays

Often in our homeschool as we head into these last weeks we are wrapping up our books and regular requirements in most subjects. As a result, we find ourselves with some extra time to enjoy the activities that are abundant in this area and the weather often allows us a chance to get out of doors as well.

This begins what will hopefully be a new feature here. Not every week, but a couple times a month on Friday I will share some of our experiences with field trips in the Chicago area with tips on setting up your own.

To kick it off, lets start with a place that we just visited recently, Cantigny in Wheaton (but I always think of it as in Winfield . . .)

What you will find there:

Cantigny offers two museums including a house open for touring and a museum centered around the First Division. They also have beautiful grounds that are beginning to bloom. They are beautiful in each season, especially if you have nature lovers in your group.

We are currently studying the American Revolution and they had a great sample of a revolutionary soldier and various artifacts on display to help my kids really visualize all of what we have been learning, reading about, and discussing lately. If you are studying more recent American history you will find even more to complement your studies, but even going back to the beginning of our nation you will find something.

The Tanks! It’s what I remember from childhood visits, and it’s what my kids look forward to on each return trip as well. Whether they are imagining they are a soldier on a mission of their own, or pretending it is a hideout, or just climbing for the sake of climbing, the tanks are a big draw for kids of all ages. Of course, climb at your own risk, and be careful. These are real tanks. You will want to pick a day with decent weather so you can get a good climb in.

Classes and tours. You are free to roam the grounds and enjoy the signs, information, and displays on your own time and with your own focus, or you can sign up for a field trip or one of their many classes. They offer homeschool classes periodically (look for these to start up again in the fall) for additional fees. They cover various subjects including art, science, nature study, and history. See their calendar of events on their website for more details.

If you are going:

The grounds do have a per vehicle fee, but if you go to your library you can use your card to get a Museum Adventure Pass and get in for free. We chose this option and it was quick and easy and saved us $5.

There are often school groups touring as well. However, we found them fairly easy to avoid so we could enjoy the museums, tanks, and walkways without a crowd.

Cantigny Park Hours:

Feb: Fri-Sun, 9am to Sunset*
Mar-Apr: 9am to Sunset*
May-Oct: 7am to Sunset*
Nov-Dec: 9am to Sunset*

*The in-bound park gate closes one hour prior to sunset.

1S151 Winfield Road
Wheaton, IL 60189
630.668.5161

Cantigny offers a great field trip destination for a mixed age group. Lots of run around space and climbing action, and then opportunities to settle in and really learn from the informative and high quality displays throughout the facilities. My younger kids were a little scared at first of the First Division Museum displays. It is dark and has war sounds in the background. They are really well done though, and you learn so much on your walk through. If you need to split your group to enjoy it, do so, but kids of all ages can really learn quite a bit from the walk through.

And, be sure to bring your picnic lunch to enjoy at their tables near the parking area. We had a full, fun morning packed with new learning opportunities and conversation prompts. Definitely a field trip destination for every couple years or so.

Kevin Swanson coming to Chicago area

Received this via email:

We are members of the Christian Home Educators of the South Suburbs
(C.H.E.S.S.) in Orland, Park. Most of our events are for members only, but
Christian Heritage Church is opening up this event FREE to ALL who are
interested in some inspiring and encouraging words from Kevin Swanson! This
is an exciting opportunity! If you’ve heard him before, you know it will be
good. If you’ve never heard him before, you don’t want to miss it! Please
spread the word to all your Home School friends!
Hope to see you then!

Who: Kevin Swanson, Generations with Vision

When: Tuesday, March 6th, 7pm

Where: Grace Fellowship Church 15150 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Forest, IL

He is also in town for the family economics conference that weekend in Wheaton (this second event is not free, but looks packed full of great info, too).

Kevin Swanson is a speaker I enjoy each time I hear him. His energetic speaking style keeps you engaged constantly. And, you walk away with practical tips to apply what he shares from his heart.

Free Educator Screening!

You and one (1) guest are invited to a Free Educator Screening of SEA REX 3D: JOURNEY TO A PREHISTORIC WORLD. Additional guests will be charged $7.00 per person.

Date: Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Time: 5:30pm – (please arrive a half hour prior to showtime to check-in and register)

Place: Randall 15 IMAX – 550 N. Randall Road, Batavia, IL 60510  Get Map

RSVP: Email or Call 630-659-6762. RSVP by noon on Tuesday February 28th. IMPORTANT Please leave us your first and last name, school name, theater, email address, and number of people attending. If registering via email, you will receive an email confirmation. If registering via phone, you will not receive a phone call to confirm your space.

Through the power of IMAX 3D, experience a wondrous adventure from the dinosaur age. Join Julie, an imaginative young woman, in a unique voyage through time and space. Explore an amazing underwater universe inhabited by larger-than-life creatures which were ruling the seas before dinosaurs conquered the earth. See science come alive in an entertaining manner and get ready for a face-to-face encounter with the T-Rex of the seas!
Website & Trailer Educator Guide Classroom Guide
SciTech Hands-On Museum is bringing hands-on exhibits & novelties to purchase

Paleontologist Rob Sula is bringing fossils of prehistoric sea creatures & dinosaurs, and hand-drawn dinosaur artwork.

Teachers!  Book your Group Today! Call 630-659-6762 or email
MOVIES BELOW ARE AVAILABLE FOR GROUP RESERVATIONS!
Visit our website for more information on IMAX and Teacher Resources at www.GQTI.com/IMAX

Events at Midwest Museum of Natural History

Got this information via email, and looks like some intriguing events! Note that with this first one if you mention that you heard it here, at the Chicagoland Homeschool Network, they will let one adult attend for free! Be sure to tell them thanks from all us homeschoolers.

“Hoo’s” for Dinner: Owl Pellet Dissection

Thursday, February 23, 7-8:00 pm

$7/person, Members: $5/person (adults and kids)

Space is limited, call to register: 815-895-9777

It’s almost time for owlets to begin appearing! And we’re celebrating by dissecting owl pellets. Owl pellets are balls of fur and bones that the bird cannot digest and coughs up. We’ll walk through the dissection of pellets and identification of the remains found inside. Each person gets their own pellet. Designed for ages 6+. Special offer: Mention this blog and get one free adult!

Jack Hanna: Into the Wild Live

Sunday, March 11, 2:00 pm

$20 adults, $15 children and students, premium seats available

Show will be held at the Egyptian Theater in DeKalb: 135 North Second Street, Dekalb, IL 60115

Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild Live show features many of his favorite animal friends, as well as fascinating and humorous stories and footage from his adventures around the world. Everyone from the youngest child to the oldest adult will be entertained and inspired. Tickets on sale now: http://www.egyptiantheatre.org/

The Natural History of Coffee

a lecture by Gene Powers

Thursday, March 15, 7-8:00 pm

$4/person, members free, ages high school to adult

Big Run Wolf Ranch

Saturday, March 31, 1-2:30 pm

Ages 8 and up

$10/person (kids and adults), fee includes Museum admission for the day

Member rate: $8/person

Space is limited, reservations required: 815-895-9777

Big Run Wolf Ranch is a non-profit, federally licensed, educational program which specializes in education and conservation of North American wildlife. During their presentation you’ll meet a live coyote, skunk, groundhog, porcupine, and wolf. Space is limited and reservations are required: 815-895-9777. Ages 8+ by request of the presenter.

Safari Sprouts

Wednesday, March 28, 10:15-11:15 am

4th Wednesdya of every month

Ages 3-5

$8/child (or purchase a 4-class card for $28), adults free

Call 815-895-9777 to register (walk-ins welcome too)

Spend a morning discovering nature at the Museum through games, crafts, stories, and songs, plus a live animal visit each month! Designed for ages 3-5 with an adult.

For more information:

Midwest Museum of Natural History

425 West State St, Sycamore IL 60178

815-895-9777 www.mmnh.org

Tues-Sat, 10-5:00

Sunday 12-5:00

closed Mondays

Free Things on MLK Day

From Free Things to do in Chicago:

There are lots of great free things to do on Martin Luther King Day in Chicago.  Three of the leading museums have free admission on this holiday:

FREE Museum of Science and Industry on MLK Day – Jan 16martin luther king 197x300 Free Admission to Chicago Museums on Martin Luther King Day   Jan 16

Come on out on MLK Day and enjoy the health-focused new “You! The Experience” gallery, and the awesome  “Science Storms.” Science Storms reveals the science behind seven natural phenomena—lightning, fire, tornados, avalanches, tsunamis, sunlight and atoms in motion. Investigate the basic scientific principles behind nature’s power as you try more than 50 amazing experiments that take two floors and 26,000 square feet to contain … barely. It’s a perfect storm of physics, chemistry and curiosity. Also take in the renovated U-505 German submarine, a simulated coal mine and a glass-covered hatchery of chicks. Illinois residents can take advantage of free general admission on Monday, January 16.

Museum of Science and Industry – 773-684-1414
5700 S Lake Shore Dr
msichicago.org
9:30am–4pm.

FREE Shedd Aquarium on MLK Day – Jan 16

The Shedd aquatic galleries are home to creatures from the Waters of the World – rivers and reefs, Great Lakes and small ones, and the global ocean. So take a tour of the water planet. Want to explore a little deeper? Immerse yourself in the Caribbean Reef, Amazon Rising’s flooded forest, the Oceanarium’s Pacific Northwest coast and Wild Reef’s Indo-Pacific reef. Go totally polar in Polar Play Zone and be sure to see Shedd’s aquatic show.   Admission to original exhibits “Waters of the World,” “Caribbean Reef” and “Amazon Rising” is free to Illinois residents on Monday, January 16. Discounts are also available for packages that include entry to exhibits such as “Abbott Oceanarium,” “Wild Reef” and “Polar Play Zone.”

Shedd Aquarium – 312-939-2438
1200 S Lake Shore Dr
sheddaquarium.org
9am–5pm

FREE Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Activities at the Chicago History Museum

Commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through family activities and crafts reflecting his messages of peace and justice. Listen to music that honors Dr. King, and attend a performance of The MLK Project by the Writers’ Theatre.    Cost: Free Admission and includes complimentary Museum admission

Schedule of Events

All day

Kids Crafts with Artist Sue Romanelli

Crown Room, first floor

11:00 a.m.
The MLK Project: Fight for Civil Rights
The Writer’s Theatre
Rubloff Auditorium, 1st floor’

12:30 p.m.
Precious Lord: A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Chicago Chamber ChoirChicago Room, 2nd floor1:45 p.m.
“I have a Dream” speech
Re-enactment by Oba William KingChicago Room, 2nd floor2:00 p.m.
Voices for Freedom
Gwen Hilary, Storyteller and Enoch Williamson, MusicianChicago Room, 2nd floor2:45 p.m.
“I’ve been to the Mountaintop” speech
Re-enactment by Oba William KingChicago Room, 2nd floor

Chicago History Museum – 312-642-4600

10am–3pm
1601 N Clark St

Homeschool speaker in Lake County

Received this info from a reader (thank you, Shannon!):

Free Lecture for Home Schooling Parents

On Monday Oct 17th at noon, Dr. Jeremy Fritz will presenting this free
lecture for home schooling families, “Home Schooling Struggling
Learners”.

Brain Balance Logo

Gain a deeper comprehension of your child’s struggles using a brain
based perspective.  Learn specific strategies that you will be able to
implement into your home school academics and activities, which will
contribute to your child’s successful development.

This free event will take place at the College of Lake County, 1120
South Milwaukee Ave in Vernon Hills.  To reserve your seat for this
event please call 847-821-1328.

Dr. Jeremy Fritz is a functional medicine practitioner with an
emphasis on Childhood Neurobehavioral and Developmental Disorders.  He
is a board eligible Chiropractic Neurologist with the American
Chiropractic Neurology Board and a certified Clinical Nutritionist.
Dr. Fritz is the executive director of the Brain Balance Achievement
Center
in Vernon Hills.

Where: College of Lake County
1120 S. Milwaukee Ave
Vernon Hills, IL 60061

Email: info@brainbalancechicago.com

Website: www.brainbalancevh.com

Phone: Cindy Adams at 847-821-1328

Kane County Cougar’s Reading program

Once again it is time to prepare for Ozzie’s Reading Club. We have enjoyed this program for many years now. I like that it is not a preset reading goal, but you and the child determine what is best for them. It excites them about reading, and rewards them with a great outing in the spring.

If you would like to participate in 2012,  please contact Amy.

Amy Mason

Kane County Cougars § 1 Cougar Trail § Geneva, IL 60134

Phone: 630.232.8811 § FAX 630.232.8815

E-mail: ozziereadingclub@kanecountycougars.com
2012 OZZIE’S READING CLUB

Poetry Foundation

Did you know that the Poetry Foundation has a home in Chicago? I didn’t either.
They have some interesting events coming up in the near future including this one about postcards from poets:

The Alternative Press Multiple Originals Project

When: Wednesday, September 21, 11:00AM

Where: Poetry Foundation
61 West Superior Street
Free Admission

The Multiple Originals Project is an exhibit of postcards created by poets Robert Creeley, Alice Notley, Ted Berrigan, Joe Brainard, and others in collaboration with Ken and Ann Mikolowski. The exhibit is presented concurrently with a multimedia feature about the press on poetryfoundation.org.

EXHIBIT HOURS:

Monday – Friday, 11AM – 4PM
Opens: Wednesday, September 21
Closes: Friday, November 4

Free teacher screening

Reminder: You and one (1) guest are invited to a Free Educator Screening of Mysteries of the Great Lakes and Born to be Wild 3D. Additional guests will be charged $5.50 for Mysteries of the Great Lakes, $7.00 for Born to Be Wild 3D, or make both screenings for only $10.75.

Date: Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Time: 4:30pm – Mysteries of the Great Lakes and at 5:30pm see Born to be Wild 3D (please arrive a half hour prior to showtime to check-in and register)

Place: Randall 15 IMAX – 550 N. Randall Rd.  Batavia, IL 60510  Get Map

RSVP: Email or Call 630-659-6762. RSVP by noon on Friday September 2nd. IMPORTANT Please leave us your first and last name, school name, theater, email address, and number of people attending. If registering via email, you will receive an email confirmation. If registering via phone, you will not receive a phone call to confirm your space.

BORN TO BE WILD 3D is an inspired story of love, dedication and the remarkable bond between humans and animals. This film documents orphaned orangutans and elephants and the extraordinary people who rescue and raise them-saving endangered species one life at a time. Stunningly captured in IMAX 3D, Born to be Wild 3D is a heartwarming adventure transporting moviegoers into the lush rainforests of Borneo with world-renowned primatologist Dr. Birute Galdikas, and across the rugged Kenyan savannah with celebrated elephant authority Dame Daphne Sheldrick, as they and their team rescue, rehabilitate and return these incredible animals back to the wild. Narrated by Academy-Award winner Morgan Freeman, Born to be Wild 3D is directed by David Lickley and written and produced by Drew Fellman. Website Educator Guide
MYSTERIES OF THE GREAT LAKES: It takes a drop of water nearly 400 years to travel from the headwaters of Lake Superior to the edge of Lake Ontario.  Along the way, the water passes by towering cliffs dotted with early Native American pictographs, caribou and moose grazing on the shores, over giant prehistoric sturgeon lurking among thousands of shipwrecks and past nearly 40 million people who live along the more than 10,000 miles of coastline.  It is a dramatic journey through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.  Now, you can witness the Mysteries of the Great Lakes on the only screen large enough to reveal them, in IMAX!  Website Educator Guide 1-3, Educator Guide 4-6 Educator Guide 7-8
Teachers!  Book your Group Today! Call Jeannette at 630-659-6762 or email

Free Zoo Tickets

Any super couponers out there?

If so you probably already know about this deal, but for those of you who don’t, here is a great way to get free tickets to Brookfield Zoo and stock up on pop for all those summer get together, or for your kids to sell to make some money, or  . . . ?

Here’s the deal:

Summer Fun Stay-Cation Deal! Meijer is running a great Catalina sale in which buying $15 worth of participating Coca-Cola products generates a Catalina good for 4 FREE admissions to the Brookfield Zoo! (We saw this deal last year too on the Shedd Aquarium, and it was such a GREAT deal!) 12-packs of Coca-Cola are on sale for $3 each. Buying 5 will cost you $15, and you’ll get the pop AND 4 free admissions to Brookfield Zoo!

To read more about this and to find lots of other great deals, jump on over to Jill Cataldo’s site. In the face of lots of extreme couponing that border on inappropriate or even illegal I appreciate Jill’s desire to coupon ethically and still come home with lots of great deals.