Independent Study for Mad Scientists

Here are some free online science-related courses that can be used as Independent Study for interested children. Independent Study is a self-directed learning strategy where the teacher acts as guide or facilitator and the student plays a more active role in designing and managing his or her own learning.

Astronomy Academy - Two different courses of study on astronomy. One is prepared for 7-11 year olds, the other for 12-18 year olds. Each course contains several 'packets' with assignments in them and plenty of information and a final project for the student. The student earns a certificate of completion. They also have free sky maps, phases of the moon and lots more cool stuff.

e-Learning for Kids - Flash, game-like courses for kids 5-12 yrs old. Many subjects. In the science section, you'll find Plants & Animals, Earth's Resources, Every Living Thing has a Home, States of Matter, Fossils & Fossil Records, Body Parts, Nutrition, Lunar Cycle, & Solar System.

Free DVDs on Evolution Science

Receive your free DVDs on evolution science, or other topics, completely free from Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Even the shipping is free.

In total, there are 26 items from which to choose. The list of free items includes DVDs about evolution, medicine, anatomy, biology, genetics, and a cd-rom that includes five virtual labs.

After you've chosen your free items, let your kids play around on the Cool Science for Curious Kids site, which is also a resource offered by HHMI.

Homeschool At Zoo Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta is inviting homeschoolers to experience the zoo in wonderful new ways at reduced prices. With your Declaration of Intent, your young scientists, zookeepers and animal lovers are entitled to visit the zoo for special programs at a less expensive cost!

Your Zoo Membership can be reduced by 10% with your Declaration of Intent. My family received the discount last year, simply by presenting the document at the ticket counter when we purchased our annual membership.

There's more.. The zoo has recently posted an announcement for a Homeschool Nightcrawler event on August 22nd. A nightcrawler is a sleepover at the zoo with lots of special extras like exclusive tours, breakfast, and night walks and activities.

Another program is the Homeschool Zoo Academy which my son participated in last year. The HS Zoo Academy Program begins September 2, but you can jump in at any time from September to May. He thoroughly enjoyed it and requested to return to the program this year. The program is held twice a month, a Tuesday or Wednesday, and runs from 1pm to 3pm. The Academy leads guided tours through the zoo, activities, games and includes animal encounters. Even without a membership, this is one of the most affordable ways to visit the zoo. The programs are each $10/members and $12/non-members, with one parent receiving free entry for each registered child. Of course, the academy space is limited and the parents must entertain themselves with their own tour of the zoo while the kids participate in the academy program. But, from my son's opinion, it's worth it.

There are also Homeschool Field Trip Days the first Tuesday of each month. The Zoo offers a deep discount on these days for anyone with their DOI. $8.00 per person!

The Zoo is a great place to expand your knowledge of animals and have a great fun-filled time. If you haven't been in a while, check out the new Parakeet Aviary. It was loads of fun and puts you face to face with the colorful birds. That's my hand in a photo snapped by my 5 yr old son.