Homeschool
Homeschool Science and Lab Classes at The Oakes Museum
Homeschool Programs
2025-2026
Science Classes
What is Science? A Creek Study
September 12 – 10:00 - noon (k - 4)
September 12 – 1:00 - 3:30 (5th- 10th)
September 15 – 10:00 - noon (k - 4)
September 15 – 1:00 – 3:00 (K - 4)
September 16 – 1:00 – 3:00 (k – 4)
September 17 - 10:00 – noon (k – 4)
September 17 – 1:00 - 3:30 (5th – 10th)
We will learn about science as we conduct a study of the Yellow Breeches Creek. We consider different ways scientists can study a stream, learning about the scientific inquiry as we discover the physical, chemical, and living components of the stream. Come prepared with water shoes to get into the water!
Snakes
September 23 – 10:00 - noon (k - 4)
September 23 – 1:00 – 3:30 (5th – 10th)
September 24 – 10:00 – noon (k – 4)
September 24 – 1:00-3:30 (5th – 10th)
September 26 – 10:00 – noon (k – 4)
September 26 – 1:00 – 3:00 (k-4)
September 29 – 10:00 – noon (k - 4)
Learn what snakes live in Pennsylvania, how they survive here, the difference between venomous and nonvenomous snakes, and how scientists study snakes. Come prepared for a hike!
Pennsylvania Forests
October 2 – 1:00 – 3:00 (k - 4)
October 3 – 10:00 – noon (k – 4)
October 3 – 1:00 - 3:30 (5th – 10th)
October 8 – 10:00 – noon (k - 4)
October 8 – 1:00 – 3:00 (k - 4)
October 9 – 1:00 – 3:00 (k - 4)
Learn the structure, composition, history and importance of forests in Pennsylvania. We will also learn some common trees and plants of our forest. Come prepared for a hike!
Weather
October 17 – 10:00 – noon (k - 4)
October 17 - 1:00 – 3:30 (5th – 10th)
October 20 – 10:00 – noon (k – 4)
October 20 – 1:00 – 3:00 (k – 4)
October 21 – 10:00 – noon (k – 4)
October 21 - 1:00 – 3:00 (k - 4)
We will investigate basic information about weather, observe and make predictions about the weather using their senses and the clouds, describe the relation between weather patterns and wind speed, air pressure, temperature and precipitation, make a weather forecast based on sensory observations, cloud characteristics and collected weather data. Come prepared to go outside.
Beavers
November 3 – 1:00 – 3:00 (k-4)
November 4 – 10:00 – noon (k-4)
November 4 – 1:00 – 3:30 (5th – 10th)
November 5 – 10:00 – noon (k-4)
November 5 – 1:00 – 3:00 (k-4)
We will take a deep dive into this amazing creature - discovering how beavers are excellent engineers, keystone species, and how they played a role in our country’s history.
Animal Movement
December 8 – 1:00 – 3:00 (k - 4)
December 9 – 10:00 – noon (k - 4)
December 9 – 1:00 – 3:00 (k-4)
December 10 – 10:00 – noon (k - 4)
December 10 – 1:00 – 3:30 (5th – 10th)
December 12 – 10:00 – noon (k – 4)
December 12 – 1:00 – 3:30 (5th – 10th)
Do you ever wonder how a bird flies, why a deer can jump over 10 feet in the air, and how a snake slithers? Discover how animal bones and muscles are adapted to move in different ways.
Antelope
January 7 – 10:00 – noon (k - 4)
January 7 – 1:00 - 3:00 (k - 4)
January 8 – 10:00 – noon (k - 4)
January 8 – 1:00 – 3:00 (k - 4)
January 9 – 10:00 – noon (k – 4)
January 9 – 1:00 – 3:30 (5th – 10th)
Learn about this diverse group as we discover what role they play in their ecosystems, how they survive in a variety of habitats on four different continents, and what makes them different from deer.
Museums
January 27 – 10:00 – noon (k – 4)
January 27 - 1:00 – 3:00 (k - 4)
January 28 – 10:00 - noon (k - 4)
January 28 – 1:00 – 3:00 (k - 4)
January 30 – 10:00 – noon (k - 4)
January 30 – 1:00 – 3:30 (5th – 10th)
Discover how museums care for their collections, design exhibits, and how museums have evolved over time.
Oceans
February 13 – 10:00 – noon (k-4)
February 13 – 1:00 – 3:30 (5th- 10th)
February 16 – 1:00 – 3:00 (k-4)
February 17 – 10:00 – noon (k – 4)
February 17 – 1:00 – 3:00 (k – 4)
February 18 – 10:00 – noon (k – 4)
February 18 – 1:00 – 3:30 (5th-10th)
From krill to blue whales and sponges to octopi – learn about the vast variety of animals that live in our oceans.
$15/student
Programs for elementary students (k-4) require a parent to stay with the child(ren).
Younger toddler/preschool siblings are welcome and are considered participants in the program, the cost is $5/sibling. Infant siblings are free (hand-held or in stroller).
Classes for 5th-10th graders are drop-off programs.
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Lab Classes - 6th - 12th Grade Students
Cell Biology
October 21 – 10:00 – noon
Students will make their own slides and view them under microscopes as they learn the parts of the cell and differences between plant and animal cells. This class is a great introduction to microscopes and cell biology. ($25)
The Skeletal System
October 21 – 1:00-3:00
Students will spend time studying different types of bones and joints, assembling a full-size skeleton, and observing cross section slides of bones. Students will also have the opportunity to solve a mock forensic case using their knowledge of the skeletal system. ($25)
Invertebrate Anatomy
October 22 – 10:00 – noon
March 10 – 10:00 – noon
Students will be introduced to the external and internal anatomy of invertebrate animals as they learn dissection techniques and lab safety. Students will dissect an earthworm and a grasshopper. ($30)
Vertebrate Anatomy
October 22 – 1:00 – 3:00
March 10 – 1:00 - 3:00
Students will be introduced to the external and internal anatomy of vertebrate animals as they learn dissection techniques and lab safety. Students will dissect a frog. ($30)
Air Pollution
March 11 – 10:00 – noon
Students will be introduced to types of air pollution and their sources, learn how to measure air quality, and use critical thinking to brainstorm ways to restore air quality. ($25)
Water Pollution
March 11 – 1:00-3:00
Students will explore different types of water pollution, their sources, learn how to measure water quality, and use critical thinking to brainstorm ways to restore water quality. ($25)
Living with the Land
March 12 – 10:00 – noon
Students will explore land use through lab exercises monitoring human impact on wildlife specifically looking at light pollution and how to track wildlife use of corridors. ($25)
Lab classes are drop-off programs.
Pre-registration and prepayment is required.
Our grade designations are guidelines, not rules
Our refund policy is fairly lenient. Refunds are available if you cancel within a few days (3-4) of the program, or if you let us know on the day of the program someone in your family is ill. No refunds will be given for no shows. If you want to get into a class that is currently full, email us a day or two before the program to see if any spots have opened.
If you have any questions, please contact us at oakesmuseum@messiah.edu or 717-691-6082.
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The Oakes Museum of Natural History reserves the right to cancel any program one week before it begins due to insufficient registration, or to reschedule for inclement weather.
All prepaid participants will receive a full refund.