California Calendar of Events
Conferences, Field Trips, Classes, Events, & Resources
Current Events | On Going Activities
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Science wizard and engineer extraordinaire, Mr. Mack, conducts his
ever-popular science classes for homeschoolers (ages 7 and up) in Santa
Clara County.
For those of you who aren't familiar with Rock-it Science, you can now see a
five-minute video
of Rock-it Science's director, John McChesney ("Mr. Mack") on Google Video.
In this short film, Mr. Mack talks about his childhood adventures, and how
he draws on those experiences to develop the exciting hands-on science
lessons he teaches today. After watching the video, please feel free to rate
it and enter your comments.
Rock-It Science homeschool classes are
often filled to capacity, so advance registration is a must. For more information call
408-969-1900 or
E-mail Mr. Mack
By the way, you can read a Science Q&A with Mr. Mack here:
Science Q & A With Mr. Mack of Rock-It Science
New for Homeschoolers!
Leadership Education and Development Center
This is a fresh, new learning community in Los Gatos, CA. We aim to serve
as a hub of learning for individuals, families, and community. This year
we will provide ongoing group classes two mornings per week to students,
ages 5-14, as well as afternoon enrichment classes, Friday clubs, book
groups, and parent seminars.
The ongoing classes will blend the methodology of Maria Montessori and the
mentoring-based leadership education model of Thomas Jefferson Education.
One of our strongest desires is to be together as homeschooling families
to form a supportive, loving community. We welcome all types of homeschoolers!
If you are interested in finding out more, please come meet the founder and
teachers on...
Tuesday, September 5, 2006 (7:00 - 8:00 PM)
at Shir Hadash, 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos
(one block east of Los Gatos Blvd. off Blossom Hill Rd.)
Or check out our website,
or call Deborah Kingdon at 510-825-7413. You may also
e-mail Ann Wolfe
with any questions.
The Riekes Center for Human Enhancement is a
non-profit 501(c)3 organization that has safe and supportive programs in
atheltic fitness, creative arts and nature studies for students ages 6 to 22
and for adults. If you have any questions regarding time, location, costs,
scholarships or general questions about staff and curriculum please do not
hesitate to call us at 650-364-2509.
Athletic Fitness
Homeschoolers and their parents can participate in athletic fitness programs
that are perfect for beginners to fitness training to those that take athletics
or outdoor adventure very seriously. For information on dates and fees call
650-364-2509.
Creative Arts
Homeschoolers who have an interest in photography, digital media and film
making, music, or learning sound engineering should come create in the Riekes
Center Creative Arts Department.
Nature Studies
There are a variety of programs to choose from in which homeschool students
ages 6-18 can learn about the natural sciences and the environment. There are
a variety of programs to choose from such as:
- Back Packing Club -- Students earn back country basics and explore the
back country with trained backpackers and naturalists.
- Homeschool Program -- There are programs designed for students from 6-18.
These are intensive, year-long courses that meet weekly and learn about
nature from scientific, indigenous, and modern perspectives. Call 650-364-2509
for days and times of classes. Or
E-mail Jeremy or
Nature Studies.
- Weekly Workshops -- Tracking and awareness skills are taught to groups of
individuals interested in improving their understanding of nature.
- Shikari Tracking Guild -- A program centered around tracking that offers
students an opportunity to learn through a correspondence course, internships
and nature inventory studies.
- Youth Expeditions -- Focused trips that will take students and instructors
from the mountains to the desert while learning about the local environment.
- Naturalist Club -- Introductory clubs that will allow a participant to
experience our nature awareness focused programs.
- Adventure Outings -- Short adventure trips centered activities like surfing,
mountain biking, rock climbing or river rafting.
For information on dates and fees call 650-364-2509.
The Riekes Center for Human Enhancement
3455 Edison Way Menlo Park, CA
Do Something Wild in Santa Clara County and Beyond!
The Wildlife Education & Rehabilitation Center (W.E.R.C.)
inspires and educates children and adults about nature, animals, the environment,
and early Native Americans.
W.E.R.C. will come to your group to present their unique programs that meet many
or all of the California Life Science Standards for elementary grades K-6 and include:
- Beastly Abodes -- Preschool and kindergarten children get their first up close look at how some of our local wildlife lives. One of our smaller live animals and examples of shelters illustrate how animals build homes to protect themselves and their young.
- Feathers, Fur, & Scales -- This live animal program introduces students to the similarities and differences between mammals, reptiles, and birds. Characteristics of each type of animal are examined through hands-on materials.
- Birds of Prey (recommended for grades 3 and up) -- Choose from two exciting programs:
- A comprehensive exploration of local diurnal and nocturnal birds of prey. Living examples help demonstrate flight, sight, and hearing as well as other adaptations.
- An in-depth study of local diurnal birds of prey. Observations of a live raptor will reinforce the student's understanding and appreciation of these bird's special attributes.
- Silent Hunters: Owls (recommended for grades 3 and up) -- Students engage in an in-depth study of the characteristics of local owls, observe the natural behavior of a live owl, and examine a variety of specimens such as wings and feet.
- California Native Americans -- These hands on programs show how early Native Americans depended upon plants and animals to sustain their lives, provide food, build shelters, make clothing, and create games used to develop skills. Many items used in these classes were handmade by W.E.R.C. staff. A ratio of one adult assistant for every five students is required for this program.
- Field Trips -- Field trips are taught at local county parks in the Morgan Hill and Gilroy area. Flora & Fauna, and Down & Dirty are taught at Coyote Creek County Park in Morgan Hill and Mt Madonna County Park in Gilroy. Wet & Wild is taught at Coyote Creek County Park in Morgan Hill only. Wet & Wild and Down & Dirty programs require a ratio of one adult assistant for every five students.
- Flora & Fauna -- Learn about animal and plant life during a guided walk. Habitats of local wildlife, Native American plant use, and other interesting facts will be highlighted.
- Down & Dirty -- A truly hands-on adventure filled with exciting new discoveries about habitats. Includes activities exploring the coexistence of plants, animals, and insects.
- Wet & Wild (recommended for grades 3 and up). -- An activity program that engages students in hands-on science in an aquatic setting. The students will learn how to test water quality through the identification of insects and their associated taxa group. The impact of water pollution and sources of water pollution will be discussed.
- For questions, additional information, or to schedule programs, please contact us at 408-779-9372.
Homeschool Drop-In Time At...The Planet!, Sausalito
Fridays, 10 am - 1 pm. The Planet provides space for kids to enjoy wood working
and jewelry making with real materials and tools, allowing them to work independently,
with just safety supervision. The fee is $5.50 per hour. Call for information,
and to confirm times 415-331-8373.
Todd Nash (a home schooling father from San Diego) offers Track &
Field, basketball, baseball/softball, volleyball and other sports clinics
for homeschoolers ages 5 and up. He will teach young students the basic
skills, and help older students prepare for competition. He also conducts
a Homeschool Olympics that includes dashes, hurdles, runs, relays, shot
put, discus throw, high jump, long jump, biathlon, mountain biking, and
Iron Man.
He conducts these events throughout California in conjunction with
homeschool support groups and parents who help coordinate the events. For
a complete listing of the sports programs offered
visit his website
For information/sign-up, contact Todd Nash, preferably via email:
Todd Nash
(760) 727-3604.
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