Home School Happenings!

The California Science Center strives to provide home school students with opportunities to explore science in unique and fun ways. Whether you are bringing one student or a group of 30, there is a program for you!

Home School Groups
Home school organizations or groups with 20 or more students can contact the Reservations department at 213-744-2019 to schedule a field trip program offered in the Big Lab. Large groups that are unable to attend the Home School Days listed below may also arrange to do similar activities on a different date.

Home School Days
Join us on Mondays throughout the year as we explore different science concepts on days set aside specifically for home school students! Each day will feature age-appropriate activities held in our educational classrooms and the Big Lab.

Pre-registration is required. Registrations are due the Monday prior to the program date.

Registration is now open for February through May 2012.

Click here for a registration form.

Dates | Registration | Frequently Asked Questions

Dates

Due to the growing demand, we will be offering more options for class times during the 2011-2012 Home School Days sessions. Participants may choose to attend a morning session or an afternoon session. The morning and afternoon sessions will be identical.

Morning Session Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Afternoon Session Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Classes will be offered for students ages 5-7, 8-9, 10-12 and 13-16 during both time slots. The morning and afternoon sessions will be identical, except as noted below.

December 19, 2011: Light and Sound
Explore the physics between light and sound. Can you see sound or hear light?

NOTE: For the 10-12 and 13-16 age groups, part of the class will include a cow eye dissection activity. Students may chose to participate or observe.

February 27, 2012: All About Air
You can't see it, but over 14 pounds of it are pushing on every inch of your body. Students will explore the properties of air and harness its power as materials drop, hover, and fly around the Big Lab.

March 19, 2012: Geology Rocks!
Investigate Earth's insides and learn how rocks can help us to understand the 4.5 billion year history of our planet.

April 16, 2012: Movie Magic
How did they do that?! Was it magic? Or Science? Uncover the secrets of illusion, and how Hollywood uses scientific tricks to deceive our eyes.

May 21, 2012: Eco Exploration
Observe the many ecosystems that can be found in and around the California Science Center, and discover the complex connections between living and non-living things all over the world.

Registration

Registration Form

Cost Per Class
$25 for Non-Members
$20 for Members*

*Membership must be current at the time the registration is processed. Please click here for more information on Membership.

Adults and children 4 and under will be admitted free of charge.

Registration and full payment is due one week prior to the desired program date. To ensure each student has adequate supplies, registrations submitted less than one week prior to the program date may not be accepted.

Cancellation Policy: No refunds will be issued. In the event that a class is cancelled by the California Science Center, we will make arrangements for your child to enroll in another class or refund your money.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ages are the programs appropriate for?
The program is designed for students ages 5-16. Groups will be ages 5-7, 8-9, 10-12, and 13-16. If you feel your child would need to be in a higher age group, please sign them up for the class you would like them to attend. Jumping up more than one age range is not recommended. Class changes will not be accommodated the day of the program.

How many students can you accommodate?
Each class will hold approximately 22 students.

May I drop off my student?
After being checked in, students may be dropped off for either the morning or afternoon session. They will need to be picked up by 12:00 noon for the morning session and 3:30 p.m. for the afternoon session.

Is an IMAX film provided?
IMAX films are not be provided, but we will continue to offer the discount coupon when it is available if you choose to see an IMAX before or after your student's session.

What happened to the family activities and activities in the Science Center ?
Based off feedback from the 2010-2011 Home School Days, we have decided to focus on the quality of the student activities. By lengthening the time with the students, the instructors will be able to incorporate guided experiences to the Science Center in their lessons when applicable. Parents are invited to check with the instructors the day of their session regarding accompanying their student during the excursion. When possible, we will also continue to provide extended activities in the Science Center that relate to the topic we are studying that day that you may enjoy as a family before or after the student session.

Is parking included?
Unfortunately, parking is not included in the cost of the program. Parking in Exposition Park is $10 per day. Members receive a limited number of parking vouchers. Please click here to see more information regarding becoming a member.

Is lunch provided?
No, you may either bring a lunch or purchase food at the on-site McDonald's or MegaBites Cafe.

Where is the Big Lab?
The Big Lab is located on the campus of the California Science Center, in the Wallis Annenberg Building for Science Learning and Innovation. It is about 1-2 minute walk from the main building of the Science Center, next to the Air and Space Gallery.

Do we need to bring anything?
No, all supplies for the activities will be provided.

Questions? Call (213) 744-7444 for more information, or email EducationPrograms@cscmail.org.