Ology Days
Welcome all inquisitive minds! We offer a different science class each month to our homeschool families. The classes are designed for students in 1st-8th grades, but even younger/older siblings will enjoy the activities. If the weather cooperates, most classes will take place outside. Families will stay together as a unit and rotate to [approximately 6-8] activity stations. Each station will contain detailed instructions and it will be up to the parent/guardian to explain and help their child(ren) with the activity at that station. All activities are hands-on and sometimes quite messy! Details about each class will be sent out the week before, along with any background knowledge you might need to help facilitate the learning. We encourage you bring a science notebook for recording observations, a writing utensil, water to drink and wear closed-toe shoes at all times.
Cost- $5 materials fee per class, per family unit
Time- 9am-12pm (you must be off of the property by 1pm so we can attend to our afternoon activities)
Registration- Registration opens the 15th of each month before the class; If you cannot attend, you can use the same link to unregister- just sign into your account.
A note about ages and learning experiences...children under the age of 6 should spend most of their time exploring the world around them. We have designed the lessons at LAR to be for readers/writers (6+ years old) that need a more defined lesson to springboard units that could be taught at home. If ALL of your children are under the age of 6 years old, we strongly encourage you to skip the lessons at Long Acres Ranch and go find parks and museums to explore and play! Let us know if you would like some guidance on any of this!
September- Benthic Ecology- The study of water organisms and their environment. Get your hands dirty looking for macros. Once found, take a close up look and watch how they move and interact with other biotic and abiotic things.
October- Ichthyology- The study of fish. Join us at the lake as we create a little art...do a little fishing...and a few other fishy activities including a dissection.
November- Microbiology- The study of the biology of microscopic organisms - viruses, bacteria, algae, fungi, slime molds, and protozoa. Take a look at the world not visible to the human eye. We will go on a hunt for these tiny organisms, finding where and how they grow, and then examine them under a microscope.
December- Physiology- The study of the function of body parts. Humans have 10 major body systems, but some less complex animals have fewer systems. We will take a look at the different systems in humans and animals to see how they work together to carry out basic life functions.
January 9th, 10th or 11th- Kymatology- The study of wave motion. We are going to take a little turn in our normal life science and look at how physics plays a role in our lives. We will take a look at the passage of waves through air, land, water and space, and learn how this energy affects our lives.
February 13th, 14th or 15th- Enzymology- The study of enzymes, their kinetics, structure, and function, as well as their relation to each other. Enzymes are an important part of our daily lives. They help digest fats, change starches into sugars, break down proteins and more. This class will have a strong chemistry focus as we take a look at how these amazing little things work.
March 19th, 20th or 21st- Phytology- The study of plants. It is growing season in SE Texas! We will dig in the dirt, plant some seeds, and make observations with green and woody plants.
April 23rd, 24th or 25th- Astrogeology- The study of the structure and composition of planets and other bodies in the solar system. *This is a special class this year because we will have a total eclipse pass right over Texas. Learn about the parts that make up our solar system. The sun will be a major focus as we talk about how all of our energy is derived from this large celestial body in the sky.
May 14th, 15th or 16th- Apiology- The study of bees. Learn about the importance of this special pollinator. Take a peek into a live hive and run some experiments on honey. You will leave with a new respect for these little gals!
There will be a form to add ALL of your children. You are welcome to bring your littles, please include them on the form so we know who is on the ranch. Call or email if you have any questions. Thanks!