Science, animal science to be precise has always been a favorite subject for all three of our big kids. Every year we ask our kids what they want to learn and each year it has always been animal science. It is amazing how much one can learn about one subject. We learn about habitats, how the sun, moon, and planets affect our daily lives. We learn about gravity, flight, and aerodynamics as we learn about birds. Perhaps the very best part is how much it requires us to be out in nature exploring and getting up close and personal with our world around us.
Quarry Hill Nature Center near Rochester, Minnesota, is a new favorite place for us to explore and learn.
My sister had hopped online to check out some of the programs they are having this spring and summer. We found a homeschool day that fit our needs perfectly. Maddie was able to take a class for 8-12 year olds. Aside from learning about biomes and habitats, she was able to go without a parent along with her. It was a win/win day for her! She was also able to meet other homeschool kids! A definite great day for her.
Naomi and Titus took a class for 4-7 year olds. An adult needed to accompany the kids and I enjoyed taking the class right along with the kids. We learned about the life cycle of trees and learned how trees help us everyday. We also learned the parts of the tree, from the roots to the fruit, we have a better understanding of the inner workings of one of natures amazing creations.
Before and after our classes we were able to enjoy the animals inside of the nature center. Aquariums filled with native fish such as bass, crappies, and northerns swam around the tanks. Snakes, turtles, and frogs hopped, slithered, and moved around in the other aquariums. There was even an indoor beehive where we got to watch the inner workings of the hive. It was truly fascinating.
The class did require a small $4 fee for each child, however to walk the trails and enjoy the nature center is free! They have take home brochures teaching us how to plant a butterfly garden, what fossils we can be looking for in Minnesota, and other information on future classes and programs they have going on throughout the year.
Quarry Hill is located near Rochester, MN and is in the heart of bluff country. The instructors and workers at the nature center are knowledgeable, teach to the appropriate ages, and engaged with each of the kids during the program. We cannot wait to go back and learn even more about the world around us!
To find out more information about their programs and nature center hours you can click here.
What a great learning experience for your family! I love doing stuff like that with our kids.
It really was a great time. They have a rock climbing program our kids would like to try out.