New! Science, Grades 5-8*, Thursdays in Sacramento, 1:20 - 3:20 p.m. Our new 2-period Science class offers plenty of time for students to dive deeply into the fascinating world of science. Class emphasizes hands-on learning, observation and experimentation and covers a variety of topics, including: Chemistry and Physical Science Students will learn about simple machines and engineering through hands-on activities, including how planes, wedges, pulleys and other simple machines work to move heavy objects. Students will learn about the strongest shapes for building and bridge design through fun, hands-on activities. This unit will also cover Rocket Science: aerodynamics, design & build rockets, force and gravity, mass, velocity, acceleration; Circuits: simple and building circuit with potato and light bulb; Chemical Reactions: learning the difference between solutions and mixtures; solids, liquids and gases; temperature, pressure and heat. Life and Earth Science Students will learn about Ecology, collecting and categorizing as well as animal identification. Also covered: nutrient and water cycles as well as creating ecosystem models to observe over time. About the Instructor With both a BS in Ecology and an MS in Biology, Michelle Kizner has an extensive science background. In addition, Ms. Kizner is familiar with the needs and interests of homeschooling families as she previously worked as an educational specialist with a local charter for homeschoolers. She is experienced in creating meaningful educational experiences for children of all ages in a variety of settings.
Gardening & Circle of Life*, Thursdays in Sacramento In this multi-disciplined class, students will work in the garden at our Sacramento location, learning about plants, the weather and the environment. Students will make seedling starts in a tray and and will be introduced to plants they can take home at the end of the session. Students will learn how plants are a vital part of the ecosystem, including our own food, and the earth as a whole. Beyond gardening, this class brings students closer to, and more aware of, the natural world that surrounds us.
Herbal Alchemy, Tuesdays in Davis Instructor Jennifer Tan will engage students in this hands-on class of discovery, learning all about the natural world of herbs. Students will gather herbal seeds, plant and harvest herbs, and blend herbs for teas and scent sachets, creating a variety projects that are sure to delight the senses. With soothing lavender, invigorating rosemary and others, students will have a scent-sational time, as they deepen their understanding and appreciation for nature’s gifts.
Math, Movement & Games, Grades 2-4*, Thursdays in Sacramento There is a deep connection between moving our bodies and mathematical thinking. Using movement to learn math is not only fun, but also an effective pedagogical tool. Through hands-on activities, games, movement and social interaction, students will learn math facts of the four processes (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) along with simple concepts from geometry, pattern recognition, and sequencing.
Nature Notebooks, Tuesdays in Davis Nature journaling fosters an appreciation for the beauty around us and develops in the children valuable twenty-first century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and cooperation. The instructor will guide students through an exploration-based inquiry of their natural outdoor surroundings, and instruct them in the use of artistic media and techniques to creatively express their observations. The integration of art with science, and learning through experience in an age-appropriate way promotes a love of learning in the children that promotes a healthy and balanced educational journey.
WLR varies/rotates the schedule based on available resources and interests of our participating families.
Classes marked with * are offered in the current/upcoming session. Check the Schedules page for the days/times.
New! Science, Grades 5-8* Our new 2-period Science class offers plenty of time for students to dive deeply into the fascinating world of science. Class emphasizes hands-on learning, observation and experimentation and covers a variety of topics, including:
Chemistry and Physical Science Students will learn about simple machines and engineering through hands-on activities, including how planes, wedges, pulleys and other simple machines work to move heavy objects. Students will learn about the strongest shapes for building and bridge design through fun, hands-on activities.
This unit will also cover Rocket Science: aerodynamics, design & build rockets, force and gravity, mass, velocity, acceleration; Circuits: simple and building circuit with potato and light bulb; Chemical Reactions: learning the difference between solutions and mixtures; solids, liquids and gases; temperature, pressure and heat.
Life and Earth Science Students will learn about Ecology, collecting and categorizing as well as animal identification. Also covered: nutrient and water cycles as well as creating ecosystem models to observe over time.
About the Instructor With both a BS in Ecology and an MS in Biology, Michelle Kizner has an extensive science background. In addition, Ms. Kizner is familiar with the needs and interests of homeschooling families as she previously worked as an educational specialist with a local charter for homeschoolers. She is experienced in creating meaningful educational experiences for children of all ages in a variety of settings.
Circuits: Lights, Switches, Buzzers, Motors and More! Come join Mr. Huff as he leads you in putting together projects using electricity and magnetism. From moving motors to sounding speakers you will create various circuits and learn the how and why of their operation.
Gardening & Circle of Life* In this multi-disciplined class, students will work in the garden at our Sacramento location, learning about plants, the weather and the environment. Students will make seedling starts in a tray and and will be introduced to plants they can take home at the end of the session. Students will learn how plants are a vital part of the ecosystem, including our own food, and the earth as a whole. Beyond gardening, this class brings students closer to, and more aware of, the natural world that surrounds us.
Form Drawing & Movement Form Drawing helps a child grow into a well-rounded human being, by spelling out the incredible range of visual meaning in the world while making visible the beauty and balance that can live within one's own life and enhancing communication with the world in its many forms.
Form Drawing introduces the young child to the idea that all shapes and all drawing in the world are derived from two types of lines: straight and curved, or a combination of the two. Students will draw and move free-hand linear forms in rhythmic repetition and practice simple linear patterns and designs. Form Drawing helps improve hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and aids in the development of handwriting in addition to promoting sensory integration. The movement portion of this class will focus on healthy gross motor skills that facilitate sensory integration and optimization of children's learning capacities.
When introducing forms, students may walk the form initially, using the entire body; then draw the form in the air with large arm movements. Alternatively, the teacher may use a simple story to engage the students’ imagination to help them discover the essence of the form. For instance, the class might move in a flowing, serpentine, running river-like form. The children experience the different qualities in a playful, imaginative manner and then draw the forms on paper. Form Drawing supports at least six areas of education: mathematics (geometry, ratios, fractions); physical education (movement, concentration); humanities/history (forms from various cultures in history); science (patterns from nature, observation skills); moral life/character development (by observing difference between ideas such as “upright” and “bent”, etc. – such gesture-meanings originate in the language of the form and help shape the ethical stature of the child); and arts & crafts (many of the forms, patterns, motifs are articulated in handwork, woodwork, metalwork and more). From Seconds to Seasons: the Astronomy Behind How We Measure Time, Grades 5-8 Times one of the most elusive concepts in our modern world. Some scientist would say it doesn’t even exist! But we all experience its passage every day. In this class we will explore the history and science of timekeeping and build some simple tools along the way to help us. Prerequisites: Students should be comfortable working independently with scissors, drawing tools and rulers and have ability to measure with a ruler to the nearest ⅛”.
Hands-On Geology In this fun and exciting class, students will learn about the Rock Cycle and rock types: igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary. Using Mohs Hardness kits, students will test various rocks. In addition, they will learn about crystals and geodes, and the earth’s shifting crust. Instructor will lead the class in creating a model volcano and setting if off. Class integrates the arts and science through many hands-on activities, drawing and sculpting.
Math: History and Mysteries "Mathematics is full of ideas that make one's imagination churn and wonder," Theoni Pappas, The Magic of Mathematics. Does your student need a little math inspiration?! Join Ms. Audra for a fascinating journey through the mysteries of math to inspire the imagination and ignite or re-ignite a love of learning for all things mathematical. Students will time travel, exploring how mathematics began in ancient history, including Egyptian fractions and Arabian negative numbers and will move through time to learn about Fibonacci's number sequence in the Middle Ages. Students will act out the paradox of infinity, and practice non-"base 10" counting systems. Other mysteries may include discovering how honey bees use tesselations and where on earth we see the geometry of fractals. Just as the early mathematicians solved the mysteries of their time, we will use problem-solving strategies to figure out a new mystery story each week. "The universe is written in...the language of mathematics." --Galileo Galilei
Math is Fun! Grades 1-4 Math doesn’t need to be boring! By exploring numbers and their combinations with story and movement children can gain a love of this important area of study. Through hands-on activities, games, movement and social interaction, students will learn basic math facts (addition, subtraction, and, depending on the level of the students, multiplication and division). Continuing students will look more closely at the structure on the times tables and simple tricks to ease computation in the four processes. Games, movement and social interaction will be used to help the students deepen their understanding of math facts. Prerequisites: Students should have the ability to count and write the numbers from 0 to 100. Basic understanding of math facts and the ability to work independently and focus.
Math, Puzzles & Games — Grades 1-4 Solve problems that are meaningful, interesting and challenging. Step-by-step, students will use story, clues and acting out situations in large and small groups. Students will learn to use patterns, deductive reasoning and models to solve problems and record results. In this engaging class, students will play strategy games with partners and use hands-on materials such as tangrams, graph paper, number cards, and household objects (toothpicks, beans, coins.)
Math & Logic — Grades 4-8 Students will solve problems that are meaningful, interesting and challenging. Students will engage in multiple-step problem solving, using story, clues and acting out situations in large and small groups. Students will learn to use patterns, deductive reasoning and models to solve problems and record results. In this engaging class, students will play strategy games with partners and use hands-on materials such as tangrams, graph paper, number cards, and household objects (toothpicks, beans, popcorn, coins.) Students will apply what they have learned to identify the number and/or identify the rule. Knowledge will be expanded by exploring how many combinations can be made. Students will learn number and logic tricks to play on friends and family, extending their learning in fun, informal settings.
Math, Movement & Games, Grades 2-4* There is a deep connection between moving our bodies and mathematical thinking. Using movement to learn math is not only fun, but also an effective pedagogical tool. Through hands-on activities, games, movement and social interaction, students will learn math facts of the four processes (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) along with simple concepts from geometry, pattern recognition, and sequencing.
Mechanics This course will introduce students to the concepts behind mechanics. Through a combination of lectures, demonstrations, and in-class projects, the students will gain an understanding of mechanics in this phenomenologically-based course. Students will examine and work with the concepts of force, effort, and work. The students will gain an understanding of the six simple machines and construct card stock models of each one. In addition, time allowing, we will construct more complicated machines.
Meteorology -- Study of the Weather Grades 4-8 What causes the weather? Can you tell if rain is coming just by looking at the sky? Why are there so many different kinds of clouds? If you have ever wondered about what’s going on in the sky above you, then this is the class for you! in addition to learning to observe and predict the weather, the students will build and use various tools to aid their study of the causes and effects of the weather around us. Hands-on, interactive learning enlivens the study of meteorology!
The Nature of Sound: From Noise to Music, Grades 4-8 What is sound? What are its qualities? Why are some sounds “noise” and others “music?” Through lecture, hands-on exploration, and musical instruments made in class we will explore the world and physics of sound.
Nature Stories & Crafts In this lively class, students will engage the imagination through storytelling and crafts. Stories will focus on the seasons, Native American tales and the natural environment. Each story will be paired with a craft such as making seed balls for birds, stringing “Indian Corn,” and making an ornament out of wheat. Although not ingested, crafts will include exposure to flour, oats, millet, birdseed, honey and corn. Class integrates language arts, science, arts and crafts.
Patterns in Nature Numbers and patterns are all around us. From the smallest grain of sand to the stars and galaxies, these patterns express the order and wonder of the universe. Join us as we explore these patterns through microscopes, drawing, measurement and models.
Pre-Algebra: Topics & Exploration Grades 6-8 Algebra is the math topic people love to hate! But, when presented in a lively and engaging manner, it can be both easy and fun. Topics covered will include:
Basic operations using positive and negative numbers
Factorization
Simple roots and powers
Order of operations
Basics of evaluation equations and expressions
Variable manipulation
What to bring: Students should bring pencil and a notebook to class each week.
Physics, Grades 4-8 This class will introduce five aspects of the physical sciences: Thermodynamics (heat energy), Magnetism, Electricity, Acoustics, Light. Through an experiential approach, students will be actively engaged in the process of discovery. Each subject will be carried for two class periods. Through demonstrations, class discussions, and individual explorations this class will provide a foundation for further studies in physics.
Rockets, Grades 5-8 "Two-Liter Pop Bottle Rockets may well be the GREATEST PHYSICAL SCIENCE TEACHING TOOL EVER CREATED!!" ~ NASA water bottle rocket information page. In this class students will work in teams to design and launch a pressurized water bottle rocket. Class will cover: • Newton's 1st and 3rd laws of motion • Forming hypotheses and testing them • Problem solving through brainstorming, evaluation, and testing of possible solutions • Principles of propulsion and flight Launches will take place the last two or three class sessions.
Science of Light, Shadow & Color, Grades 4-8 We need light to see our world. Even in the darkness, some light is present. But what exactly is this phenomenon? In this class we will use teacher-led demonstrations, individual exploration, class discussion and experimentation to discover the secrets behind light, shadow, and color. What to bring: Students will bring pencil, pen, colored pencils, and a notebook to class each week to class.