Time to put down the pencils and books and go exploring. The following educational events and activities in the greater Cleveland and Akron areas are designed specifically for homeschool families.
MONDAYS
Simply Science: Marine Biology. Learn about oceans, life in the sea, the marine kingdoms, marine invertebrates, marine ecology, intertidal zone, coral reefs, the deep ocean and much more. 1/10-4/25. Grades 7-12. 1-3:30 p.m. Akron Fossils & Science Center, 2080 S. Cleveland Massillon Road., Copley, 330-665-3466, akronfossils.com
TUESDAYS
Simply Science: Geology. What is Geology? Geologists’ toolbox, rocks, minerals, soils, earth layers, the atmosphere, the hydrosphere and more. Grades K-3 and 4-7. 1/11-4/26. 9:30 a.m.-noon. Akron Fossils & Science Center, 2080 S. Cleveland Massillon Road., Copley, 330-665-3466, akronfossils.com
WEDNESDAYS
Community Connections Homeschool Program. Create and connect with other homeschoolers to explore movement, dance and visual art with additional guest teachers for music and theater. Ages 5-12. 1/12-3/2. Fairmount Center for the Arts, 8400 Fairmount Road., Novelty, 440-338-3171, fairmountcenter.org
Hybrid Homeschool. Each program includes a virtual program on Zoom from 10-10:45 a.m., and you can also visit in-person to supplement the program. 1/12: Animals on the Move for grades K-3. 1/19: Coral Reef & Invertebrate Exploration for Grades 4-6. 2/9: Camouflage & Crazy Colors for grades K-3, and 2/16: Fins, Tails, Scales & Beaks for grades 4-8. Greater Cleveland Aquarium, 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, 216-862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium.com
January 6
Homeschoolers: Snow. Fluffy, shiny and cold, snow is a magical thing that transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland. Kids ages 7-10 years old will explore the science behind the slush. 10-11:30 a.m. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Road., Akron, 330-865-8065,
summitmetroparks.org
January 9
Natural Areas Field Trip. Venture into a winding box canyon, admire the shale walls towering the Vermillion River, and explore the ice-scour micro-prairies in its floodplain. 10 a.m. Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Wolf Run Preserve, Wakeman, cmnh.org
January 13
Creative Writing for Homeschoolers. Nature will serve as the inspiration for homeschoolers who want to improve their writing skills. Ages 8-12. 2-3:15 p.m. Oenslager Nature Center, 6100 Ridge Rd., Sharon Ctr., medinacountyparks.com
January 14
Homeschool Days: Counting on Birds. Homeschoolers, learn about birds and take part in scientific research as you count the birds at the feeders for Project Feederwatch. The data will be turned in to the national database. Ages 5-7 and 8-12. 1:30-3 p.m. The West Woods, 9465 Kinsman Road., Russell, 440-286-9516, geaugaparkdistrict.org
Homeschool Rescue Readers. In 20-minute sessions, emerging readers will gain confidence, improve skills, and provide soothing company to cats and critters awaiting adoption. 1 p.m., Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, Lake Humane Society, 7564 Tyler Boulevard, Bldg. E, Mentor, we247.org
January 18
Homeschool STEM: Cool Contraptions. Learn a bit about simple machines, work with others, and use the materials provided to create a contraption that completes a specified task. Ages 8-14. 1-2 p.m. West River Library, 1194 W. River Road. N., Elyria, 440-324-2270, elyrialibrary.org
January 26
Thomas Gainsborough: Art for Homeschool Families. Learn about English portrait and landscape painter, draughtsman, and printmaker Thomas Gainsborough and make a winter landscape using acrylic paints. All ages. 2-3 p.m. Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St., 330-334-5761, wadsworthlibrary.com