The Homeschool History Academy is a selection of programs at the EarlyWorks Museum Complex created just for homeschool students.

Each 2 hour session includes a variety of history-related activities with an emphasis on hands-on fun, drama and interaction. We hope to provide an enrichment experience for your regular studies.

Call 256.564.8124 to register for Homeschool Academy classes.

2009-2010 Schedule:

EarlyWorks Academy Classes

October 19: Lightning Rods to iPods

Eureka! From peanuts to cotton gins and automobiles to airplanes, students are introduced to some of the most famous inventions and their inventors. Learn about the U.S. Patent Office while conjuring up ideas for your own invention!

November 9: Once Upon A Time

How did fables evolve? Mother Goose stories began in France, "Rapunzel" and "Rumplestilskin" came from Germany and "The Billy Goats Gruff" lived in Norway. Students will discover hidden meanings of some very famous stories, meet some of their favorite characters and create a mini-tale of their very own.

February 8: Junkyard Music

Learn about our American music heritage.  Native Americans, African slaves and immigrants from all over the world have left their stamp on the music of the United States.  Follow in the footsteps of the early Americans and make musical instruments, such as a canjo, a banjorine or a hoola from found objects.  Then make some noise in the EarlyWorks junkyard band!

Village Academy Classes

September 28: School House Rock

A humble place of learning, the one-room schoolhouse is back at Constitution Village. The schoolmarm will lead students through chores, practicing spelling and reciation and present a ciphering problem.  Recess includes old-fashioined fun and games such as walking on stilts and racing with a hoop.

March 8: Basketmaking for Beginners

Learn how to soak reeds and weave them into a hand-crafted Village basket of your own. An expert basketmaker will lead students through the steps to create a beautiful and sturdy piece.  The finished basket will be useful for a Village egg hunt after class. Program is recommended for children eight and up.

April 12: Wood U(niversity)

Meet the Village cabinetmaker and learn about his trade as you take the place of his regular apprentice. Come dressed for action - you might be turning the lathe and trying out the shave horse. Students will also make a whimmydiddle and a buzzsaw to take home as a souvenir of their day of hard work.

Depot Academy Classes

September 14: Railroad Lore

John Henry built trains, Casey Jones drove trains and Jesse James robbed trains.  Meet all three, hear about their exciting locomotive experiences and discover hobo lore during this runaway adventure!

October 26: Ghost Stories and Legends

Our ghostly storytellers will be ready to engage students in eye-opening tales of people from the past. Hear stories of Abraham Lincoln and Civil War soldiers, just to name a few.

November 23: Not A Creature Was Stirring...

What poem did Clement C. Moore write? What were some Christmas customs before the writing of his famous poem? How did traditinos change after the creation of Moore's poem? Board the passenger train and learn the answers.  A special Depot storyteller will captivate students with readings of poplular Christmas tales, as they enjoy a holiday snack.

Notes

Parents are welcome to register and participate at the student fee.

Fee is $10 per participant per session; EarlyWorks members are $8.

Each participant must pre-register, full payment required.

Classes close when a maximum student enrollment of 30 is reached. We reserve the right to cancel the class, up to one week before the class begins, if a minimum number of students is not reached.