The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium recently added a new Homeschool Half-Days program to its educational lineup that teaches homeschool students science concepts through the study of shells and the mollusks that create them.
Homeschool students will gain in-depth knowledge about the second largest phylum of animals on Earth through hands-on lessons, field activities, and other experiences. Instructional themes include biodiversity, fossils, adaptation, and connections to human culture and history, among others. After the program, students will have the opportunity to explore the Museum’s Living Gallery of Aquariums and Great Hall of Shells on their own.
Homeschool Half-Days are offered on select Thursdays, September-December, 2-4pm, for ages 5-8 and 9-12. Program subjects and dates are as follows:
Malacology 101
- Students are introduced to what a mollusk is, what they eat, where they live, and the important roles they play in the ecosystem.
- September 10 (Ages 5-8), September 17 (Ages 9-12)
Fossils
- How does a shell become a fossil? In this program, students explore the fossil creation process, compare and contrast fossil and extant species, and make their own fossil.
- October 8th (Ages 5-8), October 15th (Ages 9-12)
Shells, Mollusks, and Human Connection
- The connection between humans and mollusks is much deeper than most people realize. This program will explore the various connections in food, culture, and history.
- November 12 (Ages 5-8), November 19 (Ages 9-12)
Mollusk Diversity and Adaptations
- With more than 85,000 species on the planet, mollusks are very diverse, and many have unique ways of surviving. Students will learn about various molluscan adaptations as well as the diversity of the phylum.
- December 10 (Ages 5-8), December 17 (Ages 9-12)
“These new homeschool programs combine field experiences with classroom learning,” said Jorden Falker, Director of Education at the National Shell Museum & Aquarium. “They are perfect for any homeschool family looking to learn through hands-on instruction in a fun environment.”
Program registration is $25 ($15 for Museum members) and accommodates one homeschool student and one guardian. Students must be supervised by their guardians at all times.
For more information and questions, visit ShellMuseum.org/learn-and-experience/homeschool or contact Jessie Macaluso at jmacaluso@shellmuseum.org.