Home-school students don't have to miss out on the fun of science class thanks to the Creative Discovery Museum.
"A lot of times science is a little intimidating because it can be messy, it can be noisy," said Suzanne Ness, CDM programs manager. "Sometimes the adults who are trying to teach the children don't really have a working knowledge of the concepts. We're better equipped to manage the mess and the noise and the big-bang science things."
The Homeschool Science Club at CDM hosts 30 students, ranging in age from 5 to 12. They meet once a week and focus on one topic a month, learning from a lesson plan created by Ness -- one for the younger students and one for the older ones.
"As a mom, it gives me peace of mind knowing he's getting what he needs out of it for science," said Haley Wooten of her son, Smith, 7, who is in his second year of attendance. Wooten appreciates the opportunity for hands-on learning. "Our home is not equipped to do all those hands-on science projects. So it's a great place for him to go."
This month, the lesson theme, "In Your Own Backyard," explores the creepy, crawly creatures that are at home, but hopefully not in the house: bats, spiders and snakes. In November, the theme "Good Vibrations" will explore the science of sound.
Standard school groups come to CDM on field trips as well, and Ness said she doesn't observe much difference between them and home-school children.
"Children are children, and they're just dying to learn," she said. "I think everyone is excited to see what we have for them when they come in the door."
Programs are selected the prior summer for the full school year.
"The home school community is asking for support from these informal educational institutions to help augment their studies," she said.
In addition to academic benefits, Home School Science Club gives children a chance to learn among their peers.
"It gives [Smith] the opportunity to learn from a different instructor other than his mom. He has to follow directions and sit still and be quiet," Wooten said. "He looks forward to seeing those friends and meeting new friends each month in the class."
The club has the added advantage of allowing the staff members to form relationships with some local families.
"Children come through our door all the time, but usually it's come in, visit for an hour or two and then they go," Ness said. "But these are children we get to build relationships with."