Elevate Your Homeschool Journey with Hands-On Discovery
Ready to turn "school time" into an adventure? Give your curriculum a dynamic boost with our Homeschool Adventures program! Each month, we dive into a new, fascinating theme—from the precision of engineering to the messy fun of chemistry, physics, and art.
Set within the inspiring, interactive walls of the Gilbert House, our program fosters the independent learning and curiosity your child needs to thrive in a supportive group setting. It’s more than just a class; it’s a place where "sneaky education" turns big ideas into tangible projects and new friendships.
Tailored to Your Schedule: We offer the ultimate flexibility with separate monthly registrations, letting you hand-select the topics that perfectly complement your journey at home.
Meet Your Incredible Educators
Our "Sneaky Learning" adventures are led by a team of passionate experts dedicated to fueling your child's imagination.
Julia Golden, Lead Teacher
Your Guide to Sneaky Learning Adventures Julia is a master at igniting curiosity! With a background in Math Education and years of experience creating captivating learning environments, she knows exactly how to spark young minds. While she has extensive experience in traditional classroom settings, her heart truly belongs to the high-energy, hands-on atmosphere of summer camps.
Her Philosophy: Julia believes learning should feel like play. She expertly blends science, art, and engineering to help students develop critical thinking and resilience—all while they’re busy having a blast.
The Goal: As the voice behind our "Sneaky Education" philosophy, Julia’s mission is to turn every class into a journey that children eagerly anticipate.
Didi Johnson, Art & Innovation Specialist
Sparking Imagination through Arts Integration Didi brings over 30 years of experience in art education and a specialty in arts integration to our community. As a certified art teacher with an MA in Creative Arts Therapy, she is passionate about using play and mixed-media to uplift the creative spirit in every student.
Her Background: Originally from New York, Didi moved to Oregon in 2019 and instantly fell in love with the state's natural beauty. In her free time, you’ll find her hiking with her dog Maizie, exploring the Coast, practicing yoga, or gardening.
Her Passion: Didi loves incorporating themes of nature and natural materials into her work. She believes Gilbert House is the perfect setting to share her love of lifelong learning and hands-on discovery.
Program Highlights:
Monthly themed adventures: Explore a variety of STEM and arts topics.
Hands-on learning: Engage in creative projects and experiments.
Independent exploration: Foster problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Flexible registration: Choose the topics that best suit your child’s interests.
Age Groups & Schedule:
Ages 8-11:
Wednesday or Thursday: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Ages 5-7:
Wednesday or Thursday: 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Pricing:
Members: $90/month (includes 4 classes)
Non-members: $100/month (includes 4 classes)
Registration:
Registration closes one week before the start of each month’s classes.
Click the registration links below for the corresponding class.
OCTOBER
Magic is Science
October 7, 14, 21, 28 OR 8, 15, 22, 29
Discover the science hidden inside every magic trick! Each week you'll learn two new tricks or magic crafts — a circuit-powered light-up wand, a coin that travels through solid objects, a silk that vanishes through rope — while picking up real principles of physics, circuits, and illusion. By the end of the month you'll have a whole box of tricks to dazzle your family, just in time for Halloween.
NOVEMBER
Ceramics and Clay
November 4, 11, 18, Dec. 2 or 5, 12, 19, Dec. 3
NOTE: There is no class the week of Thanksgiving.
It's the return of everyone's favorite: Clay Month! This year we're sculpting ceramic snowman figurines from start to finish — shaping the clay, glazing the bisqueware, and firing each piece to a glossy shine. We'll wrap up with a Model Magic project to take home the same day, so your kids leave with a cheerful little snowman crew all their own.
JANUARY
Test Lab STEM Challenges
January 6, 13, 20, 27 or 7, 14, 21, 28
Ring in the new year as an engineer! Each week brings a fresh STEM challenge built around one of our Test Lab's tools — build a car and clock its speed down the ramp, design a parachute for the wind tube, and more. You'll test an idea, see what flops, tweak it, and try again to find out whose design races (or floats) to the top.
FEBRUARY
Colorful Chemistry
February 3, 10, 17, 24 or 4, 11, 18, 25
Get ready to fizz, foam, and erupt! We'll explore states of matter, density, and the difference between physical and chemical changes through hands-on favorites like Elephant Toothpaste, homemade slime, density bottles, and Alka-Seltzer rockets. It's the colorful, gloriously messy side of science — bring your curiosity and your goggles.
MARCH
Print Making
March 3, 10, 17, 31 or 4, 11, 18 Apr 1
Roll, press, and peel into the world of printmaking! Using styrofoam plates and Gelli printing, you'll create Pop Art pieces, one-of-a-kind cards, and vibrant mandalas. Since no two prints ever come out the same, you'll head home with a whole stack of original art that's unmistakably yours.
Homeschool Adventures is designed to be parent-free, leading kids into greater independence and confidence. If your child has a medical or special need that requires an adult's attendance, please contact Julia at programs@acgilbert.org to discuss an accommodation. Gilbert House Children’s Museum reserves the right to request 1:1 supervision for participants.