Classes Offered
Science Inside Out offers 3 different class options covering kindergarten through high school levels.
Six Week Sessions for Kindergarten through 6th grade
The six-week session classes are mixed age from K to 6th grade since we understand children develop at different rates and it can be hard to limit them to specific grades.
These classes are one day a week for 3 hours (9:30am to 12:30pm) over a period of 6 weeks. Different topics are covered each week and each session for the entire year (6 sessions per year), so students can sign up for all sessions. Classes will cover topics in the subject areas of animal biology, plant biology, earth science, chemistry & physics, life science, human biology, ecology, environmental science, equine science, and forensic science.
Friday Field Days (all grade levels)
This is a single class, 3 hours long (9:30am to 12:30pm), for organized groups. Get a group of 8 or more students together and choose your date and science topic! This class is perfect for co-ops that have an interest in a specific subject area. Please contact ceri@scienceinsideout.org for more information on signing up!
Pop-Up Classes (Middle & High School)
Pop-up Classes are 3-hours long (10am to 1pm) and will be offered as a single class or a mini-series over 2-4 weeks. Examples of topics include equine science, forensic science, introduction to genetics, and environmental science.
Class Structure
Class sizes will ideally be 8-10 students with a minimum of 4 students. The classes are mixed age from K to 6th grade since we understand children develop at different rates and it can be hard to limit them to specific grades. The classes are designed to be taught to the older age level but there will always be modifications to make sure everyone can participate. This way more advanced students are not limited by beginner levels, and conversely beginner level students who progress quickly are also not limited. Some examples: if worksheets are being used there may 2 options available with different levels of difficulty (an easier and a more challenging version); some crafts or activities may have modifications to make them easier or more difficult depending on what the student feels they can manage; different scientific tools may be available such as a hand held microscope that is easier to use, and also a binocular microscope with a higher level of difficulty to use. Parents who think their child may benefit from additional support during classes are welcome to stay.
We do make exceptions for younger (TK) students if the parents believe their children can engage in a 3-hour hands-on science class. Parents of TK students are required to remain during class to assist their child if necessary.
We also welcome older students – a lot of the topics we cover are unique and/or are taught in a more comprehensive way than traditional schools and therefore may be equally interesting and engaging to older and younger students.
Tap a subject to see what students explore. Click a class name to jump to details.
Animal Biology
Plant Biology
Earth Science
Chemistry & Physics
Life Science / Human Biology
Ecology
Environmental Science
Equine Science
Animal Biology
How do Animals Digest Food?
We will conduct experiments to compare the digestive systems of birds (using chickens as an example) and ruminants such as cows. We will also look at the digestive system of the horse. The class will include making treats for chickens and horses.
Can Animals Talk?
We will learn the different ways animals communicate with us and each other, focusing on chickens, horses, dogs and cats. We will also be exploring the sounds of nature too to understand what we are hearing.
How do Animals Adapt to their Environment?
We will learn about different adaptations such as how they keep warm or cool, camouflage from predators, and different anatomies for eating or defending themselves.
Animal Reproduction (Eggs & Chicks)
We will learn about animal reproduction and the different ways animals are born, focusing on chicken eggs and chicks!.
Plant Biology
How do Plants Make Food?
We will learn about seeds and germination and talk about seeds we can plant to grow our own gardens!
Where do Plants Come From?
We will learn about seeds and germination and talk about seeds we can plant to grow our own gardens!
All About Flowers
As we approach Valentine’s Day, learn the purpose and parts of a flower through dissection. We will create a flower craft for Valentine’s Day.
Life Science / Human Biology
Let’s Explore Cells!
Cells are the basic building blocks of all organisms. We will look at plant and animal cells and build models to compare them. Students will also be able to look at cells under the microscope and be able to create their own microscope slides.
How do our Lungs Work?
We will explore the structure of the lungs and build a model to understand how they work!
Skeletons!
We will look at the bones in our body and build our own skeleton!
Germs & the Immune System
We will be exploring germs like bacteria and how our body fights bad bacteria.
The Heart
We will learn about the heart and build a model to understand how it works! Our craft this week will be Valentine’s Day themed.
Earth Science
What are Fossils?
We will explore different types of fossils and make our own!
Let’s Explore Ice!
We will do experiments with ice and learn about how ice affects our environment, including the concepts of weathering and glaciers.
Winter Science
HWe will have fun learning about winter science from snowflakes to pinecones!
All About Rocks!
We will learn about different rock types and students will conduct experiments to learn what the rocks are made of. We will also go rock hunting and decorate rocks to take home.
Environmental Science
Exploring Water Pollution
Exploring Water Pollution! We will look at different types of pollution and explore ways to clean water. Students will follow the story of a fish traveling downstream while they add different “pollutants” to the water to see the effect, including measuring the pH of the water. They will then explore different ways to clean the water.
Winter Weather Experiments
Let’s explore winter weather and conduct experiments to simulate weather and different ways to monitor the weather.
What is Acid Rain?
We will explore its effect on plants, animals, and buildings.
Ecology
What is an Ecosystem?
We will learn about different ecosystems, focusing on our local habitats here in southern California, and build our own!
Food Science
Science Behind Baking
We will learn about the science behind baking and the different chemical processes that will be happening as you bake your holiday treats!
Why does Food go Bad?
We will explore different ways food can spoil and how we can prevent that! We will be trying out different preservation methods, including egg preservation!
Equine Science
Introductory Equine Science
In this introductory class we will learn about the parts of the horse and will learn how to handle and groom them. We will also be measuring them and learning about how to age a horse using their teeth!
Chemistry & Physics
Potion Chemistry!
Let’s get in the Halloween Spirit and make different potions to learn about acids, bases and chemical reactions! We will also be making a potion bottle craft.
Physics – Colors, Light & Rainbows
To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day we will learn all about colors, light, and how rainbows are formed through fun experiments and themed crafts
Ready to Explore?
Check our Schedule and sign up for a trial class to experience outdoor science first-hand.
Science Inside Out 