Science Inside Out is a small, woman-owned business that offers outdoor science classes for small groups of homeschoolers, introducing students to a variety of science topics in a fun and engaging way. The goal is to foster kids’ natural curiosity and encourage a deep interest and all-round understanding of science and how topics interrelate. Students will learn about scientific tools, methods, data collection and analysis. Classes focus on experiments and exploration and also include an activity or craft, plus opportunities to explore nature between studies.

There are extensive studies showing the benefits of children learning outdoors, not only academically but for their overall well-being. Learning in nature is fun and encourages a relaxed atmosphere that inspires children’s interests and creates a greater understanding of the relationships between natural and human communities. Please contact Science Inside Out if you would like a list of some of the studies outlining the benefits of outdoor learning.

The classes will be taught by the owner, Dr. Ceri Dodd. Dr. Ceri has a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences (with an emphasis in Ecology & Environmental Management), a Master’s degree in Environmental Monitoring, Management & Modelling, and a Ph.D. in Biology (Stream Ecology & Conservation Genetics) with published scientific papers. Dr. Ceri also has over 12 years of industry experience in Environmental Consulting as a Senior Biologist/Senior Project Manager, in addition to 10 years of homeschool experience which has included teaching homeschool science classes.

Science Inside Out classes are 3-hours long (including breaks). There are 3 options available:

1. Weekly classes in 6-week sessions, with a total of 6 sessions offered for the 2025-2026 year. Every session will be different so you can sign up for multiple sessions.

2. Single classes (2 options), including Friday Field Day and Pop-up Classes (see Q: What If I Don’t Want To Sign-Up For 6-Weeks of Classes?)

• Session 1: September 1, 2025 – October 10, 2025
  No classes during the week of October 13, 2025.
• Session 2: October 20, 2025 – December 5, 2025
  No classes during the week of November 24, 2025 (Thanksgiving)
• Session 3: December 8, 2025 – January 30, 2026
  No classes during the weeks of December 22, 2025, and December 29, 2025.
• Session 4: February 2, 2026 – March 13, 2026
• Session 5: March 16, 2026 – April 24, 2026
  No class on April 6th – makeup will be on April 10th.
• Session 6: April 27, 2026 – June 7, 2026
  Makeup for the Monday class on Memorial Day May 25th will be Friday May 29, 2026.

Sessions will cover topics in animal biology, plant biology, earth science, chemistry & physics, life science/human biology, ecology, environmental science and equine science.

• Animal Biology: learning about different animals including local and farm animals such as chickens and horses. Topics include adaptation, digestion, communication, and a unique equine science class on rotation.
• Plant Biology: structure and function of plants, seed germination, dissecting a flower, and photosynthesis.
• Earth Science: rocks, volcanoes, earthquakes, fossils, weather, erosion, glaciers, and more.
• Chemistry and Physics: basics of chemistry and physics such as chemical reactions, forces, levers, and light.
• Life Science/Human Biology: cell structure & function, genetics and evolution*, microbiology, musculoskeletal system, cardiopulmonary system, the eye, and the ear.
• Ecology: how organisms interact with the environment at various levels. Example: stream ecology, macroinvertebrates, water quality.
• Environmental Science: interactions between Earth’s processes and human impact.
• Equine Science: introduction to horses, anatomy, horsemanship, horse care, and health (no riding).

* Creation will not be discussed: this is a secular curriculum.

This is an example overview of the lessons for Session 1 in 2025-2026 (lessons may change at the teacher’s discretion):

• Week 1 (Sept 1 & 3): Animal Biology – How do Animals Digest Food? Experiments on digestive systems of birds (chickens), ruminants (cows), and horses. Includes making treats for chickens and horses.
• Week 2 (Sept 8 & 10): Plant Biology – How do Plants Make Food? Explore photosynthesis and why leaves change color in the fall. Includes leaf crafts.
• Week 3 (Sept 15 & 17): Life Science – Let’s Explore Cells! Compare plant and animal cells, build models, use microscopes, and create slides.
• Week 4 (Sept 22 & 24): Earth Science – What are Fossils? Explore and make fossils.
• Week 5 (Sept 29 & Oct 1): Human Biology – How do our Lungs Work? Explore lung structure and build a model.
• Week 6 (Oct 6 & 8): Environmental Science – Exploring Water Pollution! Explore pollution, measure pH, and test water cleaning methods.

Class sizes will ideally be 6-8 students with a minimum of 4 students and a maximum of 10 students.

The classes are mixed ages from K to 6th grade. Exceptions are made for younger (TK) students if parents believe their children can engage in a 3-hour hands-on class (parents must remain to assist if necessary). Older students are also welcome. Classes are designed for the older age level but always have modifications for all levels. Advanced students are not limited by beginner levels, and beginners who progress quickly are not held back. Activities and worksheets may have easier and more challenging versions, and different scientific tools are available for different skill levels.

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.

Yes, parents who would like to observe classes or think their child may benefit from additional support during classes are welcome to stay. If you have other children with you who are not participating, please ensure they do not disturb the students and remain close to the group.

Science Inside Out offers two additional options, Pop-Up Classes and Friday Field Days, which are single 3-hour classes, 9:30am-12:30pm.

Pop-Up Classes will be held once a month and there will be a different topic each time. These may be held on any day of the week and will be advertised separately, but please feel free to contact us about classes and days you would be interested in!

Friday Field Days are designed for co-ops or groups, and the topic is chosen by the group organizer, with a minimum group size of 8 students. Topics can include any of the ones covered in the 6-week sessions, or additional topics can be requested. Please contact Science Inside Out for a list of topic ideas. The group organizer gets a special discount (see “Q: What Discounts Do You Offer?”, below).

Science Inside Out classes are intended to be held “rain or shine” except during weather conditions that may result in uncomfortable or dangerous situations. Due to the unpredictable nature of the outdoors there is a possibility classes will be relocated to an indoor location for safety reasons during bad weather (for example high wind events, heavy rain, or storms). Every effort will be made to offer an alternative location, but classes may be cancelled if an indoor location cannot be secured or during extreme weather. Silverado Canyon and the surrounding areas are subject to extreme wind conditions, fire and flood risk, and during these times red flag warnings may be issued, and road closures and/or evacuations can occur. Cancelled classes will not be refunded – make-up classes will be offered. Students not able to attend any alternative locations offered or make-up classes will also not be refunded. In these situations, we will do our best to find an alternative class, but no guarantee can be made.

• 6-week sessions (one day per week for 3 hours): $348.

• Pop-up Classes: $60 per participating child for a 3-hour class

• Friday Field Days (tailored classes): $60 per participating child (minimum group size: 8 students)
  See “Q: What Discounts Do You Offer?” for ways to save money!

Below is a list of our discounts.

Discounts for 6-week Sessions:

• Sibling discount: $50 sibling discount ($298 for a 6-week session)
• Payment in Full at time of Registration: $50 discount ($298 for a 6-week session)
• Multiple Session Discount (Must be paid in Full at Time of Registration): Additional $50 discount per session (payment in full discount applies: for example, if 2 sessions are booked, the payment in full discount of $50 will be applied, in addition to $50 per session, for a total discount of $150).
• Refer a Friend! If your friend signs up for a 6-week session, you receive a free Pop-Up or Friday Field Days class!

Sibling, payment in full, and multiple session discounts can be combined.

Discounts for Pop-Up Classes and Friday Field Days:

• Sibling discount: $10
• Pop-Up Classes: $10 off per class if 2 or more classes are paid for at the same time.
• Pop-Up Classes: Refer a friend and you get $10 off if they sign up!
• Friday field days group organizer: Free spot for the organizer’s child; additional child(ren) 50% discount (organizer only).

Accepted methods of payment include Zelle (ceri.w.dodd@gmail.com), Venmo (@Ceri-Dodd-20), and check (made payable to Ceri Dodd Enterprises, LLC and mailed to PO Box 701, Silverado Canyon, CA 92676). Please contact Science Inside Out to discuss other methods of payment.

We also offer a payment plan for 6-week sessions, which includes a $108 non-refundable deposit due at registration, followed by weekly payments of $40 (must be paid before the class each week).

Science Inside Out is not currently a vendor for any charter schools. However, if you would like to request us as a vendor please reach out and we will consider applying.

Register here: Science Inside Out Registration Form.