The California Science Center in Los Angeles is one of my favorite places to take my kids to learn about science in Southern California. From hands on science exhibits to vibrant IMAX movies to the Space Shuttle Endeavor, there is someone for everyone.
The California Science Center particularly strives to provide homeschool students with opportunities to explore science in fun and unique ways. The Center offers programs for both individual homeschool students and large groups alike.
On select days throughout the school year, the Center invites homeschool students to visit on Homeschool Days and explore a variety of science concepts. Each day the Center features age-appropriate activities that are held in their educational classrooms and the Big Lab.
The 2.5 hour long classes are offered for students based on the following age ranges: 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-16. Sessions in the morning are from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm and session in the afternoon are from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm. The price per session is $38 for members / $42 for non-members.
California Science Center Homeschool Classes
September 2019: Earth Explorers
Dig up some dirt on Earth science! With our world as their guide, students will unearth an understanding of geology, dive into the depths of oceanography, crack open the concepts of archaeology, and more. Dust off your rock hammer, and get to the core of the 4.6 billion year history of planet Earth!
October 2019: Get Galactic
Step outside our atmosphere and take a closer look at what makes up the universe! Travel through our solar system to explore planets and moons, hop aboard a comet to understand orbits, and journey into the depths of the Milky Way to discover the vast distances of space.
November 2019: Human Body: Insides Out
What are you made of? Investigate body systems while comparing and contrasting human anatomy with other animal species. Students will gain a new perspective on biology after turning their bodies Insides Out!
NOTE: Each age group will participate in the following dissection activities. Students may choose to participate or observe.
- Age 5-6: Owl pellet dissection
- Age 7-8: Squid dissection
- Age 9-10: Sheep heart dissection
- Age11-12: Bullfrog dissection
- Age 13-16: Fetal pig dissection
January 2020: Incredible Chemicals
From the kitchen to the laboratory, reactions happen all around us! Discover the difference between physical and chemical reactions, learn about laboratory safety, and explore the elements while making crazy chemical concoctions!
How To Register For A Homeschool Class
Pre-registration for all homeschool classes is required and space is limited. Enrollment for Fall/Winter begins August 21, 2019 at 11:00am.
Parents wishing to pay by credit card or purchase order may register online HERE. Parents wishing to pay by check, credit card or purchase order may download an Enrollment Request Form to submit via mail or fax beginning August 21, 2019. Please do not email this form.
Full payment is due at the time of registration. Registration will close either one week prior to the program date, or when all available spaces have been reserved, whichever occurs first. To ensure each student has adequate supplies, registrations submitted less than one week prior to the program date may not be accepted.
Did you know that the California Science Center is also an approved vendor with some charter schools? However, you must obtain a purchase order prior to enrolling your child in any class. Please email purchase orders (from approved schools only) to [email protected].
Registration will close either one week prior to the program date, or when all available spaces have been reserved, whichever occurs first. To ensure each student has adequate supplies, registrations submitted less than one week prior to the program date may not be accepted.
Each student’s confirmation letter will include a 15 minute parking pass for drop-off and pick-up. Full-day parking is not included in the cost of the program.
California Science Center Field Trip Program
Aside from their official Homeschool Days, the Center encourages school groups and home school organizations with 15 or more students to contact the Reservations department at 213-744-2019 or [email protected] to schedule a field trip or book a program offered in the Big Lab.
The cost for a regular field trip to the California Science Center is $200 per lab for up to 15 students. Additional students are $10 each. A discount rate of $170 per lab for up to 15 students is available for field trips booked in August, September and October. Additional students are $10 each.
All programs must be scheduled at least one week in advance and require a $25 non-refundable deposit. The deposit is applied to the cost of your program. Programs include admission to the California Science Center.
Big Lab Field Trips
Each Big Lab program can accommodate a class of up to 40 students, and lasts approximately 75 minutes.
- Ladybugs & Life Cycles (Grades Pre K-2)
- All About Air (Grades K-2)
- Boats & Balance (Grades 3-5)
- Erosion Lab (Grades 4-6)
- Roller Coaster Engineering Lab (Grades 4-8)
Discovery Lab Field Trips
Each Discovery Lab program takes place in a state-of-the-art lab classroom adjacent to the Big Lab, and can accommodate a class of up to 25 students. Discovery Lab programs last approximately 60 minutes.
- Ooey Gooey Slime Lab (Grades Pre K-2)
- Cow Eye Dissection (Grades 6-8)
To learn more about the California Science Center’s homeschool days and field trip program, visit https://californiasciencecenter.org.
I hope you have a wonderful school year!
Jilleen
More Homeschool Days in Southern California:
Ultimate List of Homeschool Days in Southern California
Homeschool Days at Kidspace Children’s Museum
Homeschool Days at The Aquarium of the Pacific
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