Looking for experiences and programming that supplement your homeschool science curriculum?
SCI homeschool programming supports the Iowa Core and National Science Standards and is accurate, relevant and fun! Your Science Center of Iowa experience will reflect the quality of our fully accredited institution, endorsed by AAM and ASTC.
With hands-on workshops for students and parents, the Homeschool Science Series is a unique opportunity for homeschoolers to enhance their curriculum through STEM programming led by SCI staff. Workshops also provide an opportunity for homeschoolers to share ideas and expand their network of like-minded learners.
Workshops are held for students, ages 5-14 years old (Kindergarten - 8th grade), from 11:00 AM-Noon on Thursdays in February. Registration includes two concurrent workshops, one for youth and one for their parents/caregivers, exploring the day's theme.
February Workshops - Thinking Machines
Explore how computers learn from patterns, data, and practice—just like scientists do.
February 5: Brains vs. Bots – Who thinks faster — you or a machine? What makes something smart? How do human brains and computer brains compare?
February 12: Teach the Machine – How do machines learn? Machines learn through examples, data, and feedback — not memorization.
February 19: All Around Us – Discover where smart tech hides in everyday life. AI powers everyday tools — from phones to games — but we often don’t notice it.
February 26: Invent-a-Bot – Build and train your own robot! Humans and AI can co-create — we design, the machine learns.
Cost per student:
- Members = $15
- Non-Members = $25
Cost for parents: No additional cost for parents that register for the workshop*
* Only those that are registered, both students and parents, can attend the workshop. Children younger than 5 years old attending the workshop do not need to be registered. Registered participants receive admission to the Science Center of Iowa for the remainder of the day.
*NEW* Advanced Homeschool Workshops (ages 11-18)
Based on interest from our Homeschool Families, we are going to prototype a new homeschool workshop option. It will be for older homeschool students that are looking for something a bit more challenging.
Take your homeschool learning further with hands-on, project-based STEM workshops designed for students ages 11-18 who want a deeper, more challenging experience. Led by SCI Innovation Lab educators, this series dives into advanced science and engineering topics while giving learners a chance to collaborate, build skills, and connect with other STEM-minded students.
Workshops are held for students, ages 11-18 years old, from 1:00-2:00 PM on Thursdays in February. Registration includes one advanced workshop for youth.
Advanced February Workshops - AI: Journey to 2075
The following workshops are an advanced version of the morning session.
February 5: Brains vs. Bots
February 12: Teach the Machine
February 19: All Around Us
February 26: Invent-a-Bot
Cost per student:
- Members = $15
- Non-Members = $25
Cost for parents: No additional cost for parents that register for the workshop*
*Only those that are registered, both students and parents, can attend the workshop. Children younger than 5 years old attending the workshop do not need to be registered. Registered participants receive admission to the Science Center of Iowa for the remainder of the day.
Class Logistics & Safety Precautions
Homeschool Science Series workshops will take place in person at the Science Center of Iowa. During each session, students will meet with SCI staff to explore the topic while parents participate in a free concurrent session.
Questions?
Contact the Education Team at educators@sciowa.org.