Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney, Texas offers Natural Science Programs for children ages 3-13. Below, you will be able to find class offerings for three different age groups. Please use your child’s age as of September 1 of the beginning of the academic year for both academic semesters. Click the links below to access more detailed information about each program and registration. Pre-registration is required.
Now is the time to encourage your child’s love of nature! In our natural science programs, kids will have the opportunity explore all that the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary has to offer. Students will experience learning through classroom activities, outdoor field investigations on our 289-acre wildlife sanctuary, laboratory science, small group activities and take-home study packets. Each course curriculum is developed by the Heard Museum’s education staff who strive to recognize and meet the needs of homeschool families. Spots are limited and pre-registration is required.
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Member Rate: $210
Non-Member Rate: $230
Fall 2021 Homeschool Covid Protocol Statement as of May 2021
At this time, we are optimistic that the Covid-19 situation will continue to improve in our area and that minimal Covid-19 protocols will need to be implemented. Accordingly, we are offering the full scope of our regular preschool and homeschool classes beginning this fall and have set up registration accordingly.
However, if conditions change and any local, state, or federal mandates are implemented that would affect what we offer, we reserve the right to make any needed changes to our program offerings and/or class sizes.
As for the preschool/homeschool protocols we will require when classes start – we can’t give exact details at this time. Towards the end of summer, we will evaluate the current Covid-19 situation and what the CDC and other scientific organizations are recommending for best practices. We will follow their suggestions as they apply to our situation and do our best to ensure the health and safety of our students, staff, and their families.
Though we are hoping conditions will be such that we need minimal, if any, covid protocols. But if conditions warrant, we may utilize some or all of the protocols and guidelines we used during the 20-21 academic year. For example, we may limit class sizes; require face masks to be worn while indoors and in any other areas specified by the museum; have a health check before entering class; and/or have a one-way drop off/pick-up at the SRC, etc. We may also provide additional classroom and restroom sanitization and single-use classroom supplies. The touching of live animals and specimens may be limited or restricted as well. Again, what guidelines and protocols we use will be determined by the best practices suggested by the medical/health experts. What, if any, protocols we put in place will be sent to all registered families and posted on our website by the end of August.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate through this unique time.
September 14, 1-2pm
Tuesdays, 1 – 3pm
September 21 – December 14
(No classes Thanksgiving week)
Coming soon!
1. Complete a Registration Form
Please note registration is not complete until a registration form and payment have been completed and submitted for each participating child. An optional monthly payment plan is also available at this link. Please note fees apply.
The Heard’s weekly Homeschool Natural Science Program is appropriate for children ages 5-11. We use the age of each student on September 1 for class placement for the entire academic year.
This lab-based course will focus on using the scientific method to ask questions, form hypotheses, collect data in the field, and present our findings in charts and graphs. Spots are limited and pre-registration is required.
Fall 2021
This lab-based course will focus on a habitat plot study, combined with hiking and keeping a nature journal. Students will use thermometers, microscopes, and other lab equipment to make observations and gather data about the soil, the plants, and the animal life in their plot throughout the semester.
Spring 2022
The spring semester will focus on the animal kingdom and we will continue to build our science vocabulary from Greek and Latin roots, hike, and keep a nature journal. Students will observe live animals and specimens, use microscopes and lab tools, and discuss threats to animal habitats.
Students will be expected to:
Member Rate: $160
Non-Member Rate: $180
Fall 2021 Homeschool Covid Protocol Statement as of May 2021
At this time, we are optimistic that the Covid-19 situation will continue to improve in our area and that minimal Covid-19 protocols will need to be implemented. Accordingly, we are offering the full scope of our regular preschool and homeschool classes beginning this fall and have set up registration accordingly.
However, if conditions change and any local, state, or federal mandates are implemented that would affect what we offer, we reserve the right to make any needed changes to our program offerings and/or class sizes.
As for the preschool/homeschool protocols we will require when classes start – we can’t give exact details at this time. Towards the end of summer, we will evaluate the current Covid-19 situation and what the CDC and other scientific organizations are recommending for best practices. We will follow their suggestions as they apply to our situation and do our best to ensure the health and safety of our students, staff, and their families.
Though we are hoping conditions will be such that we need minimal, if any, covid protocols. But if conditions warrant, we may utilize some or all of the protocols and guidelines we used during the 20-21 academic year. For example, we may limit class sizes; require face masks to be worn while indoors and in any other areas specified by the museum; have a health check before entering class; and/or have a one-way drop off/pick-up at the SRC, etc. We may also provide additional classroom and restroom sanitization and single-use classroom supplies. The touching of live animals and specimens may be limited or restricted as well. Again, what guidelines and protocols we use will be determined by the best practices suggested by the medical/health experts. What, if any, protocols we put in place will be sent to all registered families and posted on our website by the end of August.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate through this unique time.
Tuesdays / 8x semester
1 – 3pm
September 14
Coming soon!
Please note that the reciprocal admission agreement that the Heard has with Perot Museum, Fort Worth Museum of Nature & Science and ASTC Passport Program participants does not apply to education programs or special events.
Magic Planet Homeschool classes will introduce your students to natural science in ways that are both familiar and not-so-familiar. Just like our Tuesday programs, Magic Planet Homeschool will take advantage of the learning opportunities provided by the Heard’s wildlife sanctuary and its animal ambassadors. However, the Heard’s 4-ft interactive digital globe will put a different twist on the inside lesson portion of our class period! Spots are limited and pre-registration is required. These classes are for children ages 6-11.
More information coming soon!
Spring 2021: The Earth’s Insulation – What keeps the Earth (and us) cozy? Discover the Earth’s insulating layer as we use the Magic Planet’s new program, Eyes on the Earth* by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, to deepen our understanding of the atmosphere. Weather, the ocean, and even the satellites in the exosphere will be featured in our studies. And, of course, our nature walks will allow us to experience atmospheric conditions in real time.
Note: Due to COVID-19, we’ll minimize indoor time.
*Thank you to Tropical Smoothie Café for making this program possible!
Our plan is to offer in-person classes with class sizes limited by the ability to maintain appropriate physical distancing in each classroom (max. 8 – 12 students per room). Students and staff will be subject to a health screening each class meeting and are required to wear a mask while inside when appropriate physical distancing cannot be maintained and while in public areas in and near the museum buildings (ex. Animals of the World and Butterfly garden). Staff and students only will be allowed in class areas. Additional cleaning and disinfection will be utilized in the classrooms and frequently touched areas.
*Please note that the reciprocal admission agreement that the Heard has with Perot Museum, Fort Worth Museum of Nature & Science and ASTC Passport Program participants does not apply to education programs or special events.
Member Rate: $210
Non-Member Rate: $230
Please note registration is not complete until a registration form and payment have been completed and submitted for each participating child.
Coming soon!
Coming soon!
We use the age of each student on September 1 for class placement for the entire academic year.
© 2021 Heard Museum Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
