Science Day AM Program (ages 6-18)

Description

WHO: Students Ages 6-18, Students will be divided into Upper and Lower Forms
WHAT: Two sessions per term of Biology, Biology Lab, Home Science, Bushwhacking,  Citizenship & Argumentation, Cardboard Modeling & Architecture, and Habits
WHERE: Loft & Field Farm
WHEN: Every other Friday 9:00am-12:30pm, see calendar
COST: $53/month or $153/trimester
MATERIALS FEE: $9 for a new lab notebook, bring cash or check to purchase at Check-In desk.
HOW PAYMENT WORKS: Payments for classes will be charged immediately upon signing up. Payments are collected before the next term’s classes begin and will automatically continue until the end of the school year or cancel any time.  No refunds.
BONUS: When you sign up for any local class, your family automatically gets a Loft & Field Membership. Memberships include access to the Living Books Library, parent support, early sign-ups, and more. They will expire June 15th, 2024. If you’d like the benefits of membership without taking local classes, we have a “Membership Only” option on our Enroll page. Read more about the many benefits of a Loft & Field membership here.


General Information


Program of Study

See the Science Day AM Program time schedule here.
Charlotte Mason Habits & Prayer – We start our day thinking about our personhood and the kind of people we are becoming by studying Charlotte Mason’s list of habits. Habits we will study include: fortitude, gentleness, concentration, neatness, usefulness, obedience, manners, sweet & even temper, integrity, order, respect for others, outdoor life, personal initiative, thoroughness, self-restraint, thinking, thrift, and courage. Taught by Ms. Stephanie. (30 minutes)

Cardboard Modeling & Architecture –*Coming soon*. Taught by Ms. Rebecca. (28 minutes)

Living Biology – Each year we rotate our science study, and this year we will focus on biology! This is a lab science class where students will learn the basic tenets of earth science, and then engage in lab experiments that tell us more about each principle. Students will learn how to keep and organize a lab notebook to effectively chart and communicate their findings. Taught by Ms. Stephanie. (28 minutes)

Agricultural Science  – Since Loft & Field is a working farm and certified hatchery, and Mrs. Stephanie is a certified health tester for the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, students will get the opportunity to learn from the daily agricultural practices that occur here. We will look at farming commercially and for the small family in botany, farm business, conservation, animal husbandry, and life cycles. Our first term, we will study animal breeds and how the type of breed affects the purpose and abilities of different animals. We will look at why there are breed standards, why and how people show different types of animals, and how to find and buy a good quality animal. Second term, we will learn about what farmers wish the average person knew about their job and being a conscientious citizen. Topics will include buying food, the American food supply and how it works, and the right to food and the right to farm. Spring term we will study animal husbandry in the form of training and animals rights. Topics include behaviorism and learning theory, being a responsible animal owner, animals right and animal welfare. Taught by Ms. Stephanie. (28 minutes)

Snack Time – A simple snack of crackers and carrots is provided; students with dietary limitations should bring their own snack. All students should bring their own water bottles. (20 minutes, midmorning)

Home Science –Does Science really matter anyways? If you’ve got a student who is all about how ideas apply practically, this class is where science meets them where they’re at. Taught by Ms. Janine. (28 minutes)

Bushwhacking –*Coming Soon*. Taught by Mr. Bob. (28 minutes)

Citizenship & Argumentation – Students will explore civics and debate with questions aimed to get students to think about ideas while taking into account their values. We will challenge them to think critically about an issue from multiple viewpoints to try to solve a problem. Older students will also delve into issues from American government (including the Bill of Rights), issues from world history (including Rome and Plutarch), and issues that develop over time (Supreme Court cases, like whether student have the right to their own hairstyles in schools with dress codes or if students have full freedom of speech in a school newspaper). Issues that may be sensitive or controversial will neither be intentionally brought up nor actively avoided if asked about. When these topics do come up, we will always encourage students to see the issue from many sides and practice patience and respect for other opinions, and discuss it at home with their families. Taught by Ms. Maia. (28 minutes)


FAQs

Does my student need to bring anything to class? All students should bring a water bottle marked with their full name. Students with dietary restrictions should bring their own snack. If their class requires a notebook, they need to bring money on the first day to purchase it and bring the notebook every subsequent week.

Should parents stay with their kids? 
You, the parent, know more about your child and what will help him or her thrive. That means, you are the best person to make this decision! Some parents stay with their kids during classes, some stay nearby in case the child has a need, and most drop their kids off. You can choose what is best for your family throughout the year.

How should my child dress? –
We go outside every day, regardless of the weather. You need to check the weather report and dress your child or send clothes that will keep them comfortable in all kinds of weather (rain coat in rain, snow pants in winter, shorts and t-shirt on hot days, etc.). Especially make sure you child is wearing sturdy shoes that cover the whole foot, we do a lot of running around and working with animals and want to prevent tripping or injury. It is especially helpful if you label clothes with a family name so we can get them back to you instead of losing them in the Lost & Found (a.k.a. “The Black Hole”).

What about pick-up and lunch? 
Seeds students must have a parent on site with them to either be picked up or stay to eat with a parent at 12:30 p.m. Students over age 6 are welcome to stay for lunch but must be picked up no later than 12:50 p.m. if they are not enrolled in the Science PM Program. Students who are enrolled in the Science PM program should plan on staying for lunch, with an option for the parent to come eat with them if desired. We do not provide lunch. Please send a labeled bag lunch with a water bottle. We picnic when we can!

What should I do with my kids age 5 and under outside of their designated class time?  Please stay with your young ones at all time, we are not responsible for watching them. We have had issues with young kids wandering from their parents and engaging with caged animals, destroying books, or entering bedrooms and leaving a mess. It means so much to us that you would help us avoid this additional chaos while here. There is no program for Seeds in the afternoons. Please keep children under age 5 at home or directly accompanied by a parent while on-site.

What should I do if one of my kids is sick? Please refer to our Health & Safety Protocols, we make a clear list of when to definitely keep your kids home, and when you can make your own decision.