June Homeschool Newsletter

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Homeschool Title

MCESA is committed to consistently providing resources, leadership and support for the educational needs of all homeschooling families.

Arizona Science Center

grossology

GROSSOLOGY: THE (IMPOLITE) SCIENCE OF THE HUMAN BODY

Get grossed out this summer!

MAY 23, 2015 - SEP 07, 2015

Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body is a production of your body’s stinky, crusty, slimy functions up close. The traveling exhibition is located in the Sybil B. Harrington Gallery on Level 3 of Arizona Science Center. The exhibition will open to the public between May 23 and September 7, 2015. Tickets are $6 (Adults), $5 (Senior and Child) plus general admission. Arizona Science Center members are able to enter for $5 (Adults), $4 (Senior and Child). 

At this interactive exhibition, children will become dust particles to learn why what causes sneezes, pump soda into a huge cartoon character to understand the pressures in his stomach before he burps, slide through a 30 foot long digestive system to see what the inside of your body looks like from mouth to large intestine and much more! 

Where:  600 E. Washington St.
              Phoenix, AZ 85004

Website: http://azscience.org/exhibits_activities/exhibit/grossology

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Children's Museum of Phoenix

camp

We have so much planned for each week of Camp at the Children's Museum, and the list of fun and educational activities just keeps growing! Camps will include:

  • Special Presenters
  • Theme-related reading and literature
  • Nutrition awareness exercises
  • Free Play in the exhibits and exhibit challenges
  • Art lessons in the Art Studio
  • A Talent Show
  • An award ceremony at the end of the program
  • Tons of theme-based activities
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Ready, Set, Road-Trip!

June 8-12 and July 6-10, 2015

Journey with us as we use all of our senses to explore the wonders of the USA. Campers will experience the unique settings of the American landscape using all five senses and discover new foods, facts and traditions. Sample activities will include: a miniature State Expo, License Plate Crafts, Transportation Exploration and more!  

Schedule:

8:00am-9:00am: Early Drop-Off*

9:00am-4:00pm: Camp Program

4:00pm-5:30pm: Late Pick-Up*

*Early drop-off and late pick-up are an additional $20 per day or $80 per week

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Element Explorers

June 22-26 and July 20-24, 2015

Join the Element Explorers as we discover the wonders of water, facts about fire, anything air and everything earth! Campers will explore the scientific concepts of sinking and floating, discover the properties of air, and will participate in a variety of other elemental activities. Sample activities: Sink or Float? Parachutes, Gardening, Fire-Safety Crafts and more! 

Schedule:

8:00am-9:00am: Early Drop-Off*

9:00am-4:00pm: Camp Program

4:00pm-5:30pm: Late Pick-Up*

*Early drop-off and late pick-up are an additional $20 per day or $80 per week

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Superhero Adventures

June 29-July 3 and July 27-31, 2015

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... Superman? Did you know that Superman's birthday is in the summer? To celebrate, we are taking the week to discover the everyday heroes among us. Join us as we make superhero capes, recognize our real-life heroes and explore our own heroic talents through role-play, risk taking and teamwork. Each day, campers will work towards earning a superhero badge that will be presented on the last day of camp. Sample activities: Recognizing real-life heros, Birthday Surprise for Superman, Comic Book Creation and more! 

Schedule:

8:00am-9:00am: Early Drop-Off*

9:00am-4:00pm: Camp Program

4:00pm-5:30pm: Late Pick-Up*

*Early drop-off and late pick-up are an additional $20 per day or $80 per week

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Phoenix Zoo

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CAMP ZOO

Kids of all ages can spend summer and winter breaks at the Phoenix Zoo with Camp Zoo! Camp Zoo offers children in kindergarten through eighth-grade an opportunity to explore nature and the Zoo in a fun, hands-on and exciting way. All of our lessons and activities are age-appropriate and designed for multiple learning styles. Young children will be introduced to nature with smaller animals, basic care giving, art projects and simple action projects. Each class progresses with the children’s level of understanding all the way up to seventh and eighth-grade, during which participants will explore animal training, visitor education and zoo careers.

Camp Zoo is inclusive of all abilities and learning styles. While we encourage campers to participate in all activities as designed, we are able to provide modified lessons and some accommodations for campers with special needs. We also have special day camps designed for children with orthopedic or visual impairments. Visit our Special Needs Programs & Camps for more information.

Visit the website for more information on Camp Zoo 2015, sessions, times and cost.

http://phoenixzoo.org/camps-programs/camp-zoo/

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Educational Programs

The Phoenix Zoo has a variety of educational programs designed to connect children of all ages with the natural world. Our programs are offered for children starting at 18 months old and are designed to support their growing needs and abilities. We truly hope that your child will grow up with the Zoo! Many programs offer opportunities for parents or caregivers and children to learn and explore together, making it an experience for the entire family. See our many program offerings below and join our programs family today.

Programs:

Littlest Critters (Ages 0 – 18 months)

Farm Tots (Ages 18 months – 2 years)

Breakfast with the Animals (Ages 2 – 5 years)

Gifts for the Animals (Ages 2 – 5 years)

Critter Keeper (Ages 6 – 10 years)

Lunch with a Keeper (Ages 6 – 10 years)

Nature Explorers (Ages 6 – 9 years)

Wild Science Academy (Ages 5 – 8 years)

Wild Science Academy (Ages 9 – 13 years)

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Tonto Creek Camp

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Fresh Air SUMMER CAMP            An unforgettable experience that connects youth to an amazing natural environment beyond their day-to-day life.  No air pollution, noise pollution or light pollution and no automation pollution.  Fresh Air SUMMER CAMP is brimming with summer spirit!

Providing nature immersion and educational adventure for boys & girls, ages 10-13 years.   Our well trained, experienced field instructors guide campers in hands-on, STEM centered activities, leadership activities, experiential knowledge of plants, animals and more.  

Dates:                 Session I  -   July 25th – 28th

For:                      Boys & Girls, Ages  10-13  

Cost:                    4-days/3-nights – $305

Activities include: Ecology Hike, STEM Photgraphy, Orienteering & Wilderness Survival, Archery, Low-ropes Course Challenge, GaGa Ball, Volleyball, Basketball, Team Building Games, and more.

Dates:                  Session II   July 28th – 31st

For:                      Boys & Girls, Ages 14-17

Cost:                     4-days/3-nights – $325

Activities include: Wilderness Survival Hike, Rappelling, Caving, Kayaking, Archery,  Low-ropes Course Challenge, Team Building, STEM Machine, Photo Bomb Scavenger Hike and more.

Website for more information and to register: http://tontocreekcamp.com/staying-at-tonto-creek-camp/programs-and-activities/summer-camps/

844-411-CAMP (2267)

Payson, AZ

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AFHE Events

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Registration Deadline:  JUNE 26, 2015

AFHE members have the opportunity to pre-register for the convention at a discounted admission rate. Current AFHE membership is required to participate in the early registration discount. Registration is now open.

Make plans to join us for AFHE’s 32nd annual Arizona Home Education Convention ... the largest gathering of homeschoolers in Arizona!

Friday, July 10 and Saturday, July 11, 2015
Phoenix Convention Center, South Building
33 S. 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004

For more information on events and speakers at the 32nd Annual AFHE Convention please visit the website:  www.afhe.org

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This is a great opportunity for those new to homeschooling or those considering homeschooling. If you know someone who is thinking about homeschooling or is new to homeschooling, please share this opportunity with them. We'd love to have them join us! We will present three sessions designed specifically for those who are considering educating their children at home:

GETTING STARTED - Linda Crosby
We’ll cover foundational things you need to know as you embark upon this journey of home education from basic supplies to have on hand to what’s required by Arizona law and how to file your affidavit. We’ll also cover ideas for lesson planning, creating a schedule that works for your family, the benefits of joining a local homeschool group, and how to balance extracurricular activities.
CURRICULUM APPROACHES - Lisa Kilroy

Homeschooling jargon can be confusing even for seasoned homeschool parents. In this session, Lisa will give an overview of many of the most common curriculum approaches including textbook, unit studies, classical, Charlotte Mason/living books, eclectic, and relaxed/life of learning. She will also go over examples of curriculum and resources that tend to work best with each approach.

HOMESCHOOL MYTH BUSTERS - Heather Haupt

How many times have you heard (or stated), “I can’t homeschool because ...< I’m not patient enough, I’m not smart enough, I'm not organized enough, etc.>" Perhaps you wonder about socialization or whether there will be gaps in your child's education if you homeschool. This workshop will tackle these common myths and shed light on how to overcome them. Let’s separate fact from fiction, discard what is untrue, and turn potential weaknesses into strengths!

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Covenant Homeschool Resource Center

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Registration for our 2015-2016 Classes is Open! 

Registration for the 2015-2016 school year is now open. 

 Please visit the classes page on our website for more information.

We are also offering a ten week Photography Workshop; two Microscope Biology Lab workshops and 4 Chemistry Lab workshops.  

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New Summer Hours! 

As homeschooling grows, so does our ministry to this wonderful community!

For the first time in CHSRC's history, we are expanding our

Summer hours to five days a week!  

Starting June 2nd, we will be open Tuesday-Saturday! 

As we have each year, we will be closed the week of July 4th: June 30th-July 6th. We will also be closed the weekend of the homeschool Convention; 

 July 10th and 11th.

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Register for Summer Iowa Testing at CHSRC 

The IOWA Test is a standardized test that helps parents know what level their child is at and where they need to focus more in homeschooling.  

Session 1:  3rd-12th grades- June 9th and 10th.  
(9th-12th grade will be offered the 9th and 10th ONLY.)

Session 2:  3rd-8th grade - June 11th and 12th.   

Register by May 10th to avoid the $10 late fee. 

Our testing schedule and registration forms  are available on our website: www.chsrc.org
Please call our office at (602) 277-3497 if you have any questions.

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June 9th-13th Book Sale at CHSRC!

20% off used books

10% off new books (except BJU) 

Manipulatives and miscellaneous items are priced as marked (as they are already discounted up to 90%!) Feel free to give us a call to find out if we have what you need. (602) 277-3497 

We are distributors for Alpha OmegaApologiaBob Jones, Common Sense PressNew Leaf Publishing Group and Saxon Math

Buy from us and save on shipping; and even more as we do not collect sales tax!

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Arizona Used Curriculum Book Sale

homeschool book sale

Arizona Used Curriculum Sale (formerly EVCHE's Used Curriculum and Craft Sale) is now open for registration.  Hurry,  only 50 tables are available.  

WHEN: Saturday, June 13, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM


WHERE: Grace Scottsdale, 8524 E. Thomas Rd, Scottsdale, 85251

COST:  Free for shoppers, $10 family table rentals, $20 business table rentals - Register for a table online at www.arizonausedcurriculumsale.org 

CONTACT:  Allison Gentala, arizonausedcurriculumsale@gmail.com

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BOOK IT! Reading Program from Pizza Hut

Homeschool families with children ages 5-12: as of September 1, 2015, sign up for BOOK-IT! to encourage your students to read more by rewarding them for their reading accomplishments. Now enrolling for the 2015-16 school year. 

Website: pizzahut.com/bookit

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Governor's Youth Commission

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Governor’s Youth Commission 

PURPOSE
The purpose of the Governor’s Youth Commission (GYC) is to engage youth through innovative programs, events and campaigns that effectively serve their communities in areas most meaningful to them.

MEMBERS
The GYC is a diverse body of Arizona’s high school sophomores, juniors and seniors serving for the 2015 – 2016 school year.  The GYC is composed of members from all of Arizona’s fifteen counties. 

MEETINGS
Quarterly meetings are held on Saturdays from approximately 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Committee meetings are held on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm via GoToMeeting.

Teens learn how to serve on a board, participate in committees, plan service projects and events. Each year the group chooses areas of focus such as, substance abuse, bullying, and other youth challenges where they can have an impact.

CONTACT: Governor's Office for Children, Youth, and Families, 602-542-3426, GYC@az.gov

WEBSITE: gocyf.az.gov/CommGroups/AGYC.asp

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Grand Canyon University - STEM Summer Camps

gcu stem camps

Arizona teens are invited to engage with STEM careers 

this summer at GCU! 

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and involves the integration of those disciplines into our daily life. STEM careers include engineers, health care professionals, scientists, architects, computer programmers and many more!

Grand Canyon University invites Arizona middle and high school students to the 2015 STEM Summer Camps. Students can spend four days and three nights on GCU's beautiful Phoenix campus while experiencing fun and hands-on activities which explore a variety of STEM subjects and careers.  The STEM summer camps give students the opportunity to learn how STEM integrates in our daily lives and through exciting jobs!

STEM Futures

June 8-11, 2015 or July 13-16, 2015

This camp is for high school students and explores a variety of STEM-related occupations through hands-on activities designed to offer a glimpse of what various professionals in that field may do during their daily jobs. 

STEM Experiences

June 15-18, 2015

This camp is designed to show middle school students how STEM subjects merge together to be fun! Students will be challenged to use science and engineering practices to solve problems, create new innovations and think outside the box. 

Girls in STEM

June 22-25, 2015

This camp is for middle and high school girls interested in experiencing STEM in a fun and comfortable environment, providing exposure to all available STEM career options and motivating them to explore those opportunities. 

Cost: $500 includes camp, meals and housing*

http://www.cvent.com/events/stem-summer-camps/event-summary-a837deaa6194448f8e41848b500437fc.aspx

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Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve Summer Camp

deer valley

Session I: Monday, June 1 – Friday, June 5
Session II: Monday, June 15   Friday, June 19 (repeat program)
8:30 a.m.  1 p.m. daily

Offered in partnership with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability, this week-long program provides campers ages 8-12 with the opportunity to learn how people of the past utilized their resources, and how their actions impact the present and possibly the future.

Focusing on connecting the past to the present and learning to incorporate sustainable practices in their everyday lives, campers will participate in educational and hands-on activities drawn from subjects including archaeology, desert ecology and Southwest cultures. They will also participate in archaeological fieldwork and demonstrations, art and science projects, nature hikes and cultural experiences.

ASU anthropologists and sustainability educators teach the program with local artists and indigenous experts, using the 47-acre preserve as a backdrop. 

Cost: $140 for members; $180 general

To register, please complete and return the Registration Form and Participant Release + Waiver with payment.

A limited number of scholarships are available.

For more information on the Archaeology + Desert Ecology Summer Camp, contact Libby Gerold by email or at 623-582-8007.

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Robotics Summer Camp

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Students age 10 and older will learn how to problem solve and work with others in addition to building and competing with a robot. We offer a full 18 hours of instruction and immersion on STEM topics in addition to public speaking, business management, and teamwork that will change a student's life! With small student-to-instructor ratios, our program is developed and supervised by an award-winning coach who cares deeply about challenging students to be greater than average and do hard things as they pursue knowledge through fun! Other camp staff include trained students from Cave Creek Robotics and R4Robotics, two of the nation's top high school robotics teams. Working with their teammates, participants will utilize the Engineering Design Process as they build a robot to participate in a competition. Students will work in a team environment, write an engineering manual, learn basic tool skills and be exposed to a variety of important engineering technologies. The camp is modeled after the B.E.S.T. Robotics program, a nationwide program that challenges teams to build a robot out of everyday objects (i.e. plywood, PVC, bicycle inner tube, etc.) and compete with their robot against other teams. 

WHEN:  June 9-11, 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM 

WHERE:  Light of the Desert Lutheran Church, 33175 N. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek 
COST:  $180.00 
CONTACT:  Cynthia Macluskie, cynthia.marksmom@cox.net

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Sea Life Summer Camp

sealife summer camp

New for 2015, dive in to summer camp at SEA LIFE Arizona! Discover amazing ocean creatures, enjoy hands-on activities and participate in exclusive experiences. SEA LIFE Adventure Camp is for kids age 7 to 12 years old and is $200 plus tax per Camper. Each 1-week session is Monday-Friday from 9:00am - 3:30pm. Select which session works best for you and enjoy 5 days of fun ocean-themed activities!

Available sessions:

  • June 15 - June 19
  • June 22 - June 26
  • July 6 - July 10

Each camp session will be Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm and will be taught by our SEA LIFE staff. Parents, please provide a sack lunch for your child that does not require refrigeration.

To hold your child’s place in SEA LIFE Arizona's Summer Adventure Camp $200 must be paid one week from booking. Places are limited to 25 children per camp and are available on a first-come first-served basis. Book now to avoid disappointment!

Reservations for SEA LIFE's Summer Adventure Camp can be made by calling 480-478-7598.

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Arizona Game and Fish Department

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Monthly Events

Each month, we offer a program at the Hirsch Conservation Education Area located at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in north Phoenix. Participant age levels may vary.The 2015 schedule for these programs is below. Dates and topics are subject to change.Registration is required to participate. Registration for new programs opens on a quarterly basis. Registration will only be open for 24 hours. Yes, a separate registration is required for each program.

  • Thursday, June 11 - Reptiles of Arizona - All Ages (REGISTRATION CLOSED)
  • Thursday, July 9 - Exploring Predator/Prey Relationships through Owl Pellets - All Ages (REGISTRATION OPENS IN JUNE)
  • Wednesday, August 12 - Mammals of Arizona - All Ages (REGISTRATION OPENS IN JUNE)
  • Friday, September 4 - Scavengers of the Sky - All Ages (REGISTRATION OPENS IN JUNE)
  • Thursday, October 15 - Basic Digital Photography - Ages 10+ (REGISTRATION OPENS IN SEPTEMBER)
  • Wednesday, November 18 - Introduction to Geocaching and the Science of GPS - All Ages (REGISTRATION OPENS IN SEPTEMBER)
  • Thursday, December 10 - Field Notes and Nature Journals - All Ages (REGISTRATION OPENS IN SEPTEMBER)
  • Website for information: http://www.azgfd.gov/i_e/ee/parents/homeschool.shtml 

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    Events at Desert Botanical

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    Garden Flashlight Tours

    Bring a flashlight and join us for an evening of exploration! Flashlight tours are a sensory experience where you will see, hear and feel the desert night. The self paced stroll along the Garden's trails to a variety of discovery stations is great for families and children of all ages.

    Please bring your own flashlight. Flashlights will also be available for purchase in the Garden Shop until 9:00P

    DISCOVERY STATIONS**

    • Agave Discovery Station
    • Saguaro Discovery Station 
    • Mesquite Discovery Station
    • Palo Verde Discovery Station
    • Night Bloomers Station (May & June)
    • Insect Discovery Station
    • Tarantula and Scorpion Discovery Station
    • Gecko/Lizard Discovery Station
    • Snake Discovery Station
    • Desert Tortoise Discovery Station 
    • Frog/Toad Discovery Station
    • Night Birds/Bats Discovery Station
    • Naked Eye Sky Discovery Station

    **Discovery stations vary each evening and are based upon on volunteer staff availability.

    When: Now - September 5, 2015

    Time:  7:00P - 9:00P

    For more information call 480-941-1225 or visit the website: http://www.dbg.org/events-exhibitions/garden-flashlight-tours

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    Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center

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    Homeschool Monday

    Homeschooled students can join one another at our Nature Center to learn about native wildlife with hands-ons activities and projects, and up-close encounters with some of our sanctuary animals. 

    • Homeschool classes are offered the first Monday of each month from 10am-noon for children ages 5-14 years. Class will be divided into two groups based on age.
    • Younger siblings are welcome to attend with parental supervision.
    • Parent participation is encouraged.

    Class donation: $25/child

    • $20/each additional sibling
    • Prepaid reservations required

    For more information, please call the Education Department at (480) 471-3621 or emaileducation@southwestwildlife.org.

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    Stargazing for Everyone

    star gazing

    Enjoy a night under the stars or a special tour in our giant indoor planetarium. Learn star names, see the constellations, and listen to stories of the night sky. View the moon, planets, star clusters, nebula, galaxies and more through our telescopes. We encourage you to bring your digital camera and binoculars to enjoy the views from these great locations. The stargazing programs are outdoor events, dress appropriately and bring chairs or blankets for your seating comfort.

    NOTE: All Stargazing Programs start at 7:30pm - Unless otherwise noted. Time and Dates are subject to change - ALL programs should be confirmed by calling the appropriate location.

    Challenger Space Center  

    Stargazing Programs

    When:    Saturday, July 25, 2015              

    For more informaiton, website: www.StargazingForEveryone.com 

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    Dance Classes

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    Diamond Dance Works is offering summer camps and intensives in June and July. We have also created Fall morning/afternoon classes specifically for students that are homeschooled. 

    WHEN: Camps and intensives - June, July

    Fall classes start in August 

    WHERE: Diamond Dance Works
    34406 N 27th Drive, Building 8, Phoenix, 85085

    REGISTRATION DEADLINE: July 1 for all summer classes. 

    CONTACT: Danielle Cicogna, 

    732-245-6518, DiamondDanceWorks@gmail.com


    WEBSITE: DiamondDanceWorks.com 

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    Teacher Appreciation Night at Arizona Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson

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    Teacher Appreciation Night
    August 22, 2015

    In a night dedicated to educators, Desert Museum staff and other community partners will showcase 2015-16 school programs. Registered teachers* will receive free admission and 10% off in the Gift Shops.

    Guests are welcome at all events.

    Guest admission: $15.50 adults (Arizona or Sonora residents with ID), $6.00 kids (ages 4-12). Kids 3 and under are free.

    Museum members: free

    Program:

    • 5:00-6:00 Registration and Check-in on Front Patio
    • 5:30-7:30 p.m. ASDM Education Programs Showcase in the Baldwin Education Building
    • 5:00-10:00 p.m. Enjoy Summer Saturday Evening at the Museum, featuring:

    Creatures of the Night

    The desert is the place to be for lively night-life! As desert dwellers, we understand why you might want to be active at night, and stay calm and cool during the day! From bats to kangaroo rats, meet some creatures that wake up once the sun has set. Find out how these animals get around and find food in the dark of night.

    Science Rocks

    Hands-on Science demonstrations by the Museum's Junior Docents, including activities from our new education classes.

    In the Ironwood Art Gallery

    Vanishing Circles — a selection of timeless works depicting disappearing wildlife of the Sonoran Desert. Featuring the newest acquisitions of the Desert Museum’s permanent collection.

    WEBSITE:  http://www.desertmuseum.org/visit/teacherapp.php for more information and to register

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    Discouted Educational Products

    educents

    www.educents.com  

    We aspire to provide affordable education to everyone. That’s the idea behind Educents.

    Click to edit this placeholder text.

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