Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Institute of Natural Science has been granted an award from The Dorr Foundation to fund a new branch of their Homeschool Initiative program. The VINS Homeschool Initiative is a growing program designed to build science literacy and provide a community of learning for children that come from different parts of the Upper Valley.
The new facets of the program aim to meet the needs of homeschool parents in science, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) and place-based education, and to help them navigate the evolving field of science instruction.
The new funding would provide for the creation of specialized “STEAM” Backpacks. Through this program, homeschool parents will be able to borrow a themed kit from VINS that provides the necessary directions, background information, and scientific tools to teach a deeply stimulating scientifically and standards-based curriculum for children in Kindergarten – 8th grade.
“The STEAM Backpack Program will encourage children and families to explore the outdoors, wildlife, and ecosystems together and ensure that outdoor family time is a science-based experience that fosters environmental literacy,” said Hannah Gelroth, VINS Director of School Programs and Teacher Professional Development.
Funding also provides for the creation of a homeschool class that can participate in VINS’ annual Science Symposium. Through the Science Symposium Program, VINS Educators work with each 4th - 8th grade class to identify a problem in their community, facilitate scientific research and data collection, provide guidance on developing solutions, and prepare them for presenting their findings at the Science Symposium event. Each class is provided with the resources and ongoing support needed to design and implement a project-based learning unit aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards. This creates a deeper understanding and excitement for science, engineering, and the environment through a project and place based approach to education. Through guided, collaborative teaching, the Science Symposium gets students engaged in authentic, real-world science projects.
Combined, these two initiatives of STEAM Backpacks and Science Symposium help meet the needs of homeschool families with regard to qualitative science education. VINS aims to roll out these new offerings to homeschool families throughout the coming year.
To learn more about VINS’ current Homeschool program offerings, visit https://vinsweb.org/homeschool-program/.
VINS is headquartered in Quechee, VT at the VINS Nature Center, 149 Natures Way, Quechee, VT 05059. We invite all to visit us in Quechee to explore our Forest Canopy Walk and discover the amazing diversity of mammals and birds. Also, explore our Outdoor Nature Playscape, a natural place for kids with elements for creative play, fun for all ages.
We are also happy to provide many unique gift options as you check off your holiday shopping list! From games and books to clothing and household items, the VINS Nature Store is a fantastic place to purchase a nature-friendly gift for everyone on your gift list this holiday season. Our Nature Store is open for in-person shopping, and we invite guests to shop anytime at https://store.vinsweb.org/.
The VINS Nature Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All activities are included in admission. Regular admission pricing is as follows: adults $18.00; seniors, students and veterans $17.00; youth $15.00; and free for members and for children three and under. All ticket purchases may be applied toward the purchase of VINS membership. We offer $5-per-person admission for EBT and Medicaid cardholders (ID is required)
Masks are recommended throughout our in-door exhibits and store at the Nature Center. We request that guests purchase tickets on our website prior to arrival. Please note that while service dogs are always welcome at the VINS Nature Center, all other dogs must remain at home, and may not be left in a car in the parking lot.
For more information about VINS’ educational programs, please visit vinsweb.org/education, and for our school programs, vinsweb.org/school-programs. For more information about VINS, the VINS Forest Canopy Walk and our upcoming events, please visit our website at www.vinsweb.org, our nature blog at blog.vinsweb.org, and our Facebook and Twitter pages.
The Center for Wild Bird Rehabilitation is open daily for intake of injured or orphaned wild birds. Please email [email protected] with any inquiries.
12.14.2022. Quechee, VT – Vermont Institute of Natural Science website
