Our Homeschool Naturalists program provides homeschoolers with the opportunity for hand-on, outdoor learning at the Ogden Nature Center. Each semester, students will explore topics related to environmental sciences. Students will learn about different aspects of water, air, soil, plants and wildlife, and natural resources, as well as how the environment impacts us as people. This program is a supplemental program with a focus on life and earth sciences; however, math, reading, writing, art, and social studies are incorporated into lessons. Students should be competent in reading, writing, and math based on their grade level. This program is open to students ages 6-12 and meets the Utah Core standards for grades 1-6.
Registration for Fall semester will open August 3rd.
For questions or more information contact Abbey at
Homeschool Program Details
Fall Semester
Have you ever wondered how plants and animals survive the winter? What causes leaves to change color in autumn? Why do some trees lose their leaves while others stay green year-round? How do animals find enough food to survive the cold months, and why do some hibernate while others remain active?
Join us this fall as we explore the remarkable transition from late-summer warmth to early-winter snow. Each week, students will investigate the science behind seasonal changes by exploring plant chemistry, observing animal behavior, and discovering how living things adapt to shifting environmental conditions.
Through hands-on activities, crafts, nature exploration, and outdoor discovery, students will uncover how our diverse flora and fauna thrive through the seasons. Near the end of the semester, students will apply their knowledge and skills in a collaborative class project.
Our goal is to deepen students’ understanding of the natural world and foster a lasting appreciation for the plants, animals, and ecosystems that surround us.
Dates and Times
September 2nd and 16th
October 7th and 21st
November 4th and 18th
December 2nd and 16th
Classes are held from 1pm to 3pm
Drop-off/Pickup
Please accompany your child/children for sign-in each time. Drop-off and pickup will be in the parking lot at the start of Birdhouse Trail. Please park in the large lot and escort your child to the naturalist who is there to sign in everyone. You will pick up your child in the same spot.
Please be prompt in picking up your children at 3 p.m. Parents will be billed $2 per minute for any students left 15 minutes or longer after the posted end of class. Students will not be allowed to return to class until this balance is paid.
If you are delayed, please call Ogden Nature Center, 801-621-7595, and ask them to notify your child’s teacher-naturalist.
Parents and other family members will not be allowed to attend class with their child/children. You may remain on the Nature Center grounds while class is in session.
Weather & Gear
Classes will be conducted mostly outdoors in all types of weather. Please be sure your child is adequately prepared to go outdoors for weather conditions including rain, snow, sun, cold, and heat. All children should bring a water bottle, as we don't provide them, and our drinking fountains may or may not be available or accessible depending on where we are having class on the property. Children should wear shoes with closed toes (no flip-flops or sandals) for all sessions. Rain jackets and waterproof shoes are preferred rather than umbrellas for rainy days. Winter requires a coat, hat, and gloves or mittens. Please leave snacks at home, unless your child has a medical reason for needing one.
Expected Behavior
Please prepare your child by helping them understand appropriate group-learning behaviors, which include:
- Raising hands before shouting out questions or ideas
- Taking turns and sharing
- Staying with the group
- Being respectful to classmates and teachers.
- They may be asked to engage in journaling, math, observation, and other skills
These are essential for a productive learning experience.
Scholarships
We are now accepting scholarship applications for the Fall 2026 semester. Scholarships are available due to the generous donations of one of our supporters. These are given on a first come first serve basis. If you have already registered and paid full price, we can issue a refund for the scholarship amount if your application is accepted. Click the link below to fill out and submit the online form.
