Kankakee Homeschool STEAM Program - Fall 2023
This program is FULL (YAY!!!) and no longer accepting registrations. Please contact 4-H Youth Development Educator Shannon Range for questions. SLRange@illinois.edu.
Have a homeschooler and are looking for a local science program with fun, interactive, hands-on learning tied to
Next Generation Science Standards? If so, this homeschool program may be a great fit for you!
Each month this Fall, homeschool youth will have the opportunity to learn about and create projects in a variety of STEAM-based topics in
life sciences and engineering. Spring 2024, we will offer earth science programs.
All youth from any county and regardless of 4-H status are welcome to attend. Registration is required prior to attending your first session.
Programs will take place at the
Kankakee Extension office. Additional OPTIONAL "pop-up programs"
may be added based on interest and schedule. We might move programs to
Willowhaven Park or
Perry Farm if the weather is conducive to outdoor programs. We'll let you know as the dates draw closer.
The curriculum this fall is designed for youth in grades K-3 but the program is open to youth age 5-9. Youth age 5-7 require a parent to stay onsite to assist with their child as needed. There will be an area in the back of the conference room to hang out.
- Tuesday, September 26, 10:00 - 11:30am What do plants & animals need to survive? (NGSS K-LS1)
- Tuesday, October 24, 10:00 - 11:30am Biomimicry - How do engineers use plants & animals to solve human issues? (NGSS 1-LS1)
- Tuesday, November 28, 10:00 - 11:30am Do plants need sunlight & water to grow? (NGSS 2-LS2)
- Tuesday, December 19, 10:00 - 11:30am Culminating event -- let's show off what we learned!!!
TEEN TEACHER? If you are or want to become a Teen Teacher for this program, you will receive the curriculum for review prior to the program. Then, arrive at 9:00am to pre-learn/prep the program to help teach the younger participants. You must register for the program and select TEEN TEACHER (no charge and thank you!).
Youth will be encouraged to enroll in fair projects summer 2024 as related to activities in this program. This is not required but we'd LOVE to see what youth have learned!!!
Registration information:
- The cost for this program is $20 for the first youth in the family, $10 for 2nd youth in the family and no charge for additional family members. This is for all 4 sessions - regardless of how many you attend.
- The registration deadline is 11:59 PM, 9/22/23.
- Minimum number of participants is 10 youth - please share as this program is open to all youth regardless of county and 4-H enrollment.
ACCOMMODATION? If you need reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, email SLRange@illinois.edu at least two weeks before the program begins.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED!!! - We LOVE volunteers!!!! Without you, we couldn't make these programs happen. Volunteers are needed for anything from program prep to ensuring all participants sign in, and even to help teach! Email Shannon Range at SLRange@illinois.edu for more details.
SCHOOLS, Libraries, Homeschool Groups, and Community Organizations - If you are interested in hosting this program through your school, many of the activities are directly tied to Next Generation Science Standards and/or Illinois Learning Standards. Contact Shannon for details.
INSTRUCTOR - 4-H Youth Development Educator
Shannon Range, SLRange@illinois.edu
We look forward to seeing you all and do not hesitate to reach out to me, Shannon, with any questions!!!!