Whitestone Farm Tour and Project Day in Pickens,
September 10th
Tour 10:00 to 12:00 $12.00 per person ($7.00 for Members!),
Lunch & Project Activity 12:00 to 3:00 $18.00 per person ($13.00 for Members!)
Full day $30.00 ($20.00 for members)
FREE for Tree and Forest level members!

Whitestone was our last field trip for the 2007-08 school year, so we thought it would be a good place to start the 08-09 year. When we visited in May, things were just getting started. They had just planted their Milpa plots (traditional Sounth American method of farming), and now they're full of beautiful sun flowers, corn, squash, and more. The rest of the farm is looking beautiful too! There's now a pumpkin patch, the cucumber we planted are huge and growing... it's always an adventure at Whitestone!

Come tour a local organic CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). You'll get a walking tour of the farm...learning about the different herbs, vegetables, and fruit trees. Check out the goats (they just had a baby!), chickens, and more!

Stay for the second part of the program for a delicious lunch provided by the farm. And then after we stuff our bellies, we'll work on whatever project they need help with. (mulching...canning...we'll just have to wait to see what's going on during that part of the season!) Come learn a bit about what it takes to run an organic farm!

 

Pond Study and Wild Wetlands Combo at the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell,
September 16th, 11:00 to 2:00ish,
$20.00 per person ($15.00 for members!), For kids in 3rd to 5th grade
FREE for Tree and Forest level members!

Postponed to the Spring. See you then!

Come join us for a fantastic day at the Chattahoochee Nature Center!

This is an intensive lesson combining both the Pond Study I and Wild Wetlands programs.

Pond Study I (1 hour 15 minutes)
Using dip nets, students collect macroinvertebrates to identify and use them to make inferences about the condition and health of the pond habitat.

Wild Wetlands (1 hour 15 minutes)
Students hike our river wetlands boardwalk to learn about the unique relationships of this very fragile and important ecosystem.

 

Project H2O at the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell,
September 18th, 11:00 to 3:00ish, $22.00 per person ($17.00 for members!), For kids 11-18 years old
FREE for Tree and Forest level members!

Postponed to the Spring. See you then!

Come join us for another fantastic day at the Chattahoochee Nature Center!

Bringing real world experiences to your students! Comparative chemical analysis of three ponds including temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH and nitrate/phosphate levels. Students use macroinvertebrates as bioindicators to study land use and pollution, and the importance of maintaining good water quality in the Chattahoochee River watershed.

 

Sweet Dreams Adventures in Horsemanship in Pickens,
September 24th, 10:00 to 1:00ish, $15.00 per person ($10.00 for members!)
FREE for Tree and Forest level members!

Sweet Dreams Family Farm is located in Pickens County and focuses on Natural Horsemanship. Join us for this exciting program as kids learn about horse safety, nutrition, and care. We'll learn about the seven games that horses play, which provides basic foundational skills in safety while encouraging relationship between horse and rider.

 

Duckbill Studios Tour and Demo in Atlanta, 6 spaces left, October 15th
9:45 to 12:00 $15.00 per person ($10.00 for Members!)
FREE for Tree and Forest level members!

Duckbill Tour and Demo introduces the novice to the basics of hand blown glass art. Here you will learn about the tools, equipment and basic techniques used in this ancient craft. The event will be led by a professional glass artist. The event will also include a demonstration; a tour of the studio and gallery; and a question and answer period.

Click HERE to visit Dickbill's website for more information about the studio.

 

Raptors at the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell,
October 20th, 11:00 to 1:00ish,
$14.00 per person ($10.00 for members!), For kids in 3rd to 6th grade
FREE for Tree and Forest level members!

Come join us for another fantastic day at the Chattahoochee Nature Center!

This program focuses on the birds of prey that call Georgia home. Habitats, adaptations, and conservation issues will be discussed. Hands-on owl pellet dissection is included.

 

Hi-Rez Studio Tour in Alpharetta,
October 23rd
1:45 to 5:00ish,
$5.00 per person (FREE for all Members!), ages 15 and older
FREE for Tree and Forest level members!

Have you ever wondered how video games are made? Who creates the characters and the story? How do they make it interactive? Well... here's your chance to find out!

Join us at Hi-Rez Studios for a tour through the different departments; design, character art, environment art, animation and programming, perhaps stopping at individual workstations for a brief demo of what the person is working on at that moment. We will cater this tour to the general interests of the group. If interested, we will have the opportunity to hear about the game industry in general, particular jobs in the game industry, the way a game studio works and what it takes to develop a game...and Q&A. We then will go into the lab and let them play the game.

Hi-Rez is currently developing a new game, Global Agenda. We will have the opportunity to test it out... before it's available to the general public!! Lucky us!! We need 20 people who want to challenge their skills with Global Agenda, so parents, when you send us an e-mail to reserve your spaces, let us know if you're interested in playing, or if you're just going to watch. I was warned that there is a fair amount of fighting, but that there is not any blood or gore.

Come join us for this exciting and unique opportunity!

Click HERE to visit Hi-Rez Studio's website for more information.

 

Good Night Moon at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta,
November 6th, 11:00 to 1:00ish,
$10.00 per person ($8.00 for Members), INCLUDES A BACK STAGE TOUR!
FREE for Tree and Forest level members!

The classic children’s story book brought to life

Embrace the warmth and romance of childhood in a magical journey through the beloved children’s book. As Bunny tries to put away the day and prepare for the delight that dreams will bring, every corner of his room comes to life with a new story to tell. Boisterous puppets, delightful music and the dear old lady whispering “hush” awaken the power of wonder in a room filled with sleeping toys.

Why We Love This Play
If you’ve raised children, you’ve undoubted read this book, and your children loved it. This play embraces the lively and energetic illustrations of Goodnight Moon, the classic of early childhood, to make the Great Green Room come alive. The adaptation brings a child’s view of the book to life, with each new element singing, dancing, running around and keeping the little boy awake. Rosemary Newcott once again brings an understanding of children’s rhythms and energy to the stage, and she will guide her actors from the last sparks of daytime wonder into the stillness of night. Goodnight Moon will charm adults and children alike as it celebrates the simple soothing rituals around getting young ones to sleep.

 

Weather Rocks! at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta,
January 7th, 9:30 to 1:00ish,
$20.00 per person ($14.00 for Members),
INCLUDES A PUPPET MAKING WORKSHOP AND A BACK STAGE TOUR!
FREE for Tree and Forest level members!

Open the flood gates on the mysteries of Mother Nature with an original musical filled with cool facts about rain, snow, twisters, sunshine and more! From a newsroom in the clouds, five energetic meteorologists tell us all about the weather with an array of songs ranging from sunny melodies to rock to gospel. With more than 25 engaging puppets, vivid special effects and lively tunes, Weather Rocks! is sure to provide kids with an en“lightning” and enchanting experience!

 

Stained Glass OR Pottery Class in Pickens County,
January 13, 20, 27, & February 3rd, 1-3:30
Stained Glass: $150.00 per person ($135.00 for Members!),
Pottery: $115.00 per person ($97.00 for Members!),

Each class is a 4-session program. You need to attend each session to complete your project. Material fees (+$10-15.00 for the glass you use) are included in the price of the program.Stained Glass Class:
Students must be at least 4'6" tall. The work table is 3' tall, so they must be tall enough to work comfortably. There is not an age limit (just height), but students must be able to stay focused for the duration of the class. All tools and materials, except for the glass used in your project, are included in the registration fee. Glass will cost an additional $10-15.00, and you will pay for it at the conclusion of the program. If you decide you absolutely love making stained glass and want to continue at home, High Country will give you a 10% discount on all glass and tools!Tom Rohrer will lead our program, teaching us about the Foil method. This class is for beginners and in it you will learn:

• Safe handling and cutting of glass
• Safe use of tools
• Pattern selection, preparation & cutting
• Copper foil construction
• Soldering
• Finishing

Upon completion you will be able to produce exciting projects such as sun catchers, hanging panels and small windows. This class will also prepare you for the lead came construction advanced class.Visit High Country's website HERE (note: they are no longer located on Main Street in Jasper, so don't use that address to find directions to the class. We will send you the information you need prior to the program)Pottery Class:
Like the Stained Glass class, there is no age restriction for this program. However, students must be able to stay focused for the duration of the class.Janet Smith will teach us how to create using the handbuilding method! Your registration fees include up to 25 pounds of clay, the use of her tools, glazes, and kiln-firing. Come get messy!Click HERE to visit Axcents Pottery's website.NOTE: The Stained Glass Class and the Pottery Class will be held in the same studio. There will be lots of tools and materials, so misbehavior will not be tolertated. Homeschool Excursions reserves the right to discontinue your participation in the program if proper decorum exhibited. A refund will not be given. But we know you're going to having so much fun that this will not be an issue! We just needed to say it...

 

Duckbill Studios Tour and Demo in Atlanta,
January 28th, 9:45 to 12:00
Tour: $15.00 per person ($10.00 for Members!),
Paperweight Project: $35.00 per person ($25.00 for Members!), ages 14 and older
FREE for Tree and Forest level members!

There are 20 total spaces available, but only 8 may make a paperwieght at a time. We will try to arrange an additional session if we have enough to fill a second group of 8.

Duckbill Tour and Demo introduces the novice to the basics of hand blown glass art. Here you will learn about the tools, equipment and basic techniques used in this ancient craft. The event will be led by a professional glass artist. The event will also include a demonstration; a tour of the studio and gallery; and a question and answer period.

After the tour and demo, interested participants can sign up to work with our professionals to create their own paperweight. Based on each student’s ability and comfort level, the instructor will determine how “hands on” the experience will be. Minors must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardian. Participants will be able to pick up their papwerweight 3 days after the event. If they would like the paperweight sent to them, there is an additional $5 shipping and handling cost. Due to safety considerations, the studio reserves the right to refuse to engage in a "hands on" glass blowing experience with any participant.

Click HERE to visit Duckbill's website for more information about the studio.

 

Fossiliferous at the Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville,
February 9th, 12:45 to 3:00ish,
$10.00 per student, $14 per parent (for members, $8.50 per student, $12.50 per parent)
FREE for Tree and Forest level members!

What is a fossil? How is it made? These questions are answered in our Fossil Gallery walkthrough. Students learn how a fossil forms and discuss factors that affect the survival or extinction of organisms. Manipulatives will include make it/take it fossil rubbings, a mold, and three real fossils to keep! Best for kids aged 7 to 10, but all are welcome!

 

Paperworks! at the Robert C. Williams Paper Museum at Georgia Tech,
February 12th, 9:45 to 12:00ish, $12.00 per person ($9.00 for Members)
FREE for Tree and Forest level members!

The Robert C. Williams Paper Museum is an internationally renowned resource on the history of paper and paper technology. In addition to more than 2,000 books, the Museum features a remarkable collection of over 10,000 watermarks, papers, tools, machines, and manuscripts.

We will go on a guided tour of the museum and will get to make our own sheets of paper from cotton pulp!

 

Jack and the Beanstalk at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta,
February 19th, 9:30 to 1:00ish, $20.00 per person ($14.00 for Members),
INCLUDES A PUPPET MAKING WORKSHOP AND A BACK STAGE TOUR!
FREE for Tree and Forest level members!

All Jack wanted to do was help his family. But instead, he managed to set a giant on the loose! This classic folktale of a cattle sale gone wrong is performed in four parts by solo-puppeteer Jim Napolitano of Nappy's Puppets. Using vivid shadow puppetry, lively songs and humor, this master puppeteer tells the story of Jack and his ill-fated beans, while working in other short stories and vignettes, too!

 

Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia near Helen,
March 10th, 11:00 to 12:30ish,
$8.00 per person ($5.00 for Members)
INCLUDES A HANDS-ON POTTERY PROJECT!
FREE for Tree and Forest level members!

We will have an optional hike following lunch, weather permitting. Come join us!

THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN POSTPONED. CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES.

Come spend the day with us in beautiful Helen!

The Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia showcases the handcraft skills of one of the South’s premier grassroots art forms, and explores the historical importance and changing role of folk pottery in southern life. Northeast Georgia’s pottery tradition is nationally known. Until now there’s been no institution devoted to Northeast Georgia folk pottery, not even in its home area. Dean and Kay Swanson, former owners of the Standard Telephone Company, have committed to erect this museum as their way of giving back to the people of the area.

We will go on a guided tour of the museum and each student will get to make their own clay creation to take home with them!

Following the visit to the Folk Pottery Museum, we'll have a break for lunch and will then go on an optional hike. It's such a beautiful part of the state... it only makes sense to stretch our legs on one of the many amazing trails in the area.

Visit the Folk Pottery Museum's website HERE.

 

Class of 3000 Live! at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta,
March 13th, 11:15 to 1:00ish,
$10.00 per person ($8.00 for Members),
INCLUDES A BACK STAGE TOUR!
FREE for Tree and Forest level members!

For the first time ever on stage, experience the wildly original hit animated series as it leaves the small screen and jumps full throttle onto the stage at the Alliance. Andre Benjamin (OutKast’s André 3000) developed this story of an international music star who flees his own celebrity to return to Atlanta. But new musical inspiration is just around the corner when he’s discovered by a group of young musical prodigies at a performing arts middle school – in a desperate search for a music teacher. Class of 3000 LIVE is a hometown Atlanta original, harnessing the power of self-expression to inspire all ages to live their dreams.

Why We Love This Play
Attracted to our Alliance commitment to fostering arts in education, André Benjamin allowed Rosemary Newcott to create a new production from the first episodes of Cartoon Network’s "Class of 3000." The result will be a chance for Alliance patrons to bounce along to a story created by one of America’s brightest musical leaders. The project also pulls together many of Atlanta’s cultural leaders to create a show by, of and for the city of Atlanta on the Alliance Stage. We wish to thank Stuart Snyder from the Cartoon Network, and Phil Kent and the folks at Turner for partnering with us to create Class of 3000 LIVE as a live theatrical event.

 

Energy Quest! at the Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville,
March 18th, 12:45 to 3:00ish,
$10.00 per student, $14 per parent (for members, $8.50 per student, $12.50 per parent)
FREE for Tree and Forest level members!

This study of electrical energy is “hair-raising”! Static electricity is explored and the concept of electricity becomes reality as students learn the basics for designing their own circuit boards.
Electricity and magnetism in the garage exhibit in the Collins Family My Big Backyard are a focus as well as other interactives.

This program is best suited to kids aged 10 to 13, but all are welcome!

 

Solar Systems 'Space Chase' at the Fernbank Science Center in Atlanta,
March 23rd, 10:30 to 12:30ish,
$5.00 per student, $7.00 per parent (for members, $3.00 per student, $4.00 per parent)
FREE for Tree and Forest level members!

Join our two characters Furg and Wox, and their robot, as they travel through the solar system exploring each of the planets. They are looking for a suitable place to hide from their nemesis, Kangzor. Will they be caught? WIll they escape? Will they be home in time for dinner?

This program will be most appropriate for 4th graders (or kids who are roughly that age....)

 

Stellaluna at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta,
April 7th, 9:30 to 1:00ish,
$20.00 per person ($14.00 for Members),
INCLUDES A PUPPET MAKING WORKSHOP AND A BACK STAGE TOUR!
FREE for Tree and Forest level members!

When Stellaluna, a baby fruit bat, wanders away from her home, she suddenly finds herself in a nest full of baby birds. She tries to adapt to her new environment, but everything is very different. She tries to cuddle in the nest but she'd rather hang upside down. She tried to eat worms but she'd rather play with them. Imagine her relief when she finally learns she is not a bird at all! Based on the book by Janell Cannon, this production tells a timeless story about trying to fit in and eventually finding your true self.

 

Granite Explorations at Stone Mountain Park with Scott Jones,
May 1st, 9:15 to 12:00ish,
$25.00 per student, $15.00 per parent (for members, $20.00 per student, $10.00 per parent)
[you will also need to pay the $8.00 parking fee for the park...I'm trying to see if we can receive a discount]
FREE for Tree and Forest level members! (not including parking)

A Georgia native, Scott has made a life-long study of natural and cultural history, and the interconnectedness of the two. This interest in natural science and human technology merged easily with his archaeological training, and in 1987 he began to apply his expertise full-time to the study of Stone-Age skills, ancient technologies and their relation to our lives today.

Scott Jones will be leading us in an exciting, hands-on exploration of the geology of Stone Mountain and its context within the piedmont. We will discuss the natural history and unique granite outcrop environments as Scott will helps us understand the cultural history and the pre-history of this portion of the piedmont.

We all know Stone Mountain as a big rock where we can go watch the lazer show or ride a sky car. Come learn explore another perspective of this amazing geological formation.

This program will be best enjoyed by students aged 12 and older, though everyone is welcome.

To learn more about Scott Jones, click HERE.

 

Alien Expedition at the Fernbank Science Center in Atlanta,
May 4th, 10:30 to 12:30ish,
$5.00 per student, $7.00 per parent (for members, $3.00 per student, $4.00 per parent)
FREE for Tree and Forest level members!

Alien scientists have been asked to use a robotic spacecraft to explore a part of the Milky Way galaxy. Traveling from one soalr system to another, the spacecraft explores the surface and atmospheric features, measuring the distance from the Sun, and looks for the ability of these planets and moons to support life. The alien spacecraft encounters human technology that culminates in an interesting visit to Earth that leaves the alien crafrt

This program will be most appropriate for 6th graders (or kids who are roughly that age....)

 

Gourd Crafts with Steven 'Snow Bear' Taylor in Marietta/Roswell,
May 6th, 9:45 to 12:30ish,
$25.00 per student, $15.00 per parent (for members, $20.00 per student, $10.00 per parent)
FREE for Tree and Forest level members!

Gourds have been around for thousands of years and are originally traced to the African continent. They are now found throughout the world and are still used in many cultures as containers for liquids, grains and other possessions.

It is thought that the first pottery makers shaped their vessels after gourds. The gourd is even mentioned in the Bible and has been found in Egyptian Tombs. Very early specimens of gourd shells discovered (for example, in Peru) indicate the use of gourds as means of recording events of the time.

Generally, gourds are used more for utilitarian uses than for food. Because gourds come in so many shapes and sizes, they were, and still are used for spoons, bowls, ladles, musical instruments and containers. Click HERE for more information about gourds.

Steven 'Snow Bear' Taylor has been an environmental educator for more than 30 years and is one of the founders of Earthskills Rendezvous. Come join us as he explains the historical significance of gourds, and then guides us as we make our own gourd creation. We'll learn how to clean, cut, and decorate these incredible plants, making them into useful tools or instruments. And you'll get to take your gourd home with you!

This program will be best enjoyed by students aged 10 and older, though everyone is welcome.

 

Poplar Bark Baskets at Whitestone,
May 14th, 10:30 to 12:30ish,
$15.00 per student, $10.00 per parent (for members, $12.00 per student, $8.00 per parent)
FREE for Tree and Forest level members!

Details of this program are still being finaluzed... they are subject to change.

The traditional Appalachian basket—made from the bark of young tulip poplar trees and laced together with smooth strips of hickory—is about as useful and beautiful as any receptacle you're likely to find. (from Mother Earth News)

Come join us at Whitestone Farm in Jasper to learn this craft. Make a small basket to take home with you! Plus, you'll have the option to make a larger basket to be sold in the Whitestone Farm Stand to help support the farm.