Registration for Homeschool Classes at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates is now open. The Estates has a living lab where every class engages students in the sciences, arts, and history and encourages students to ask questions and discover the answers for themselves.

Monthly classes began September 24. The classes follow the Lee County mandated program and addresses environmental science, history, and reading SOLS. Pre-visit curriculum materials will be mailed to registered families. Registration is required by calling the Estates’ educational department at 239-334-7419. The cost for Estates members is $5, non members $15, and includes one adult and one child, additional $5 per child, said Chris Pendleton, president and CEO of the Estates.

Estates Homeschool class schedules are the following:

Animals & Classifications, October 22

Learn about how animals are classified and explore mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, insects and arachnids.

Earth & Landforms, November 19

Explore the Earth both inside and out and see what our planet is made of. Learn about natural physical features of the Earth’s surface.

HolidayScience, December 17

Students will invent their own toy and see the science behind Edison’s colored lights. Participants will enjoy the grand finale of snowmaking.

Cars & Contraptions, January 21

Inspired by Henry Ford, learn about engines, simple machines and fantastic contraptions that will inspire any student to build their own.

Alternative Energy, February 18

Students will study alternative energy and learn different forms of non-conventional energy such as biomass, wind, solar, geothermal and hydroelectric.

Food Science, March 18

Discover everything it takes to produce food from harvesting, and cooking to consumption.

Chemistry Basics, April 15

Students will explore chemical changes, acids, bases and bonding atoms and participate in “mind blowing” experiments that make atoms and chemical reactions fun.

Body Systems, May 20

Learn how the eleven systems of the body work, how blood moves through the body, and what happens in your stomach when you eat an apple.

Estates Home School classes are led by Estates faculty and the Estates Wild Wizard. Students and their families will have time to tour the Estate homes, gardens and laboratory on their own.

Home School groups with 10 or more students may call to register for customized Estates Home School Classes offered upon availability with advance notice. The Estates is open daily from 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.