Burpee Homeschool Enrichment: 2025 Winter/Spring SERIES- Engineering 0115

It is the mission of Burpee Museum of Natural History to inspire all people to engage in a lifetime of discovery and learning about the natural world, through preservation and interpretation.

Burpee’s awesome Homeschool and enrichment programming presents an exciting way to learn about science! The curriculum is designed around multiple STEM themes that change each year and semester.

Classes For Ages 6 - 9** & 10 - 14

**Children who are NOT bathroom proficient must be accompanied by a Caregiver.

Classes will be held on alternate Wednesdays, 2 - 4 pm

Experience Burpee’s Homeschool through fun activities, lessons, and crafts!

Wk#1 - January 15th: The Engineering Process

Design, Build, Test! Step into the world of engineering! Before new cars are built there is a process of designing, modeling, and more! Learn how ideas become reality by exploring the Engineering Process—brainstorm, design, build, and test your creation to see if it performs as planned. Can you make it work? Let’s find out!

Wk#2 - January 29th: Will it Float? The Engineering of Boat Design

Buoyant Boats. What keeps boats afloat? Explore the science of boat design and the additional considerations and unique challenges engineers face when creating water-only vehicles. From fishing to speedboats, discover how function shapes design and put your knowledge to the test!

Wk#3 - February 12th: Our Modern World: The Engineering of Polymers

From natural polymers like wool and honey to synthetic ones like nylon and PVC, polymers are everywhere! In this session, become a chemist and explore the science behind these materials—then try your hand at creating your own!

Wk#4 - March 5th: Bridges and Cities: Civil Engineering

Building Bridges and Cities! Discover the science of civil engineering! Explore the materials, shapes, and designs that support modern cities and influence our lives. Then, put your knowledge to the test by designing and creating your own bridge!

Wk#5 - March 19th:Saving Lives: Disaster-Proof Structures

How do scientists and engineers design buildings to survive natural disasters? Discover the tools and science behind creating structures that withstand earthquakes. Explore how engineers and scientists can work together for early detection, and save lives!

Wk#6 - April 2nd: Marbles and Momentum: Lessons on Gravity

Why do apples fall from trees and marbles race down tracks? Explore the fascinating force of gravity acting on different objects in different ways! Conduct hands-on experiments and design your own marble race tracks to see gravity in action.

Wk#7 - April 16th: Frontiers of Flight: Aerospace Engineering

Reach for the Sky with Aerospace Engineering. From the sky to outer space, aerospace engineers help humanity soar to new heights! Discover the principles of flight, explore aerodynamics, and design your own paper airplanes in this engaging class.

Due to cost of supplies and staffing, cancellations of less than seven (7) days are non-refundable.

Location: Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 North Main Street, Rockford, IL 61103

Phone (815) 965-3433

Host or Publisher Burpee Museum of Natural History