Carnegie Museum of Natural History offers a variety of programs for homeschoolers on Tuesday afternoons. These classes enhance inquiry skills and deepen your child’s interest in their world and science.

Call (412) 622-3288 to register in advance. Registrations cannot be accepted on the day of the program.

Single Session Classes

Ages 4–5
The Nose Knows
Join us for this scent-sational class that compares your nose with those of elephants, caimans, and others. Discover the difference between a skunk and a stink bug as you find out what the nose knows.
Feb. 26

Discovering Dinosaurs
Did some dinosaurs really have feathers? What other creatures lived alongside the dinosaurs? In this dino-adventure, we’ll answer these and other questions as we discover more about the time of the dinosaurs!
Mar. 11

For Goodness Snakes!
What do you know about the 37-foot-long South American anaconda, the fearsome face of a spectacled cobra, and the fangs of a rattlesnake? Explore the world of these fascinating reptiles right here at the museum!
Apr. 8

April Fooling
Some animals fool others by blending into their environment. Learn about the many creatures that use coloration and camouflage to protect themselves and create your own camouflaged critter to take home.
Apr. 22

Super Star
Earth has one “super star” that brightens our lives and helps things grow. We’ll learn how all types of life on Earth depend on the sun for survival. We’ll also plant a seed to grow at home.
May 6

Ages 6–7
What if I Were a Paleontologist?
Learn how creatures of the past are unearthed and studied and how paleontology has changed over the past century. You’ll also examine fossils and prepare a fossil cast to take home.
Feb. 26

When Nature Gets Angry
When Mother Nature gets angry, you’d better be prepared! We’ll teach you the science behind storms, tornadoes, and earthquakes as we learn how strong Mother Nature’s forces can be.
Mar. 11

Wild About Wetlands
In this wet-venture, discover the ins and outs of a wetland. From macroinvertebrates to wetland protection, you’ll make a wetlands wheel to discover more about the wetlands around you!
Apr. 8

These Feet Can’t Be Beat!
Why does an otter swim so well? How does a raccoon open a trash can so easily? Learn all about different adaptations that help animals hop, swim, and romp and make a track identification booklet to take home.
Apr. 22

Fun and Games
A class that is all fun and games! Learn about the origins of some of our favorite games, play an ancient game, and make one of your own. It’s all about playing games, but you will learn something new, too!
May 6

Ages 8–9
Insect Mania
Which insects are venomous? Do butterflies have scales on their wings? What type of flea can spread disease? You’ll learn the answers to these questions and more as we delve into the world of insects.
Feb. 26

Mighty Oaks and Woodland Folks
Many people of the woodlands used nature’s bounty for food, medicines, and other necessities. Learn how early Pennsylvanians tapped into the many resources of the woodlands and create your own miniature log cabin to take home!
Mar. 11

Eureka!
From Neolithic tools to today’s clocks, trek through time to learn more about innovations that have made our lives easier. Navigate your way up the Nile and trudge over the tundra as you use a map and compass to discover the next leg of your quest!
Apr. 8

Winged Things
What do the wings of birds, bats, butterflies, bees, pterosaurs, and airplanes have in common? Find out as we take a closer look at these winged things to discover more about their similarities and differences.
Apr. 22

What if I Were a Conservationist?
Learn about the important job of a conservationist through engaging experiments that include water testing and an oil spill clean-up while discovering more about conservation efforts that are being led by some of our own museum scientists.
May 6

Ages 10–12
Baby, Baby
From protection from predators to foraging for food, you’ll learn more about the different ways in which animal mothers share their wisdom with their young.
Feb. 26

After the Dinosaurs
The last 65 million years is known as the Cenozoic Era, or the Age of Mammals. Spend an afternoon investigating this era, when the absence of dinosaurs made it possible for many new species to emerge.
Mar. 11

Times Are Changing
It took billions of years to shape this planet, and it’s still changing! Even though we can’t feel most of these changes, geologic forces continually cause transformations on Earth. Examine these forces and the changes taking place over time.
Apr. 8

Treasures of the Earth
Visit the new Wertz Gallery, filled with the finest specimens of gems and jewelry from all over the world. Explore the history and folklore of birthstones, as well as the fascination with treasures that come from our Earth.
Apr. 22

Let it Rain!
Explore rainforests and wetlands and learn about the value of these vanishing habitats. Discover how and why these areas are disappearing and find out how we can help prevent habitat loss.
May 6

Two-Session Classes

Ages 8 and up
Who Dunnit?
CSI fanatics, come on down! Someone has broken into the Hall of American Indians and taken a headdress. Examine material evidence, lift fingerprints, and process DNA from the crime scene to find out “who dunnit”!
Mar. 18 & 25

Dynamic Dinosaurs
In this exploration of the Mesozoic Era, learn how recent discoveries in the field of paleontology have changed the ways we view the lives, anatomy, and relationships between dinosaurs.
May 13 & 20