There are many ways for homeschooling families to learn at the Hatfield Visitor Center. You can explore the Visitor Center's exhibits on your own, attend one of our public programs, arrange a private class for your homeschool group and attend Homeschool Day events in the fall and spring.
Spring 2025 Family Homeschool Events
The Oregon Sea Grant Marine Education Program will be hosting several exciting, hands-on homeschool programs at Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, Oregon this Spring - "Ocean Science" and "Estuary Exploration". Each program includes two date options and age-specific tracks. Tracks will be for families with predominantly younger children (PreK to Grade 5), mixed ages (Grades 3 to 8), and older children (Grades 6 to 12). Families will select and register for the track that works best for their family’s age-range and participate in the program as a family unit. Registration opens January 6th at noon.
Important note: the target grade levels for each track are suggested; therefore, all participants do not need to fall within the target age range. We recommend assessing your student learning levels and choosing the track that best fits your family’s needs. Educators will tailor the content to meet participants’ educational needs, with parents providing additional support for children outside the target grades. Please review all logistics and registration tips below prior to submitting your registration. We look forward to hosting you and your family this spring!
Important Logistics:
- Homeschool programs will be held in-person at Hatfield Marine Science Center from 10 am - 3:30 pm and parking is available in our visitor center parking lot.
- Cost is $25 per person (adults and children ages 4 and above) and fees are paid at the time of registration. Children below 4 years of age are free.
- Each event includes 3 hours of hands-on STEM-themed activities, a break for lunch, craft time, and visitor center exploration.
- Payments are due at the time of registration. Program fees are fully refundable if a cancelation notification is received at least 2 weeks prior to the program date (by February 21 Ocean Science and March 20 for Estuary Exploration). Program fees are non-refundable if cancelation occurs after the two week deadline with limited exceptions granted on a case by case basis. Please contact the Marine Education Coordinator if you need to cancel your registration or if you have a last minute change in plans.
- Registration Tips - Registration opens January 6th at NOON
- During registration, please register an adult/guardian first (who will serve as the primary adult) by selecting "this registration is for Me (your name)" on the first tab. You will have the opportunity to add all additional adults and children individually as you progress through the registration process.
- Registration will close one week prior to the scheduled event.
- Please note, our credit card payment site shuts down on a monthly basis for updates.Please note, our credit card payment site shuts down on a monthly basis for updates. It will be unavailable Dec 13 and Feb 21.
"Ocean Science" - March 7 or 10, 2025
The ocean is a dynamic and fascinating system, and this day-long homeschool program will let families dive into the wonders of oceanography! Through hands-on experiments and activities, participants will explore the physical, biological, chemical, and geological forces that shape the ocean. From investigating how waves form and discovering crab habitats to designing oceanographic gliders, there’s something for every age group to enjoy. Families will work together to uncover the secrets of the sea, guided by engaging and interactive activities tailored to different age ranges. Each group of children must be accompanied by at least one adult as we set sail on this exciting journey through the science of the ocean!
Track Descriptions
This track is recommended with families with predominantly younger children. Classes will target an age range of PreK to Grade 5; however, older students are welcome in an effort to accommodate families with wide age ranges. Please note that only children ages 4 and above need to be formally registered.
Hands-on Activities include:
- Hermit Crab Lab - Dive into the curious world of hermit crabs! Students will design and conduct their own experiments to discover what types of habitats hermit crabs prefer and explore the unique reasons behind their choices. Do they prefer sand, rocks, shells, or a combination? Join us and find out!
- Dynamic Earth - Through a series of hands-on activities and simulations, participants will dig-in and investigate the geological side of ocean science. We will delve into plate tectonics and discover the different ways the Earth’s crust interacts when two tectonic plates come together - from the formation of underwater volcanoes to understanding the cause of earthquakes. Then, we will work to engineer and test “earthquake safe” structures made of foam and toothpicks.
- Windy and Wavy - What powers the waves we see crashing on the shore? In this interactive activity, students will sculpt an ocean model out of clay and use their breath, straws, and battery-powered fans to simulate wind-driven waves. Then, they’ll use their creativity to sculpt tide pool critters and predict and test how waves affect rocky shore habitats and the animals living there.
This track is recommended with families with mixed-aged children. Classes will target an age range of Grades 3 to 8; however, younger and older students are welcome in an effort to accommodate families with wide age ranges. Please note that only children ages 4 and above need to be formally registered.
Hands-on Activities include:
- Hermit Crab Lab - Dive into the curious world of hermit crabs! Students will design and conduct their own experiments to discover what types of habitats hermit crabs prefer and explore the unique reasons behind their choices. Do they prefer sand, rocks, shells, or a combination? Join us and find out!
- Windy and Wavy - What powers the waves we see crashing on the shore? In this interactive activity, students will build an ocean model and use their breath, straws, and battery-powered fans to simulate wind-driven waves. Then, they’ll predict and test how waves affect rocky shore habitats and the animals living there.
- Ocean Layers: Chemistry in Motion - Explore the hidden chemistry of the ocean! Students will investigate how salinity (salt content) and temperature impact water density and create layers within the ocean. This experiment demonstrates how these factors combine to drive the ocean’s powerful currents and shape global climate patterns.
This track is recommended with families with predominantly older children. Classes will target an age range of Grades 6 to 12; however, younger students are welcome in an effort to accommodate families with wide age ranges.
Hands-on Activities include:
- Glide into Oceanography (2 hours) - Become a marine engineer! Older students will design, build, and test their own model oceanographic gliders, exploring how these innovative tools collect critical data from the ocean. Learn how scientists use this information to better understand and protect our marine environment.
- Ocean Layers: Chemistry in Motion - Explore the hidden chemistry of the ocean! Students will investigate how salinity (salt content) and temperature impact water density, creating layers within the ocean. This experiment demonstrates how these factors combine to drive the ocean’s powerful currents and shape global climate patterns.
“Estuary Exploration” - April 3 and 4, 2025
Boot up for an exciting day of hands-on field learning in the Yaquina Bay Estuary! Families will explore the fascinating ecosystems of the estuary, investigating its critical role as a habitat for plants and animals. From digging into mudflats to testing water quality, each activity is designed to highlight the unique features of this dynamic environment. Through guided explorations, games, and experiments, students of all ages will discover how estuaries connect the land and sea, and why they are so vital for a healthy planet. Each group of children must be accompanied by at least one adult as we dive into the science of estuaries together. Participants should also be prepared to head outside to the mudflat, rain or shine!
Track Descriptions
This track is recommended with families with predominantly younger children. Classes will target an age range of PreK to Grade 5; however, older students are welcome in an effort to accommodate families with wide age ranges. Please note that only children ages 4 and above need to be formally registered.
Hands-on Activities include:
- Build-an Estuary Habitat (outdoor class) - Participants will head to the estuary mudflat to learn what all plants and animals need to survive and thrive in the dynamic space. Using items found in the estuary, we will create our own unique habitat models, observe plant and animal adaptations, and learn the important role each organism plays in the estuary ecosystem.
- Clamming it Up - During this indoor activity we will learn about the inner workings of clams and how they provide an invaluable service to their habitats by filtering out toxins and pollutants from the water. We will identify different species of clams as well as “go digging” for them in our classroom version of an estuary.
- Wonderful Watersheds - Families will continue their estuary investigations as they build their own watershed models and track the flow of water from the mountains to the sea. Students will add a variety of “human-caused pollutants” and track how they travel across the landscape, showcasing the critical role estuaries play in the health of plants, animals, and even us!
This track is recommended with families with mixed-aged children. Classes will target an age range of Grade 3 to 8; however, younger and older students are welcome in an effort to accommodate families with wide age ranges. Please note that only children ages 4 and above need to be formally registered.
Hands-on Activities include:
- Estuary Investigations (outdoor class) - Take a deep dive into the vibrant world of estuary food webs! Students will explore the critical habitats of Yaquina Bay, collecting and observing plants and animals from the mudflats. Discover the unique adaptations that allow these organisms to thrive in such a dynamic environment.
- Hooks & Ladders - Experience life as a salmon! In this role-playing game, students will navigate the challenges of salmon migration. From predators to pollution, see if your fish can overcome the obstacles and make it back to the estuary to spawn.
- Water Quality Detectives - What makes an estuary healthy? Students will collect water samples from Yaquina Bay and test for key water quality parameters. By analyzing the results, they’ll determine if our estuary is in good shape—or if it’s showing signs of trouble.
This track is recommended with families with predominantly older children. Classes will target an age range of Grades 6 to 12; however, younger students are welcome in an effort to accommodate families with wide age ranges.
Hands-on Activities include:
- Water Quality Detectives - What makes an estuary healthy? Students will collect water samples from Yaquina Bay and test for key water quality parameters. By analyzing the results, they’ll determine if our estuary is in good shape—or if it’s showing signs of trouble.
- Seasonal Water Quality Inquiry - Explore the estuary through the seasons! Using a year’s worth of water quality data collected by HMSC aquarists, students will look for patterns and trends over time. Graph and analyze the results to uncover whether our estuary is stable or changing.
- Crab Zonation Study (outdoor class) - What happens to shore crabs as you move farther from the water? Students will head to the estuary to make predictions about how crab characteristics change across different estuary zones, then test their hypothesis by collecting specimens in the field. In the classroom, they’ll examine their data to uncover patterns in crab distribution and adaptations.
Homeschool Day Parent Feedback:
"The teachers are stellar, the experiments are fresh and new, and the curriculum appeals to all our family in different ways . . . Thank you for a high quality experience. We will be back again for sure!"
"The teachers were knowledgeable, organized, focused and made the learning fun. It was an excellent day! I would definitely recommend this to other home school families!"