Ijams Homeschool Days
Explore, discover, and connect with nature through hands-on adventures designed for homeschool families with homeschooler between the age of 5-12! Each month, Ijams offers an engaging themed program led by environmental educators, combining science, outdoor exploration, and creative play.
Fall 2025 Themes
August 18, 9:00am-12:00pm
Adventurology
Meeting Spot: Ijams Mead’s Quarry
Celebrate adventure and discovery in the great outdoors! Families will enjoy a guided hike, create nature-inspired art, and -depending on weather and availability- have the chance to canoe on the beautiful Ijams Quarry. This class focuses on how to explore nature safely, respectfully, and with a sense of wonder.
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September 22, 9:00am-12:00pm
Birding
Meeting Spot: Ijams Visitor Center
Experience bird banding up close, practice using binoculars, and enjoy a guided birding hike through forest and meadow habitats.
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October 20, 9:00am-12:00pm
Grossology
Meeting Spot: Ijams Visitor Center
From slime to scavengers, we’re celebrating all things “gross” in the natural world! Go dipnetting, investigate decomposers, and learn to love the unloved creatures that keep ecosystems thriving.
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November 17, 9:00am-10:00am AND 10:30am-12:00pm
Life in the Loop
Meeting Spot:
9:00am-10:00am - Ijams Visitor Center (Optional)
10:30am-12:00pm - East Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center – Holston Unit (3723 Riverside Drive, Knoxville, TN 37914)
Follow energy as it flows through ecosystems! This special field trip takes us across the river to a working research farm run by the University of Tennessee, where we’ll see agricultural science in action.
Explore composting and decomposers at an optional pre-activity at Ijams (9:00–10:00 am), then travel to the Holston Unit for our main program (10:30 am–12:00 pm). Highlights include:
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Touring the ornamental research area and learning about living shorelines
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Watching a cattle working demonstration in the corral and chute
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Visiting wheat variety trials and hearing about ongoing research on trees and crops
Connect what we’ve learned about food webs and energy flow to real-world ecosystems on the farm!
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December 15, 5:30pm-8:30pm
Astronomy
Meeting Spot: Ijams Visitor Center
Bundle up for a cozy night of stargazing! Enjoy hot cocoa, a warm fire, s’mores, and constellation spotting under the winter sky as we explore the night together.
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Cost: $15/student/date
Register for as many dates as you’d like. Each session offers unique content tailored to the topic.
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Policies and Information
Please read the following policies carefully when registering. Signing up for Ijams Homeschool Days indicates your understanding and agreement with these guidelines. Our goal is to create a safe, enriching experience for all families!
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Age Requirements
Children must fall within the listed age range (5–12) by the date of their first registered session.
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Adult Attendance
To help us maintain a quality experience on the trails and in our group settings:
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At least one parent or guardian must remain onsite and accompany their homeschooler for the entire program.
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If possible, we ask that only one adult attend per child to help reduce crowding on narrow trails. However, up to two adults per registered student are welcome if needed.
Younger Siblings
Younger siblings are welcome to tag along as long as they remain under the direct supervision of their parent or guardian at all times. Please note that programming is designed specifically for ages 5–12.
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Trail Conditions & Accessibility
Ijams trails are mostly unpaved and may include uneven terrain, rocks, and tree roots. Most are not stroller-friendly. If you plan to bring a stroller or have mobility concerns, please reach out to fieldtrips@ijams.org ahead of time so we can discuss possible modifications or alternate options.
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Parking
You will receive a parking pass prior to each program day so you can enjoy your visit without any additional fees.
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Group Structure
Depending on the number of participants, homeschool days may run as one large group or be split into two to three smaller groups, generally organized by age.
If you have multiple children registered who fall into different age groups, you're welcome to stay together as a family unit and choose the group that works best for you. We want your experience to be comfortable, flexible, and fun for everyone!
Please contact Kylie Preston with any questions about Homeschool Days at fieldtrips@ijams.org
