Trustees Homeschool Programs in Ipswich engage learners in unique place-based programs that address Next Generation Science Standards while allowing ample time for exploring the coastline, gardens, and grounds of The Crane Estate and the barnyard, fields, and forest of Appleton Farms.

Our outdoor, inquiry-driven approach enhances children’s learning experiences, so students thrive academically and personally, building knowledge and self-confidence simultaneously. Participants develop a better understanding of the world, the importance of its conservation, and how meaningful actions can make the changes they envision in the world.

Programs are 3-hour drop-off program series for ages 5–11.

For inquiries, contact: Val Perini, North Shore Regional Education Manager

Students will learn through hands-on science, history, and outdoor skill-building lessons with expert naturalist educators and outdoor guides.

Through immersive, experiential learning, students explore coastal resilience, sustainability, ecology, agriculture, life cycles, soil science, history, culture, and more—making important connections to their ongoing science learning while developing a relationship with their immediate environment. Activities include tidepooling, gardening, hiking, taking care of animals, and exploring the natural world in various ecosystems. Students will learn through hands-on science and history and outdoor skill-building activities alongside expert educators and naturalists whose goal is for each student to thrive.

Through educator-guided, experiential learning, students explore sustainability, agroecology, life cycles, soil science, history, and more – making important connections to their ongoing science learning. Activities include plenty of time gardening, hiking, and exploring while applying skills such as scientific inquiry and engineering design.

Our programs are aligned with Massachusetts Department of Education Curriculum Frameworks and the Next Generation Science Standards.

Core academic skills students will learn:

• Scientific inquiry: making observations and predictions, stating hypotheses and forming a conclusion
• The Design Process: Identifying the problem and criteria, planning, constructing and evaluating
• Organizing and communicating scientific results with graphs
• Drawing from observation and journaling
• Estimating and measuring – length/area, volume, mass and temperature
• Using models in science
• Using a microscope
• Reading the landscape
• Reflecting on the chronology and modern implications of historical events

Additional skills your student will acquire:

• Communication and teamwork
• Resilience
• Problem-solving
• Focus
• Critical thinking
• Creativity
• Agency

We are also pleased to work with established homeschool learning groups by partnering to develop an outdoor, place-based learning opportunity that enriches and expands upon your science or cross-disciplinary curriculum.

For inquiries, contact: Val Perini, North Shore Regional Education Manager