Homeschool Classes
Explore the natural world in Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s homeschool classes! Students ages 6-18 from the Western Pennsylvania homeschool community are invited to attend interactive, engaging sessions designed to complement homeschool science curriculums. Read on below to learn more about the schedule and descriptions of all our classes and to register your learner today – classes fill up quickly!
2025-2026 Homeschool Classes listed below meet at the museum on the following Mondays. Classes for all sessions and ages will run from 1:00–3:30 p.m.
Fall 2025 Session
October 20
October 27
November 3
November 10
November 17
Last day to register for Fall session: October 6, 2025
Winter 2026 Session
January 26
February 2
February 9
February 16
February 23
Last day to register for Winter Session: January 12, 2026
Spring 2026 Session
April 13
April 20
April 27
May 4
May 11
Last day to register for Spring Session: March 30, 2026
Register for Homeschool Classes Below
Winter 2026 Session
Wild and Wonderful Earth (Ages 6-8)
Explore our planet from the inside out! Discover the rocks, minerals, and crystals that make up the many layers of Earth, and learn the history of the world by looking at fossils. Learn about the forces behind earthquakes, build an earthquake-proof building, and put your structure to the test. Investigate beneath the surface to find out why volcanoes erupt, and look beyond the atmosphere to see why the sun is essential to life on Earth.
Classes begin January 26, 2026. Please register by January 12, 2026.
Marine Marvels (Ages 9-12)
Dive into the study of oceans and seas! Investigate the science behind ocean currents, salt water, and how oceans affect daily weather patterns. Explore the frigid waters of the Arctic, learn how animals adapt to sub-freezing water temperatures, and see how icebergs form. Uncover marine mysteries, from what survives in an ocean abyss to what happened to ships in the Bermuda Triangle. Find out how to protect and appreciate the world’s marine environments and discover ways to keep them healthy.
Classes begin January 26, 2026. Please register by January 12, 2026.
Forensic Science II (High School – Ages 13-18)
The Winter Session continues the study of forensics with the investigation into the science of a crime scene. Learn the importance of DNA and work to understand the complexities of genetics, fingerprinting, and blood analysis. Study how the process of burning and using accelerants play a role in forensic fire, and explore how investigators look at animal fur, scat, and other natural artifacts to understand wildlife-related crimes. Begin to unravel the psychology of the criminal mind.
Classes begin January 26, 2026. Please register by January 12, 2026.
Spring 2026 Session
Wild and Wonderful Plants (Ages 6-8)
Classes begin April 13, 2026. Please register by March 30, 2026. More details available in Fall 2025.
Aquatic Micro Explorers (Ages 9-12)
Classes begin April 13, 2026. Please register by March 30, 2026. More details available in Fall 2025.
Forensic Science III (High School – Ages 13-18)
Classes begin April 13, 2026. Please register by March 30, 2026. More details available in Fall 2025.
Registration and Cancellation Policies
Late registration (within two weeks of the session start date) may be possible with an additional $50 fee. Contact. ProgramRegistration@CarnegieMuseums.org to inquire about availability.
For cancellations to a single session, participants are eligible for a full refund minus a $10 processing fee if cancelling more than one week before the session begins. For cancellations made less than one week before the session starts, but before the second class in the session, participants are eligible for a refund minus a $10 processing fee and the pro-rated cost of the first class. No refunds will be issued after the second class in the session.
Inclement Weather Policy
For children’s programs scheduled to occur December through March, the following inclement weather policy will be used: Should hazardous conditions result in cancellation of classes, announcements will be made on local Pittsburgh television stations including KDKA, WTAE, WPXI, and FOX. Decisions are based on the needs of all students and instructors, some of whom drive considerable distances to Oakland. Makeup days may be scheduled for missed classes. During any inclement weather, please use your own discretion to attend for your own safety and that of your student.
