Homeschool Classes
An Immersion Awaits!
A full-day, drop-off science experience designed for homeschool students to explore water science, ecology, and local ecosystems through fieldwork and hands-on investigation.
These classes allow homeschool students to participate in the same hands-on field trip experiences as classroom students without families needing to organize a group or meet minimum attendance requirements.
Upcoming Programming:
Water Wednesdays!
How Water Wednesdays Work
Water Wednesdays are designed to support homeschool families with students in multiple age groups by offering coordinated programming across locations. Students will spend the day at WaterWorks participating in an advanced, field-based science program.
This is a drop-off program. Students are supervised by trained staff at all times.
Grades 7-12
Class Option 1- Paddle Through the Past
Students will investigate the history and function of river systems through a guided canoe experience on Flint Creek, a tributary of the Tennessee River. While on the water, students will observe real-world examples of watershed dynamics, stream structure, and human impact.
Following the canoe portion, students will participate in hands-on lab activities that reinforce key concepts related to water quality, wetland function, and river system processes. Using models and data collection tools, students will explore how features such as beaver dams, streambank erosion, and culverts influence water movement and ecosystem health.
This class emphasizes observation, data collection, and critical thinking while connecting local waterways to broader environmental systems.
Grades 7-12
Class Option 2- Exploring Alabama Biodiversity
Students will investigate local ecosystems through a guided hike across the WaterWorks property, exploring how biodiversity, habitat structure, and environmental factors shape the natural world. Along the trail, students will observe real-world examples of species interactions, native and invasive species, and the physical characteristics that define different ecosystems.
Following the hike, students will participate in hands-on activities that reinforce key concepts related to ecosystem function, biodiversity, and environmental change. Using models and observation-based data collection, students will explore how factors such as habitat loss, species diversity, and human impact influence ecosystem health and resilience.
This class emphasizes observation, data collection, and critical thinking while connecting local ecosystems to broader environmental systems.
Registration Policy
To ensure an efficient registration process for all participants, please review our guidelines for homeschool programming:
Our homeschool classes are designed to provide age-appropriate environmental science experiences aligned with the activities offered to school field trip groups. Families can register individually, allowing students to participate alongside other homeschool learners.
Program Structure
Groups must select from existing field trip programs and follow the listed age ranges for those programs. This ensures lessons remain developmentally appropriate and aligned with the activity design.
Roster and Payment
A final student roster must be emailed to WaterWorks and a full payment must be made two weeks prior to the visit in order to confirm registration. Reservations that do not submit a final roster and full payment by the two-week deadline may be released to other groups.
Chaperone Ratio
Because our class sizes are limited, we follow the same chaperone limits used for our school field trips.
Grades Pre-K–2: 1 chaperone per 5 students
Grades 3–12: 1 chaperone per 10 students
Chaperone Pricing
Non-canoeing classes: chaperones are $5 each (since adults occupy spots within the class size limits.)
Canoe Trips: the same chaperone limits apply, but all participants, including chaperones, pay the full program price (since they are occupying a seat in a canoe and participating in the activity.)