Free Online Botany Course through Oregon State University

A free online basic botany course offered by Oregon State University.
International students are also welcome.
Self paced course, easy to register and free of charge.

Learn to identify a diverse range of whole plants, parts of plants, and non-plant relatives (such as fungus, lichen, algae, moss, fern, conifer and seed plants).

Course Link -
https://pace.oregonstate.edu/catalog/free-basic-botany-course-master-gardener-series

Ranger Game Groupon for Sunday August 2nd

New Ranger Game groupon

San Francisco Giants vs Texas Rangers
Sunday August 2, 2:05 pm

Cholula All You Can Eat Porch sale $37 (usually $53)
Lexus Club Terrace sale $24 (usually $35)
Upper Reserved sale $14 (usually $20)

Buy up to 12 tickets for this price.

Groupon Link - http://goo.gl/Kmsnka

Don't forget to read our post about Homeschool Day at the Texas Rangers on August 19th!

New Online High School classes at Curr Click

New High School classes at CurrClick. Lots more online curriculum as well!

Introduction to Forensic Science
From CSI-SCIENCE-GUY
for high school

American History and Ancient History
by Miz History Wrangler
for junior high and high school

Graphic Design I
From Stuntz Art & Design Studio
for high school

ACT/SAT (2015) Essay Test Prep
From Katie's Homeschool Cottage
for high school

Link - http://goo.gl/HP2CAY

Amazon School Supply Sales

School Supplies on sale at Amazon!
With Prime shipping, you don't have to worry about the gas or the crowds! I will update as I find more sales.  Prices may change at any time - so grab the deal quick!  Also, come back to see if it changed back again - prices fluctuate throughout the day or week on Amazon.

What I have found so far:
$2 for 64 Crayola crayons - http://amzn.to/1OQ3v4b
$5.94 for 300 ct construction paper - http://amzn.to/1VOxyOz
52 cents for Elmers Glue - http://amzn.to/1OQ47GU
$12.96 for 96 Ticonderoga pencils - http://amzn.to/1VOFVtu
$11.52 for 12 square storage boxes - http://amzn.to/1U8snar
$1.97 for 8 large Ultra-clean Crayola Crayons - http://amzn.to/1fKaVdc
$3.99 - RediTag Divider sticky notes - http://amzn.to/1I3C2cL
$12 - 24 pack of Sharpie permanent markers
Under $15 - Backpacks - http://amzn.to/1Sjkwcq
$4.50 - Alex Magnetic Alphabet - http://amzn.to/1KAkw3I
$9.35 - Reusable Dry Erase Pocket - http://amzn.to/1MVMch1
$10.36 - 16 Expo Low Odor Dry Erase markers - http://amzn.to/1VODPd9
$6.98 - 12 Expo fine point markers - http://amzn.to/1fKfUKS
$.99 - Index page dividers - http://amzn.to/1KAmv8h
$.99 - Westcott kid scissors - http://amzn.to/1fKgisD
$1.78 - Bic Red Pens - http://amzn.to/1fKgqbO

Amazon School Lists - http://amzn.to/1VODaZ3
Amazon School supply search page - http://amzn.to/1SOfG1M

Until July 31st, buy $50 gift cards first to a promotional $10, then use the gift cards for the purchase! Its like getting another $10 off! More info here: http://amzn.to/1LSvjF7

Safe Sitter Class for Teenagers in Fort Worth on August 8th

Have a teenager age 11 - 14 who wants to be a babysitter? Here is a great class to give them confidence!
Saturday August 8th from 9 am to 3:30 pm

Johnson County Herb Society Summer Thyme Festival August 1st

Johnson County Herb Society
Summer Thyme Festival Saturday Aug 1st 9 to 3
Pony Sweep - Pony Rides $5.00
Sun Rise Ice Cream
Kid's Alley
Maskaroni Face Painting
Make a bird house with The Cleburne Home Depot
Learn about the Monarch Butterfly with Cleburne State Park
Love fossils? Explore them with Rio Brazos Master Naturalists John Kriener
Bees will be a-buzzing with the Metro Beekeepers
and More!

Free workshop for dual credit and college applicants in Richardson

Homeschooling a highschooler in DFW? Don't miss a free workshop for dual credit and college applicants.

Free Workshop - Dual Credit and Student/College Applications

8 August at 12:00

The Prometheus Academy in Richardson, Texas

Facebook Event link - https://www.facebook.com/events/142251382775802/


Following the workshop from 1:30–3:00 p.m., The Prometheus Academy will conduct a parent orientation about how The Prometheus Academy works, its classes, DCCCD dual credit procedures, and teaching staff. Parents interested in learning more about The Prometheus Academy can attend.

More Info here:  http://www.theprometheusacademy.com/public_homeschool_workshops.html

Homeschool Days at the Texas Pool - August 7th and 21st

August 7 and August 21: Homeschool Days, Friday
Homeschool families, be our guest from 11-8 PM,
$4/Person or $20/Family

Contact info:
901 Springbrook Dr * Plano, Texas * 75075
972-881-TEXAS (8392) Avail Jun-Sept

About Texas Pool:
Texas-sized (168,000-gallon) and Texas-shaped
* SALTWATER pool
* Family friendly, welcoming atmosphere with legendary historic ambiance
* Diving board and 2 water slides
* Shallow wading area in South Texas for small children and parents
Certified Lifeguard team and a Jr. Lifeguard program for youth ages 13-14
* Visit the Snack Bar or bring in your own picnic food, and coolers with nonalcoholic beverages
* BBQ grills and picnic tables are available for your use
Complimentary WiFi for Time Warner customers
* Little Free Library
The Texas Pool Foundation is a 501c3 registered charity. Established in 1961, the Texas Pool has been providing legendary fun and fitness for generation after generation.
Hours:
Sunday: 12pm - 6pm
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11am - 8pm
Wednesday: 11am - 8pm
Thursday: 11am - 8pm
Friday: 11am - 8pm
Saturday: 10am - 8pm
If you want to go a different day than the Homeschool Day, then you will need to purchase a Tourist Membership:
Tourist Level Memberships are available for out of town visitors who would like to enjoy the Texas Pool. A one day family tourist pass is available for $20 or a 3 day family tourist pass for $50. Passes may be purchased directly at the pool.
If you live closeby, you can buy a family season pass for $200.
Link to the Texas Pool Website: http://texaspool.org/

Artist Demonstrations week at the Bureau of Engraving - July 28-31

JULY 28-31 - 8:30 am to 1:30 pm
During this special event week, BEP employees share the history of the U.S. paper currency printing process through live demonstrations of their artistry and craftsmanship.

Flyer Link: http://www.moneyfactory.gov/…/2015_Summer_Employee_Craftsma…

Bureau Link: http://www.moneyfactory.gov/wcfspecialevents.html

Also, Need to Know info:
The BEP is a secured facility. Visitors, including children, are subject to security screening prior to entering the Tour and Visitor Center. Cell phones, electronic equipment, back packs, cameras, weapons (including knives, pellet guns, mace, etc.), explosives, food, and drinks are prohibited.

Directions:  http://www.moneyfactory.gov/wcfdirections.html

Homeschooling Day at the Texas Rangers Baseball Game August 19th

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19TH
PREGAME CLINIC - 1:05 PM FOR HOMESCHOOLING FAMILIES
DOLLAR HOT DOG DAY
DISCOUNT TICKETS

Kimbellfest and MoonDay events on Saturday July 18th

Two exciting Events in the metroplex are happening on Saturday, July 18th!
KimbellFest at the Kimbell Museum, and Moon Day at the Frontier Flights Museum!

KimbellFest - 2 PM to 10 PM on the Kimbell Museum lawn
This extravaganza is inspired by the Museum’s summer exhibition, Botticelli to Braque: Masterpieces from the National Galleries of Scotland, and will highlight Scottish heritage. Bring the entire family to enjoy free exhibition admission, innovative art activities, face painting, films, cultural performances and demonstrations, and exciting live music by breakout Texas musicians on the Museum’s celebrated lawn. This spectacular event is not to be missed!
Link: https://www.kimbellart.org/special-events/kimbellfest-scotland

Space Exposition at the Frontier Flight Museum:
JOIN US FOR THE BIGGEST ANNUAL SPACE EXPOSITION IN TEXAS! at the Museum » Saturday, July 18 » 10 am – 5 pm
*$10 Adults | $8 Seniors (65+) | $7 Youths/Students (3-17) | Children under 3 FREE
Additional materials fee for Rocket Build ($25) and Space Art ($20)

Link: http://www.flightmuseum.com/moon-day-2015/
Teacher Workshops Link: http://www.flightmuseum.com/moon-day-2015-classes/

Activities:
Talk LIVE to the Expedition 43 Crew on the International Space Station:
Students will have an opportunity to submit questions that will be answered live by astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS). LEARN MORE ABOUT NASA EXPEDITION 43 CREW. The successful completion of the live communication with the ISS is subject to operational considerations.
Attend ISS and Lunar Sample Disk Certification teacher workshops (CE credit for DISD teachers)
See the LEGO ISS scale model
Meet space traveler Anousheh Ansari and hear about her personal experiences aboard the International Space Station:
On September 18, 2006, Anousheh Ansari captured headlines around the world as the first female private space explorer. She also earned a place in history as the fourth private explorer to visit space and the first space traveler of Iranian descent. She blasted off for an eight-day stay aboard the International Space Station with the Expedition 14 crew of the Soyuz TMA-9, which included NASA astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria and Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Tyurin. This was the accomplishment of a lifelong dream for her. LEARN MORE ABOUT ANOUSHEH.
Build and launch model rockets ($25 materials fee)
Create your own space art ($20 materials fee)
Explore THREE inflatable planetariums
Check out the Sun’s surface with a SAFE solar telescope
Choose and attend one or more of the classes in the Moon Academy for kids and the Lunar University for adults (CE credit for DISD teachers)
Girl Scout Patches and Boy Scout Merit Badges and Moon Day patch: Sky, Night Owl, Home Scientist, Astronomy, and Space Exploration plus more STEM-related patches.

Inca Exhibit for the Dallas Art museum

Now through August 30th, purchase four Inca exhibition tickets for just $25 for their Special Inca exhibit. (normal cost $16.95 each)
See ceramic to wood to gold, silver, feather and textiles from over 1,000 years of history.

Dallas Museum of Art ticket link: http://shoo.ly/1JS8kec

Find out more about the exhibit:
https://www.dma.org/art/exhibitions/inca-conquests-andes-los-incas-y-las-conquistas-de-los-andes

Dinosaur exhibit at the Dallas Zoo - Field Trip Info

The Dinosaur shows/animatronics exhibit will only be through Sept 7th, so you don't want to miss it! smile emoticon
Create a field trip for your homeschooling group and fill out the registration form - fax or email it in at least two weeks before the date.

Field Trip Planner link:  http://www.dallaszoo.com/education/teachers-lounge/field-trip-planner/

Field trip prices are $5 per person, and $8 for parking.

Here is what is in store:
One of the main reasons to go this summer is to see the Jurassic Dinosaur exhibit! One of the events do not have Tues/wed showtimes, and one event only has friday-sunday showtimes, so your group should go on a Friday.

DinoSOAR - DinoSOAR is a dynamic, interactive 20-minute wildlife show featuring birds and mammals from all over the world. Follow the action as a paleontologist stumbles upon the show while looking for bones to complete a dinosaur skeleton. They might even get a little special help from animal friends, including capybara, a Harris hawk, penguins, a tamandua anteater and more. DinoSOAR times -
Friday - 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Dinosaur Zoo Live - Get ready for the ultimate playdate – 65 million years in the making – as Erth’sDINOSAUR ZOO LIVE leads you on a breathtaking tour of pre-historic Australia
Meet and interact with an eye-popping collection of life-like dinosaur puppets presented in an entertaining and educational live theatrical performance created by Erth Visual & Physical of Sydney, Australia, and produced by Red Tail Entertainment. Dinosaur Zoo LIVE times-
Friday - 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m, 1:30 p.m.

The Cheetah Encounter show is Friday - 9:45 a.m. and 2 p.m
Pony Rides - Friday: 10am-12pm $2 each (child must be under 80 lbs)
Other costs -
Carousel ride - $2 per rider
Giraffe Feeding (You can feed giraffes!) - $5
Pony rides - Friday: 10am-12pm $2 each (child must be under 80 lbs)
Feed Birds - $1.00 for a feed stick or cup of meal worms.
Monorail Safari - can't find price on website
May I bring my own food and drinks?
Guests may bring their own food and drinks, although glass items, alcoholic beverages and lightweight, single-use straws are not permitted. There are no facilities available for food or cooler storage. We have several restaurants and food and beverage carts on the grounds with a wide selection of healthy, affordable menu items.

Dallas zoo website link: www.dallaszoo.com
Dallas zoo app (for map and other info): http://www.dallaszoo.com/plan-your-a…/dallas-zoo-iphone-app/
Dallas zoo map: http://www.dallaszoo.com/wp-conte…/…/2010/12/ZooNorth4.1.pdf
(Dinosaur Zoo Live and DinoSOAR are not far from the main gate.)

Like our Facebook page!

I post on the facebook page as well!  I also post free ebooks, homeschooling manipulative deals, interesting article finds, and more!  Come and Like the Facebook page to be updated on all ongoing happenings in DFW.

Facebook has made some updates and you can now control your newsfeed and which posts are important to you! Never miss a homeschooling post again! Click the “Like” button on our Facebook page (make sure “Get Notifications” is checked off too!) and Under “In Your News Feed”, select “See First.”

Facebook page link: https://www.facebook.com/pages/DFW-Homeschooling-Connections

4th of July and Other Summer Discounts for the Dallas Arboretum

Fourth of July Weekend discounts for Dallas Arboretum:
Friday, July 3-Monday, July 6
Continuing the celebration of our nation’s independence in true red, white and blue style, guests will receive a special reduced $5 general admission and active and retired members of our esteemed armed services will receive free admission on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Everyone will enjoy patriotic music and flags throughout the garden.

Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden Activities
Friday, July 3 - Sunday, July 5
Independence Day Weekend
9 a.m. – Craft Corner: The Stars and Stripes (Main Entry Plaza)
9 a.m. – Patriotic Scavenger Hunt (Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden)
10 a.m. – Storytime (Petroglyph Walk Pergola)
10:30 a.m. – Puppet Show: Finding My Way Home (Glade Puppet Theater)
11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. – Elephant Toothpaste (Exploration Center)
11:30 a.m. – Puppet Show: Finding My Way Home (Glade Puppet Theater)
12 p.m. – Red, White and Fruit (Incredible Edible Garden)
2 p.m. – Eddie the Eagle: Our Nation’s Emblem (Exploration Center)
2:30 p.m. – OmniGlobe Presentation: A Star Spangled Galaxy (OmniGlobe)

Other Summer discounts:
Wednesdays BOGO (Buy One Get One Free)
Every Wednesday through July 29

C.C. Young Senior Thursdays
Every Thursday
$11 admission and a 20% Gift Store discount

Bring a Friend Friday
3rd Friday of the Month
July 17
Start your weekend right and share the garden with a friend who gets in for free with a regular paid admission with coupon found on the arboretum site.

YMCA Discount
$5 Admission with valid YMCA card
Monday, July 6 – Thursday, July 9

Scout Discount
Friday, July 31
Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Brownies and Cubs wearing their scarves receive free admission, plus 50% off for their families (up to 4 members).

More info here:
http://www.dallasarboretum.org/visit/featured-discounts and
http://www.dallasarboretum.org/visit/seasonal-festivals-events/summer-at-the-arboretum