Homeschool Workshops

 Join us as we problem solve, test, and investigate using the Engineering Design Process through hands-on activities that introduce important engineering concepts. Add on a visit to our museum floor to make it a full day of engineering fun. Workshops are appropriate for Kindergarten through grade five.

$11.50 per participating child ($9.50 for members)

Add museum admission for HALF PRICE since you’re already here! ($6.50 per person – adults and children 2 and up). Just mention that you’re registered for a homeschool workshop to receive the admission discount for your family/group. As always members visit the museum for FREE. On homeschool workshop days, museum hours will be 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

If you have any additional questions please email info@theworks.org.

November 4, 2024

Mini-Catapults

10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Practice the Engineering Design Process and use a glue gun to construct a small catapult. Find out how far you can fling an object. Great fit with second grade standards.

January 6, 2025

Light and Kaleidoscopes

10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Experiment with reflecting and absorbing of light. Build and engineer a colorful kaleidoscope to take home.

March 3, 2025

Circuit Explore

10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Learn about the flow of electricity and hook up different circuits to create a light to take home. Great fit with first grade standards.

May 5, 2025

Float your Boat

10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Explore buoyancy with different materials, then build your own boat. Evaluate and improve your design, just like a real engineer! Great fit with second grade standards.

Homeschool Workshop Policies

A few things have changed now that we are in our new space – please read carefully.

Space is limited, so we strongly recommend registering your family ahead of time. If there are tickets remaining, they may be purchased at the door. We do not guarantee ticket availability. Museum admission must be purchased at the door.

Workshops are appropriate for children in Kindergarten through grade five. Children ages 3 or 4 require an adult/responsible party in the classroom at all times.

Workshops begin promptly at 10 a.m. These are guided workshops, so to avoid disruption no participants will be admitted after our 15 minute grace period. No refunds will be issued for latecomers or no-shows. 

If you need to cancel: 

  • 7 or more days before the workshop, 50% of the workshop fee will be refunded (minus a 10% processing fee) OR you can choose to receive a voucher for the full amount of the workshop fee to be used for future workshops. 
  • 2-6 days before the workshop, receive a voucher for the full amount (minus a 10% processing fee) of the workshop fee to be used for future programming at The Works Museum. 
  • Less than 48 hours before the workshop, no refunds or vouchers will be issued.  

If The Works Museum must cancel the homeschool workshop for any reason, we will work with you to find another homeschool workshop to switch your registration to, or you will receive a full refund or a voucher for the full amount of the homeschool workshop.

No food or drink is allowed in the Museum, and The Works does not have lunchroom space. Visitors may eat at the outdoor picnic tables; there are also a number of restaurants within walking distance (leave your wristbands on if you want to return the same day).

No. Children must be accompanied by a responsible party at all times. If a parent or caregiver is with a child in the workshop, there must also be a responsible party to accompany any additional children that are in the exhibit gallery.

Your entry and presence at The Works Museum constitutes your consent to be photographed and/or filmed, and to the release, publication, or reproduction of this media. If you do not wish to be photographed, please alert a staff member.

Engineering is for everyone!

Please adhere to the following guidelines to make the museum a safe, comfortable, fun space for all.

  • Walk and use your inside voice

  • Food and beverages are not allowed inside the museum

  • Show respect to others and museum property

  • Share materials, take turns, and clean up after you finish at an exhibit

  • Do not leave valuables unattended. We are not responsible for lost or stolen items

  • Museum staff and volunteers are here to help! Let us know if you have any questions, needs, or concerns during your visit

All children need hands-on engineering experiences. The Works Museum’s Gateway access program offers discounted admission, membership, and camps for families with demonstrated financial need, such as participation in WIC, SNAP, or MinnesotaCare. Please ask for more information or visit theworks.org/gateway/. You can also download a Homeschool Workshop Scholarship Registration Form to apply.