Hi. I'm a homeschooling dad and have interest in all things
science-museum-related. I've also done a bit of science education outreach
wit homeschooled and "regular" schooled kids.
My kids attend a California Charter school (in Santa Barbara, CA) which has
a home-based component.
The teacher actively pursues specialists who will come to the school and do
a one to three hour class with the kids.
Situations in which the class as a whole (or an interested subgroup) goes
somewhere are arranged by interested parents. For example, one parent has
arranged several dates for group tours of an art museum exhibit. Another
parent arranges for the kids and parents to attend the local Civic Light
Opera performances. Her job is a tough one; for while the kids' attendance
is paid for by the school, the adults' is not, and the money must be in a
month before the performance. Not to mention cancellations, additions, etc.

Homeschoolers as a rule are not easy to find. The best advice I can give is
to learn about your local homeschooling support groups and programs.   You
might also want to run an ad in one of the best-known homeschooling
magazines: Growing Without Schooling at http://www.holtgws.com.

There are some homeschooling links on my site. I think Jon's homeschooling
resources will take you to some of the other homeschooling publications.

As far as streamlining the reservation process, you will find that
homeschooling groups are much more diverse than their public school
counterparts. Attendance will vary. On the whole, though, those that do show
up will be much more interested in what you are doing, because their
attendance is much more volntary, and the kids don't carry as many of the
burdens of school life as their p.s. counterparts.

Find the support groups. Ask to include a flyer (copies of which you
provide) into one of their mailings. Keep track of the parents who respond
to the mailing, as they will likely be the organizers of any visit that
happens. Good luck!

Katherine wrote:

> Does anyone work with home-school groups to do museum classes?  We offer
> them expanded versions of our regular school offerings (one hour
> inquiry-based science classes).  I am looking for advice on how to
> streamline reservations and contracting with these groups.  Thanks.
>
> Katherine Ziff
> [log in to unmask]

 --
Brian Wesley Rich
Santa Barbara Science
http://www.west.net/~science/