Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions. To ask a question, contact: OHSCOMSI@gmail.com
How can I get the Private Page Password? Registered families can request at OHSCOMSI@gmail.com
Can we join mid-term? Yes, if there is space. We will prorate for the remaining classes.
Why do we have to buy an OMSI membership? Years ago we set up the program with entrance using a membership card, rather than the typical daily visitor’s ticket. Day passes would be too expensive to come for 36 weeks, the OMSI membership saves you money and time. We receive a $30 homeschool family discount. Contact ohscomsi@gmail.com for our discount code, this is given to registered families.
Who teaches the classes? OMSI Science Educators with degrees in the science field or science education teach these classes.
Do the classes meet “State Standards”? No single class can cover all the standards. Think of these as jumping off points, or wrapping up lessons to what you are teaching at home. Yes, the classes are carefully designed to match the expected standards to meet developmental benchmarks for the grades.
Can traditional school students join the classes? These are offered to homeschoolers or hybrid homeschoolers. Public and private school students have other classes offered to them. Contact OMSI registration for more information.
Are classes open to the public to wander in and join? No, the doors to our labs are closed. Only students and parents with our name tags may enter. Only the 2 volunteering parents may stay inside the class.
Is volunteering required? Yes, this is a co-op program and heavily depends on the volunteers to run. Non-volunteering families will be required to re-register for the following term by paying the registration fee again, filling out the registration form again, and re-selecting any available classes. Volunteering families are given preference for continuing.
How can I volunteer if I don’t know any science? Parent volunteers don’t teach, we just offer extra hands, feet, and eyes to support the OMSI Science Educators.
What if I can’t volunteer? There are so many options to volunteer (greeters, front desk, classroom, walkers), or you can ask another family member to fill your hour. We have yet to run out of options.
What time are the classes? What day of the week? All classes are at 10:00, 11:30, or 1:00 on Tuesdays. Younger classes are one hour each, older student classes are two hours. There is a limit of two courses per student.
What is the Assembly Day? Total fun science in the auditorium with big “WOW!” demonstrations just for our group. OHSC Staff will host a table for picking up name tags, answering questions, or helping update OMSI memberships. Come have fun and meet other homeschooling families.
Can I stay every week with my child for class, my child may need my support. These classes need volunteers, but we are limited to two volunteering adults in the classroom. Every family needs to volunteer once per term, per child, and per class. After everyone has a chance to fill their duty, the remaining volunteer spots are open for repeat volunteering. We are developing a class for students needing their parents in the classroom for every session. Please contact OHSCOMSI@gmail.com to join this developing class.