Octagon Homeschool Days
Upcoming dates: July 24, 2026, August 28, 2026, September 25, 2026
10:30–11:30 a.m.
Student - $8
Do you have a homeschooler looking for an educational and fun activity related to history? Well, come meet us at the Octagon Visitor Center for a drop-in program on the fourth Friday of each month!
June 26:Sun, Moon, Mounds
Join us for a homeschool program at the Octagon Earthworks as we explore the sun, the moon, and why they were important to the people of the Hopewell Culture. Students will enjoy hands-on activities and a guided tour of the earthworks while learning how the Octagon was carefully aligned with the moonrise. Discover how the Hopewell people observed the skies and connected astronomy to the landscape they built over 2,000 years ago.
July 24: Building the Earthworks
Join us at the Octagon Earthworks to discover how the ancient earthworks were built by the people of the Hopewell Culture. Learners will explore the tools and techniques used to create the massive and precise circles and walls found at the site. Through hands-on activities and exploration of the earthworks, students will gain insight into the engineering and teamwork behind them and even build their own small-scale earthwork model.
August 28th: Pottery of the Past
Discover the art and science of pottery created by both the Hopewell and Fort Ancient cultures! In this hands-on homeschool program, students will learn how these ancient peoples crafted and used pottery in their daily lives. Participants will explore traditional designs, tools, and techniques while discovering what pottery can teach us about the past. Students will then create their own pottery piece to take home. Join us as we connect creativity, history, and archaeology through this interactive experience!
September 25: Trees Through Time
Together, we’ll take a guided walk through the earthworks grounds, learn how to identify native Ohio trees, and discover the important role they play in our environment. We’ll also explore how people have used trees throughout history for food, medicine, tools, shelter, and more. As part of the program, students will create their own Tree Journal to take home. This personalized journal can be used to record observations, identify new trees, and continue their tree discoveries long after the program ends.
Please dress for the weather, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a water bottle. This program will include outdoor exploration and light walking on uneven ground.
Please Note: This program is geared toward students 5–12 years of age; younger students are welcome to attend but will not be able to participate in the activity without one-on-one aid from a parent or guardian.
October 23: Archaeology
Dig into the past with us during this archaeology-themed homeschool!
Join us at the Octagon Earthworks Visitor Center as we learn about how archaeologists understand the past and how artifacts and sites end up under layers of earth. Students will create a layered snack as we literally build the history of Ohio from 14,000 BCE to the present. During this activity, students will learn how archaeologists excavate at archaeological sites and model one method of how archaeologists determine the age of artifacts. Students will also recognize that landscapes change and grow over time.
**Please note that this activity will involve food and parent consent is required for students to participate. Sugar-free chocolate pudding will be the primary ingredient. We will ensure that all other food items are free of allergens**
Follow us on social media to learn about what topics we will be learning about each month: