Oregon Education Alternatives

Introduction- Welcome To Our Site!

2008-08-18T13:42:00.000-07:00

Unique Homeschool Science Education for your child!

Whether your children are homeschooled or attending public elementary and middle schools part-time, Oregon Education Alternatives, located in the Portland metro area, can enhance your child's learning experience with fun, hands-on classes, one-on-one tutoring and field study summer camps.

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WE ARE qualified, professional, Christian educators, dedicated to providing Portland families a new and exciting alternative to traditional public education.

WE SPECIALIZE in interactive, hands-on classes and camps designed to supplement the quality education kids are receiving at home or in the public schools.

WE BELIEVE all children are unique and gifted by God. When engaged in a rich and supportive learning environment, all children thrive.

WE ARE DEDICATED to helping your child excel in all academic areas.

*Currently, we are offering special science classes to Christian Homeschool Groups in Portland, Oregon. If you are interested in setting up a science class for your homeschool group, please contact Kim Karper directly.

If you have a moment, please check out our site!

Blessings,

Kim Karper
OEA President

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What Is New??

Important New News!! 6/10/2011

Hello Everyone!

I wanted to write and let you all know of a recent development in my life.

Yesterday I accepted a position to teach middle school science, full-time, at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Hillsboro. I am very excited by this challenging opportunity.

That said, I am sad that I will be unable to continue teaching my homeschool science classes. I have been greatly blessed by my interactions with you and your children over the past 8 years. I have many fond memories of my classes and the wonderful kiddos who have learned along with me, about God's amazing creation.

I know I didn't get a chance to meet some of you, as you did not end up taking science classes from me..... but I pray you will all be blessed in your homeschooling time with your children.

Others have taken several years of classes from me and I am so grateful for your patronage and support since 2003. I am proud to call some of you wonderful ladies my friends. I am excited for my new adventure. Leaving the supportive community of homeschoolers is very bitter sweet.

Take care everyone.

In His Hands Completely!

Kim Karper

5/2011
Thanks Everyone!

I had a great year teaching my homeschool science classes. Thank you, everyone, for taking part and working with me to teach our kids some fun science.

1/2010

Parent Comment about Oregon Education Alternatives:

"I just wanted to thank you for doing such a great job teaching these homeschool science classes! My girls had a great time and learned a lot. You have been a huge blessing to me ~ as I really do not like science; my girls were able to get excited about what they were learning from someone who really enjoys it. Thank you so much!"
(T.B.- Mom)

2008-2009
*Last fall we conducted a new class called "Science Inquiry- The Chemistry of Bubbles!" This class was so much fun! The kids learned a lot about the scientific method and we had a blast experimenting with bubbles.

Current Class Offerings

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We are excited about the 2010-2011 school year! We will host four classes at our Beaverton and Tualatin locations. We may host classes in Canby again this year as well. Stay tuned for more information.

Come and join us for some exciting science adventures!

2010-2011 Classes
Note: All of my homeschool science classes are intended for children ages 6-13.

Classroom assignments, work groups and homework assignments are differentiated to meet the needs of the children in varying age groups. I have been teaching homeschool science classes like this for 6 years. My approach has been very successful!

Funtastic Forces and Motion!

This experiment-based course is all about learning through play. Children will study the essential force in physics called "motion" by observing different toys in action. We will do experiments involving speed, velocity, momentum & acceleration. We will also discover the main opposing force to movement and motion- friction.

Topics for the course include:

Physics of Motion
Speed, Acceleration, Velocity
Power of Momentum

Dates: September 10, 17, 24 and October 1, 8, 15
Time: Fridays from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Place: Beaverton Christian Church

Dates: September 9, 16, 23, 30 and October 7, 14
Time: Thursdays at 1:00- 2:00 p.m.
Place: Rolling Hills Community Church

Gooey, Slimy, Weird Chemistry!

Get your hands dirty in this hands-on course! We will be learning elementary chemistry using every day messy materials. Children will gain valuable knowledge and experience in basic laboratory skills and lab safety. Using surprising experiments called "zingers", we explore chemical reactions and properties of matter.We will play (VERY safely!) with water, dry ice and some other astonishing substances!

Topics for the course include:

Solids, Liquids and Gases
The Nature of Chemical reactions
Lab Safety
Equipment and Measurement

Dates: October 29, November 5, 10*, 19 and December 3, 10
Time: Fridays from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Place: Beaverton Christian Church

Dates: October 28, November 4, 10*, 18 and December 2, 9
Time: Thursdays at 1:00- 2:00 p.m.
Place: Rolling Hills Community Church

( * Due to the Veteran's Day holiday weekend, class will be held on Wednesday of this week. )

The Incredible Human Body!

The heart, lungs, stomach and brain... our bodies are incredible! This high interest course is designed to provide your child with an introduction to God's most amazing creation, the human body! We will learn body organization and discover how the body systems work together to keep us alive. We will focus, in depth, on the workings of our skeletal and cardiovascular systems. An interesting, hands-on heart dissection is included, but optional!

Topics for the course include:

Body Organization
Cell, Tissue, Organ and Organ Systems
Skeletal System
Cardiovascular System

Dates: January 28, February 4, 11, 18, 25 and March 4
Time: Fridays from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Place: Beaverton Christian Church

Dates: January 27, February 3, 10, 17, 24 and March 3
Time: Thursdays at 1:00- 2:00 p.m.
Place: Rolling Hills Community Church

I Can't Believe My Eyes! The Science of Optical Illusions.

In this fascinating class, we will explore the physics of optical illusions and discover how our eyes and brain interpret them. We will uncover the mysteries of eye anatomy by completing an eye dissection (optional) . This activity teaches us about the inner structures of our eyes and how they work. With slight of hand, surprising experiments and eye popping pictures, this hands-on class explores and questions what we see and how we perceive the world around us.

Topics for the course include:

Biology of the Eye
The Eye and the Nervous System
The Physics of Optical Illusions

Dates: April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and May 6
Time: Fridays from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Place: Beaverton Christian Church

Dates: March 31, April 7, 14, 21, 29 and May 5
Time: Thursdays at 1:00- 2:00 p.m.
Place: Rolling Hills Community Church

Please contact Kim Karper for more information.

oregoneducationalternatives@yahoo.com
See you in science class!

Sincerely,
Kim Karper

Who Are We?

2008-08-18T13:24:00.000-07:00

This is Our Story.

The concept of Oregon Education Alternatives and teaching science classes to Christian homeschool groups, came from a discussion with a friend of mine. Stephanie is a stay at home mom with four great kids. She homeschooled her children and was sharing some of her experiences with me.

Stephanie felt her time was limited as she strived to give her children a top-notch education. She felt confident teaching all of the subject areas, but wished for a program that helped to supplement her home science classes. Availability of laboratory equipment, chemicals, scientific models and age appropriate lesson plans made teaching science somewhat challenging.

Before the birth of my two sweet boys, I was a full time science teacher for the Beaverton school district. I have always been passionate about education and was missing teaching. Stephanie asked if I would be willing to teach a small group of homeschooled children a science class. We talked, planned and created a framework for our new and exciting endeavor. We chose to focus on teaching science classes to the ever-growing population of homeschooled children in Oregon. Our first class, Marine Biology, was held at the Southlake Foursquare Church in spring of 2004. In the future, we plan to expand into other high-need, difficult to teach academic areas.

In my classes, I always strive to create a comfortable atmosphere for children to explore hands-on activities, conduct scientific experiments and learn about their world. Please join with me and other involved parents to help our children build a strong foundation of knowledge for life.

Sincerely,

Kimberly Karper

President

Oregon Education Alternatives
Oregon Business Licence # 21803

oregoneducationalternatives@yahoo.com

Meet The Founder!

Kim Karper

Education:

Masters in Education, 2000
Pacific University,
Forest Grove, OR
Certified to teach Middle School & High School

B.S.- Biology, 1994
B.A.- English, 1994
Evergreen State College,
Olympia, WA

Awards:

National Science Teacher’s Association Award- 2001
Best New Science Teacher in the Portland Metro Area.

Experience:

Oregon Education Alternatives, 2003-present
6149 SW 161st. Place
Beaverton, OR 97007
Taught hands-on, experiment based science classes.

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Portland State University-Saturday Academy, 2000-present
Portland, OR
Taught marine biology classes and summer camps for middle grade students.

Whitford Middle School, 2000-2003
Beaverton School District
Taught integrated science, reading and Chinese history.

Mad Science, 2000-2001
Portland, OR
Taught after-school, experiment based science classes to K-5th graders.

United States Peace Corps, 1998-2000
Zambia, Africa
Taught rural fish farming practices to community groups in isolated areas. Taught 10th and 12th grade biology at Mpongwe Secondary School.

What We Offer

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Below, you will find a listing of the many classes offered by Oregon Education Alternatives. Each has a short description and an indication of possible field trips* or fees for consumable supplies**. A minimum number of 12 students is necessary to conduct a class at any given location.

If there is a science subject you would like your child or group to study, and it is not listed, explain your interests and your needs. We can create a curriculum together!

Cancellation Policy Update 09/2007: If you have registered by email or telephone with Mrs. Karper for a class, you have until 30 days prior to the start date of your class to cancel without a penalty. Late cancellation (less than 30 days) will result in a $15.00 fee payable to Oregon Education Alternatives, Kimberly Karper. There will be no refunds of tuition fees after the start date of each class.

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Class List by Subject Area

Biology:

*The Incredible Human Body: This high interest course is designed to provide your child with an introduction to God's most amazing creation, the human body! We will learn about how our bodies are organized and discover how the body systems work together to keep us alive. We will focus, in depth, on the workings of our skeletal and cardiovascular systems. A fun, hands-on heart dissection is included (optional)! **

*Explore Your World! Marine Biology: In this high interest class, students examine the diverse environments of our oceans. Microscopes are used to observe marine plankton samples. Children dissect a squid, learn to eat, talk and stay warm like a marine mammal, and study vertebrate morphology by creating fish prints. *Field trip to Newport. **

*The Science of Creation: Science and Christianity were designed to go hand-in-hand. Science of Creation is a class I feel God placed upon my heart to create and teach. In this bible centric-science based course, we examine each day of God's creation in Genesis. Students explore the astronomy, geology, and biology of His work. This is a great course filled with thought provoking activities and experiments.**

*Splish-Splash! The Science of Salmon: This fun-filled class looks at the biology of the salmon. We study fish morphology, migrations and life cycles. The importance of these organisms to Native American cultures is examined. Children learn about and write their own folk tales involving Pacific Northwest animals. *Field Trip to Eagle Creek. **

*Pacific Northwest Wildlife: In this exciting course we will be learning about the plants and animals that are native to the Pacific NW. We will spend time in class learning about the native wildlife and then focus in on two natural habitats. Students will learn how to use identification keys and how to identify bird and mammal tracks int he field. *Field trip to nature preserve and local wetland area. **

*Cells- God's Amazing Building Blocks: This class is based on traditional cell exploratory experiments and hands-on activities. Using compound microscopes, students compare and contrast plant and animal cells, learn the functions of various cell organelles and discuss how cells act as the building blocks of all life on earth. We build our own edible cell model (Yumm! We will eat this in class!) to learn about cell parts. **

*Fascinating 2 Liter Bottle Ecology! In this ecology class, kids build special ecosystems with 2 liter bottles. We discuss ecology from a "microbiome" standpoint. We will research desert, rainforest, tundra and fresh water environments. The class focuses on the interactions between plants and animals in each biome. It is really neat!! **

Chemistry:

*Kid's Kitchen Chemistry: Learn the basics of chemistry using everyday kitchen supplies! Atoms, molecules, solutions and phase change are studied. We will conduct a series of fun and safe chemical reactions. Most experiments are edible in this exciting class.**

*Acids and Bases: Kids learn about acids and bases in this course. We cook up our own purple cabbage juice indicator solutions, and do fun color change experiments to test the acid/base characteristics of common household substances. Children practice their observation and science methodology skills by conducting experiments of their own design. **

*Science Inquiry- The Chemistry of Bubbles: Bubbles Bubbles Everywhere! This messy but educational class focuses on using our senses and minds to solve scientific questions. Children explore the steps of the scientific process through chemistry experiments with bubbles. Kids learn to ask testable science questions, design their own experiments and analyze the results of their laboratory investigations.**

*Crazy Crime Scene Investigations: Act like your favorite crime scene investigator, as we use chemistry to solve imaginary crimes. This course is filled with activities and experiments to pique your child’s interest in the chemical sciences. *Field trip to the local police station **

*Gooey, Slippery, Slimy Chemistry!: In this hands-on course, we will be learning elementary chemistry using everyday materials. Children will gain valuable knowledge and experience in basic laboratory skills and lab safety. Using surprising experiments called "zingers", we explore chemical reactions and properties of matter. We will play (VERY safely!) with water, dry ice and some other astonishing substances!

Physical Science

* I can't believe my eyes! The Science of Optical Illusions: In this thrilling class, we will explore the physics of optical illusions and discover how they are interpreted by our eyes and brain. We will uncover the mysteries of eye anatomy by completing an eye dissection (optional) . This activity teaches us about the inner structures of our eyes and how they work. With slight of hand and eye popping pictures, this hands-on class explores and questions what we see and how we perceive the world around us.

*Up...Up and Away! The Physics of Rockets: It's not rocket science... or is it? Using matchbox cars, ramps and hand made mini rockets, students (play!) learn about Newton's Laws of Motion. Kids will explore basic Newtonian physics and rocketry by doing activities, experiments and easy math calculations. The class culminates with each child building and launching their own model bottle rocket. **

* Funtastic Forces and Motion!: This experiment based course is all about play and fun. Learn about an essential force in physics called "motion". We will discover the meaning of motion by observing different toys in action. We will do experiments involving speed, velocity, momentum & acceleration. We will also discover the main force which opposes motion called friction.

*It's Shocking! The Physics of Electricity: Learn about the exciting science of electricity! Create and experiment with your own in-parallel and in-series circuits. Kids learn about static electricity through many hair-raising activities! **

*The Physics of Simple Machines: Does your child love to build things and figure out how they work? In this hands-on physics course, we will be learning basic concepts of mechanics and physics by focusing on simple machines. Children will build and use simple machines of their own design! We learn the physics behind the devises and how they work.

*The Fantastic World of Flight!: Airplanes, hot air balloons, and gliders... OH MY! In this fun-packed physics class, we discuss flight in detail. Bernoulli's principle is explored as we learn what it takes to defy gravity and fly! We will be building several devices capable of flight and learn about this exciting physical science.

Earth Science

*Rockin' Rocks and Minerals: This fun-filled class looks at the properties of rocks and minerals. Kids learn to identify minerals using a series of experiments to determine mineral characteristics. Rocks are studied using the rock cycle and a wide range of rock samples. *Field Trip to the Rocks and Minerals Museum.**

*Shake- Rattle and Roll! Earthquakes and Volcanoes: Kaboom! The dynamic nature of our planet’s surface is ever changing. In this class, kids will dive into the exciting world of volcanism by learning about earthquakes and how volcanoes are created. Students do experiments that simulate lava flow and eruptions. Could a catastrophic earthquake or volcanic episode ever happen in Oregon? Find out! *Field Trip to Ape Caves, Mt. St. Helens. **

*Amazing Astronomy!- Explore the mysterious phases of the moon. Reach out and touch our solar system with hands-on activities and experiments. Learn about the stars and galaxies! In this high interest class, students discover God's amazing creation through the study of astronomy.

* Exploring Planet Earth: Atmosphere, Oceans, Continents and water. What makes the planet earth special? Find out in this class- geared toward discovering and exploring the planet God created for us.

*Wacky Weather: Weather is all around us. Each day, the weather shapes our planet and our lives. In this class we do a series of experiments which help us to understand more about "weather". We will discuss air pressure, winds, moisture and weather patterns. We will also investigate severe weather phenomenon and what shapes the climates that we live in.

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Summer Camps

Oregon Education Alternatives offers a variety of field summer camps. Camps are either half or full day programs and vary in length from three to five days. We focus on getting out in nature to experience the biological and geological sciences first hand. Oregon is a beautiful state, rich in animal and plant diversity. Sign up for a summer camp program and explore your world!

Please contact or email Kimberly Karper for class prices, times and locations.

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Tutoring

If you would prefer one-on-one time with a certified instructor, a tutor will come to your home. Tutors can help with classes your child is currently taking or design curriculum to meet your specific needs.

The following areas are available for tutoring support:

*Reading
*Writing
*Organization Skills
*Biology
*Chemistry
*Basic Physics
*Earth Science
*Botany
*Inorganic and Organic Chemistry
*Basic math through Algebra

"Ever since grade school, I have had trouble reading and speaking in front of a group of people. Mrs. Karper and I have been working on those issues and my organization skills. She has been my tutor for three years now. She has helped me overcome my fear of speaking in public and reading out loud."

Ali E.- 17 year old girl

Reviews

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Parent Comments:

"I just wanted to thank you for doing such a great job teaching these homeschool science classes! My girls had a great time and learned a lot. You have been a huge blessing to me ~ as I really do not like science; my girls were able to get excited about what they were learning from someone who really enjoys it. Thank you so much!" T.B.- Mom

"My two kids enjoyed your Kid's Kitchen Chemistry and Marine Biology classes very much. The length of the classes were appropriate and the activities and experiments were interesting and fun for them." S.W. -mom

“You have really inspired my daughter in the areas of science. She's never come home and talked about science the way she has this year. You seem to find a way to make it relevant, which is no small feat at 12 years old!” D.W. -mom

“My son loved both of the classes he took from Mrs. Karper. He would share with us all that he had learned and kept asking "Mom, do I have science class today?" He couldn't wait to go.”C.B. -mom

"Thank you for using your passion for science and gift for teaching to better our children!" S.W. -mom

“I think your lesson plans are really interesting to my daughter. You make learning fun!” R.B. -mom

“My son loved the hands-on projects. He felt involved and a part of the class.”C.B. -mom

“Thank you so much for getting my daughter excited about science this year! Thanks for all of your time and effort.” J.F. -mom

“It is obvious that Mrs. Karper cares about her students very much.” J.S. -dad

“My son thinks you are the most honest and down to earth teacher he has ever had. He likes your style. Something you are doing is getting through!” L.S. -mom

“My son comes home excited about what he has learned and full of ideas of how he wants to do his projects. Thank you for keeping learning fun and teaching critical thinking.” S.Y. -mom

Beaverton School District Administrator comments:

“Your positive approach to teaching and the depth of instruction is very impressive. Thank you again for your hard work and for making such a difference with the kids!” S.R. -school principal

“I really enjoyed observing your class today. You can really get the kids involved and understanding some complex concepts! You're great!” K.R. -vice-principal

Student Comments:

“Thank you for making learning an adventure. Your classes had humor. You made learning fun. Your class was the perfect one.” B. -12 year old boy

“You are the #1 Best Teacher in the WORLD!!! I enjoy science very much.” R. -8 year old girl

“I wanted to let you know that you were one of the best teachers I have ever had.” S.R. -12 year old girl

“You really made science fun. The work was hard, but you made sure we understood it. Everyone really appreciates how much you care about us and how determined you are to give us a good education!” S.B. -12 year old boy

“Science this year was awesome. I’ve never learned so much.” L. -12 year old girl

“Thank you for pushing me to my limit and making me achieve all I can in science at school.” J.E. -12 year old boy

“You helped me understand things in science other teachers couldn't help me with. I felt like I could ask anything in your class, without feeling embarrassed and scared to ask it. You made class fun and exciting.” J.G. -12 year old boy

Costs and Contact Info! UPDATES

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Oregon Education Alternatives
6149 SW 161st Place
Beaverton, OR
97007

Phone:
(503) 356-8121

Email:
oregoneducationalternatives@yahoo.com

Net:
http://oregoneducationalternatives.blogspot.com/

Thank You and God Bless!

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Class Prices for 2009-2010:

Tuition for each 6 week course = $64.00
Consumable Supplies Fee= $ 4.00 - $6.00 depending on the amount of supplies needed.

If discounts are offered for a class, the total amount a family can claim is $15.00.

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Updates:

Contact me directly to register!