Week One (Sample): Harvest Moon Theme

Family Planning Session (15-30 minutes)

• Gather everyone to discuss the upcoming lunar eclipse

• Let each family member share what they know about the moon

• Plan week's activities based on family interests and local viewing conditions

Core Activities (Flexible timing)

• Moon Observation: Set up family moon-watching sessions from your yard, balcony, or local park

• Natural Dye Project: Use local plants (turmeric, elderberries, sumac, onion skins) to create moon phase sunprints

• Harvest Walk: Visit local farmer's market, pick-your-own orchard, or backyard garden

• Eclipse Research: Older children research eclipse science while younger ones draw moon shapes

Multi-Age Adaptations:

• Toddlers/Preschoolers (2-5): Focus on sensory experiences, moon songs, simple crafts

• Elementary (6-11): Lead research projects, document observations, teach younger siblings

• Tweens/Teens (12+): Calculate eclipse timing, photograph moon phases, connect with online astronomy communities

• Adults: Share cultural moon traditions, facilitate discussions, learn alongside children

Documentation Ideas:

• Family moon journal with contributions from all ages

• Photo story of moon observations over the week

• Video of family members explaining what they learned

• Artwork and crafts created throughout the week

Week Two (Sample): Seed Saving Theme

Family Planning Session

• Discuss what plants grow in your area and why seed saving matters

• Plan visits to local seed libraries, garden stores, or experienced gardeners

• Decide which seeds your family wants to collect and grow

Core Activities

• Seed Collection Walk: Explore neighborhood, parks, or gardens for seed collection

• Processing Workshop: Set up kitchen seed processing station with whole family

• Community Connections: Visit local gardeners, seed libraries, or heritage farms

• Future Planning: Design family garden plans using saved seeds

Multi-Age Adaptations:

• Younger Children: Sensory exploration of seeds, simple sorting activities

• Elementary: Research local native plants, practice observation and recording

• Older Children: GPS mapping of collection sites, viability testing, database creation

• Adults: Connect with local agricultural heritage, plan family garden expansion

Week Three (Sample): Equinox Balance Theme

Family Planning Session

• Discuss the concept of balance in nature and in families

• Plan shadow tracking experiments and seasonal observations

• Identify local areas for exploring autumn changes

Core Activities

• Shadow Tracking: Family shadow measurements at different times of day

• Seasonal Observations: Document changing trees, animal behavior, weather patterns

• Balance Explorations: Physical balance games, nature balance sculptures

• Family Reflection: Discuss balance in family life and learning together

Week Four (Sample): Fungi Network Theme

Family Planning Session

• Introduce fungi concepts appropriate for all ages

• Plan safe fungi observation walks (no collecting!)

• Research local mycological groups or nature centers

Core Activities

• Fungi Observation Walk: Explore local forests, parks, or even urban areas for fungi spotting

• Spore Printing: Create spore prints with store-bought mushrooms

• Decomposer Investigation: Set up family composting experiment

• Network Learning: Discuss how families, like fungi, create supportive networks