Home-schoolers to learn about life during WWII

Home-school families are invited to imagine what life was like during World War II at the Homeschool Adventures program, "War Factories in Des Plaines," from 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, at the Des Plaines History Center, 781 Pearson St.

Students will learn about how normal family lifestyles and routines were disrupted during the war years and how many people, including women, flocked to various factories to produce much-needed military supplies. The session will include a fun and educational project.

"Students will explore and discuss the products and working conditions of Des Plaines factories in the 1930s and 1940s," said Philip Mohr, History Center curator. "Everyone will then form a factory assembly line in an activity that demonstrates efficient manufacturing in the World War II era."

This exercise will be added to the History Center's "A Des Plaines Factory" traveling trunk that local schools can rent for $20. Traveling trunks provide historic and reproduction artifacts that students can see up close and touch as well as structured hands-on activities. They also include materials for reading exercises and work sheets at various grade levels.

Homeschool Adventures programs are designed for children, ages 5-12, with an adult and last for three hours. The fee is $3 per child for nonmembers, $2 for members. The next session will take place March 4 and will also include a social studies activity. For information about this program or the traveling trunks, please call (847) 391-5399.

The History Center gratefully acknowledges operating support from the city of Des Plaines, the Des Plaines Park District, its members, and other contributors.

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