About Ruth

Dr. Ruth Kulmala is a medical researcher/epidemiologist with a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering and a master's degree in public health. She has been teaching science to grade school and college students intermittently since 1988. Her experience with homeschooling began when her second child was born. She learned quickly that her new child was profoundly gifted, but with several neurodivergent challenges. Local schools simply could not accommodate her needs. Finding a serious lack of science courses with emphasis on real laboratory and field exploration skills, she began teaching her own AP certified courses for homeschoolers and public schoolers alike.

She specializes in assessing students and finding accommodations for their needs, so that they can gain confidence and facility in scientific investigations. She has successfully worked with students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, autism, ADHD, various sensitivities, and other neurodivergent challenges.

Coursework Offerings

Ruth offers several options, including teaching courses at various skill levels, helping you create content for your own homeschooling needs, and more. Here are some examples.

Custom design a course in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Biology, Bioethics, or Earth Science

Help families set up their own self-study syllabus, goals, lesson plans, locate supporting content, and at-home labs to cover these high school topics. Families will purchase/rent their own books, materials, lab investigation materials and supplies. Includes up to 5 hours of troubleshooting/tutoring for student & parent questions throughout course period (up to 10 months). Cost is $300. AP-level versions are also available for $400, includes practice test.

Acquiring Lab Materials

Assist in sourcing materials and equipment for self-directed laboratory investigations at home (costed per student and course content, variable). Cost varies.

Individual Labs or Field Explorations

Field trips to various locations around Chicago, ranging from $200 to $500. Each event is quoted individually and can be divided by up to 10 students. Parking/transportation not included. Parents may remain at location with students or drop off students aged 13 and older. Ruth remains with students, and one parent is also asked to remain. Most events are 1-2 hours. Price includes any instructor/materials fees at the location. Occasionally it will include access for families to the facility for the day as well.

Guided Laboratory Exploration (in my home)

For students grades 8-12, AP, or above. Up to 10 students $250. 10-20 students $350. Cost may be divided by students, prices are total class cost. All materials provided including safety gear, pre-reading of investigation, grading of lab notes included. Investigations are chosen by families at time of course, several options will be made available as is appropriate for season/typical curriculum timing. Parents are encouraged to remain onsite. Drop off for students aged 13 and above available, but at least one parent must remain on site. Most investigations can be completed in 2-3 hours, occasionally one will involve homework and Zoom follow-up instruction. High-speed internet is available to parents.

Guided Laboratory Exploration (in your home)

For students grades 8-12, AP, or above, in the Greater Chicago Area. Up to 10 students $450. 10-20 students $550. Cost may be divided by students, prices are total class cost. All materials provided including safety gear, pre-reading of investigation, grading of lab notes included. Investigations are chosen by families at time of course, several options will be made available as is appropriate for season/typical curriculum timing. Parents are encouraged to remain onsite. Drop off for students aged 13 and above available, but at least one parent must remain on site. Most investigations can be completed in 2-3 hours, occasionally one will involve homework and Zoom follow-up instruction. High-speed internet is available to parents.

Tutoring

Tutoring for individual students is available for $50/hour plus materials, if required. Tutoring/research mentoring/lab investigation packages are available.

Reach Out!

If you have questions, contact Ruth at . All inquiries are welcome!

                          
©2022 Ruth E. Kulmala. All Rights Reserved. All prices are subject to change and offerings may be withdrawn without notice. Instructor reserves the right to refuse service to disruptive/destructive or abusive students or parents. Instructor is experienced with teaching students with learning disabilities and neurodivergent styles. No refunds.