Kindergarten – Grade 1.Scroll down for photos and reviews. Scroll down for photos and reviews.
Mythbusters isn’t just for big kids. In this after school science program for students in kindergarten and grade 1, we’ll read a different story each week to our kindergarten and first grade scientists and then conduct hands-on science experiments to test the scientific accuracy, or explore the scientific elements of each story!
When we read Jon Scieszka’s The True Story of The 3 Little Pigs, for instance, we’ll test the power of wind – can it really blow down a house? How does air pressure work? Let’s build our own houses and see if they stand up to our air pump! For Doreen Cronin’s Diary of a Worm, we’ll each build an earthworm habitat to take home!
And guess what we’ll do when we read Bartholomew and the Ooblek?. Yup, it’ll have something to do with SLIME. (Non-toxic and mess-free, of course. Don’t worry – many of us are moms and dads, too).
and …. by popular demand, we now have FOUR different versions of this class (We call them Storybook Science A,B,C and D. Classes are completely independent with all different projects. Students may take any or all, in any order.
Each Storybook Science class follows the same format, but with whole new sets of stories and experiments Ever wonder how a bee hums? In Storybook Science B, we will read the Patricia Polacco’s Bee Tree and then children will build their own bee hummer. We’ll also read 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and build periscopes!
In Storybook Science C , we’ll read read about and play with popcorn (and other mini explosions), shadows, density, cars and much more. Stories include LaPetite Rouge by Mike Artell and The Popcorn Book by Tomie de Paola.
In Storybook Science D, we’ll read about polar explorer Matthew Henson and play with magnets … and more!
For those with religious concerns about this class, see this note.
Stories and lessons will vary depending on the interests of our first grade and kindergarten scientists. And yes, we know it’s hard getting kids to talk about what they did that day. That’s why we send a note home a day or two after every class, explaining what we did, what we learned, and what’s next. Sometimes we also include photos or videos! Parents love our notes!
All I know is that each and every time I picked up my son from class the room was a hive of activity full of the excitement that only comes with implementing newfound knowledge. He was thrilled with every project they made. The instructors were so patient as the children never wanted to quit what they were working on and leave. I also really appreciated the detailed feedback that I received each week via email. Thank you for inspiring my son!
-Carderock E.S. Parent, Bethesda, Md.
[My daughter] LOVES your class and is so excited to share with me her experiments and discoveries from class. Thanks for making class so fun & interesting. I love seeing her enthusiastic face & she has no idea right now that she is learning about science!
Seven meetings, once a week, 60 minutes per meeting. (or 14-21 meetings if you combine classes).
After school sessions only; no evenings.
Minimum: 11 students. Maximum: 14 students. Take-home projects after every class.
Tuition is $125 per student. Parent aide receives free tuition.
Get together a group of at five students, and we can send an instructor to teach this class in your home during school hours, in the evening, or on the weekend! Seven 60-min classes, min 5/max 8 students, $150 per student plus $30 materials fee.
Take-home projects after every class.
We handle registration and payment, all you have to do is enjoy the class! Contact us for more info!
After school classes are only open to students who attend the hosting school. Register through your school /PTA.
If your school/ PTA does not offer our classes, invite us!
Evening classes are open to students from any school. Register here.
Form a private class in your home with as few as five students! Seven 60-min classes, min 5/max 8 students, $150 per student, plus $30 materials fee per student. Contact us for more info!
Photos from The Great Adventure Lab’s Storybook Science classes!
Westbrook E.S. parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Video Game Programming, October 2014
[My sons] love it. We found the Scratch website at home this afternoon and they are excited to “get to work”. Thank you for making the class such an enjoyable learning experience.
October 23, 2014
Metropolitan Nursery School parent, Washington D.C. Class: Early Engineers, October 2015
Thanks for the email last night; [My daughter] loves the class and we are looking forward to the next few classes.
November 3, 2015
Carderock E.S. parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Storybook Science, June 2015
Every time I picked up my son from class the room was a hive of activity full of the excitement that only comes with implementing newfound knowledge. He was thrilled with every project they made…. Thank you for inspiring my son!
June 18, 2014
E.L. Haynes Charter School parent, Washington, D.C. Class: Mindstorms, March 2015
I just wanted to say thank you for these weekly updates. My son really enjoys the class.
May 1, 2015
Wayside ES parent, Potomac, Md. Class: Lego Robotics, January 2014
“Thanks so much. My two girls loved the class ! They couldn’t say enough! Great instructor, great program.”
Both my daughters did the class and they loved goingeach week! I feel it opens them up to different paths for girls then what are normally offered to them!
December 9, 2010
Westbrook E.S. parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Video Game Programming, October 2014
[My daughter] LOVES the class! She has been really looking forward to it, and I’m happy it went so well.
October 23, 2014
Capital City Charter School parent, Washington, D.C. Class: Video Game Programming, November 2015
My daughter absolutely loved it ! She shared the great news about her first session and looks forward to the next meeting!
November 7, 2015
Farmland E.S. parent, Rockville, Md. Class: Lego Robotics, March 2014
“I appreciate your messages about the classes. G. loved the [Lego Robotics] class with you. Thanks so much for being his teacher for the class and giving him this opportunity.”
March 17, 2014
Cashell E.S. parent, Olney, Md. Class: Lego Robotics, May 2013
Thanks ever so much for the weekly updates of what happens in the classroom! My kids are having a great time, and learning a lot!
June 9, 2013
Wood Acres E.S. parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Let’s Roll Engineers, March 2015
C. is quite enjoying the Let’s Roll Engineers class and looks forward to it every week.
May 1, 2015
Garrett Park E.S. parent, Kensington Park, Md. Class: Lego Robotics, October 2014
Thanks again. [My son] A. had another wonderful time in your class!
October 23, 2014
Kensington Parkwood E.S. parent, South Kensington, Md. Class: Mindstorms, November 2013
Our son loved the class… Thank you! He would be very interested in Mindstorms 2 if it is offered at KP!
November 9, 2013
Stone Mill E.S. parent, North Potomac, Md. Class: Lego Robotics, October 2014
Thank you. The boys had so much fun it was a pleasure to watch! Thank you so much!”
October 23, 2014
Sligo Creek E.S. parent, Silver Spring, Md. Class: Crime Science, Spring 2011
I really, really hope your program returns next school year. M. LOVED it. I also enjoyed reading about the adventures.
He loves the class, and it gives him motivation to go to school on Mondays. He’s really interested in Robotics and loves learning about science. He can’t wait to do another class.
June 9, 2013
Cashell E.S. parent, Olney, Md. Class: Lego Robotics October 2013
S. had an amazing time. Thank you so much for the pictures too!!!”
November 9, 2013
Woodlin E.S. club coordinator, Silver Spring, Md. Class: Lego Robotics, May 2012
That was simply a wonderful class. Thank you so much for your excellent teaching. And your great communications with families. You have set a high standard for other clubs.
May 9, 2012
Northfield E.S. parent, Ellicott City, Md. Class: Video Game Programming, March 2015
Thank you for the updates. The class has been amazing for my daughter.
May 1, 2015
Flora Singer E.S. parent, Silver Spring, Md. Class: Lego Robotics A, April 2015
This is fantastic—thank you! … My son really enjoyed the first session and is looking forward to next week. Thank you so much!!!!”
May 1, 2015
Oakland Terrace E.S. parent Class: Mindstorms, February 2012
You are doing a marvelous job and we think that this is the start of something really great for J. … Engineering and Robotics are our future and these kids you are working with will be our stars. Thank you.
February 9, 2012
Mater Dei parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Lego Robotics, November 2015
Thank you so much for a great day. B. hasn’t stopped talking about his Robotics class since he got home! Excellent work!
November 3, 2015
John Hanson French Immersion School parent, Oxon Hill, Md. Class: Lego Engineers, December 2014
Thank you so much for the pictures and for sharing what you were doing in class!!
December 17, 2014
Westbrook E.S. parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Storybook Science, January 2015
My girls loved the first session and came home telling me all about the rainbow and what they learned.
January 20, 2015
Bannockburn E.S. after school activity coordinator, Bannockburn, Ill. Class: Lego Robotics, June 2014
Thank you so much for all your hard work at Bannockburn! Your class got rave reviews and we are excited to offer more classes in the fall.You were terrific!
June 11, 2014
McDonogh School parent, Owings Mills, Md. Class: Lego Robotics, April 2014
Thanks for the updates and photos…I know G. loves the class!
June 11, 2014
St. Patrick’s Catholic School parent, Rockville, Md. Class: Video Game Programming, February 2014
Thank you for your excellent communication. … So nice to be able to talk to my son about specifics, and keep up on what’s being done in each session.
March 2, 2014
Parent, East Silver Spring E.S., Silver Spring, Md. February 2016
I don’t think any of the previous [afterschool] instructors have sent emails about the classes so this is extremely helpful! I really appreciate it. My daughter B. loved the first robotics class! Thanks again.
March 19, 2016
Forcey Christian School parent, Silver Spring, Md. Class: Robo Challenge Machines, April 2015
Thank you for the email – E. had a great time at class 🙂
Wyngate ES parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Lego Robotics February 2014
H. is delighted … He told me this morning he wished it could be Lego Robotics every day! He has never been willing to try it before so I am thrilled that it is such a great experience for him.
March 2, 2014
Westbrook E.S. parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Video Game Programming, October 2014
[My son] is very excited about the class.
October 23, 2014
Ardmore E.S., Springdale, Md. Class: Lego Robotics, October 2014
Your class looks intriguing and as a result you’re doing a fine job teaching young minds. Thank you for all you do and especially with my daughter.
October 23, 2014
Bannockburn E.S. parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Video Game Programming
Thanks for making SCRATCH fun.
June 9, 2013
Oyster Adams Bilingual School parent, Washington D.C. Class: Lego Robotics, taught in Spanish & English, February 2014
“Our son LOVES this class! We’ve never seen him so enthusiastic for any class like he is for yours. Cheers to a great beginning.”
March 2, 2014
Parent, Rock View E.S., Kensington, Md. Class: Intro to Video Game Programming, February 2016
My son J. loves the class. What an exciting way to learn! In J.’s spare time, he has gone on his iPad and created some projects on his own.
March 19, 2016
Bradley Hills E.S. parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Electronics, March 2015
This was my daughter’s first experience with The Great Adventure Lab and she was only willing to attend because of the girls-only session, and really enjoyed being in a group of all girls.
July 9, 2014
National Presbyterian parent, Washington, D.C. Class: Storybook Science, February 2015
My kids have had a wonderful time in your class – learned a lot and had a great deal of fun – thank you!
May 1, 2015
Garrett Park E.S. parent, Kensington, Md. Class: Video Game Programming, January 2015
C. is so excited about the class. He had used Scratch at home with us a bit in the past and now he’s been asking to use [Scratch] every day.
January 20, 2015
Westbrook E.S. parent, Class: Storybook Science, January 2015
[My son] takes Storybook Science at the after-school program at Westbrook and absolutely loves it.
My son …loves the class and I know building a railroad crossing or crane is a passion for him.
December 17, 2014
Wood Acres ES parent, Bethesda, Md. Lego Robotics, January 2014
“Thank you for the feedback , great to hear you have had a successful first session! My boys were thrilled and are looking forward to the alligator session next week! Thank you!”
March 2, 2014
Carderock E.S. parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Storybook Science, May 2014
Thanks for teaching the class. C. really enjoyed it.
June 11, 2014
Parent, Concord Hill School, Chevy Chase, Md. Class: Storybook Science
My son, J. had a wonderful time on Monday. He was protesting going before the first class, but I knew he’d love it since he’s constantly doing experiments (much to the detriment of my spice drawer) at home. He did love it and he can’t wait for next time.
[My son] said he loved it! … He said the class was awesome (his words!) and that the instructor was very nice and he had a lot of fun. He can’t wait to go back next Tuesday. 🙂
November 3, 2015
Garrett Park E.S. Parent, Kensington, Md. Class: Let’s Roll Engineers, April 2014
A. LOVED class yesterday! He was so proud of the work – talked about the ‘baby’ type of legos ( now I wish I hadn’t given away all my Duplos) – that they were actually great to work with. Thank you!
[My son] A. has been thoroughly enjoying the Lego Robotics class. Thank you.
December 17, 2014
Chabad of Silver Spring activities coordinator, Silver Spring, Md. Class: Lego Engineers, November 2013
The kids had a blast and so did I. Many children continued to ask after you had left when you were coming back!
November 9, 2013
Pine Crest E.S. parent, Silver Spring, Md. Class: Robo Challenge Machines, December 2014
[My son] O. has been loving the class. He had a great time with catapults yesterday. We hope to enroll him in future programs. Thanks for sharing the pics and details …
Kindergarten – Grade 1. Scroll down for photos and reviews. Scroll down for photos and reviews.