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!
Montgomery Housing Partnership, club coordinator. Class: Video Game Programming, November 2013
“Thanks so much. The kids really enjoyed themselves We are grateful for the program and you giving the kids so much to look forward too.”
Both my daughters did the class and they loved going each week! I feel it opens them up to different paths for girls then what are normally offered to them!
December 8, 2010
Murch E.S. parent, Washington, D.C. Class: Lego Robotics, September 2014
D. has not stopped talking about the wonderful time he had. … I know he’s looking forward to every Wednesday with The Great Adventure Lab. Thank you again, and we’ll see you soon.
October 23, 2014
Murch E.S. parent, Washington, D.C. Class: Video Game Programming, June 2013
Thank you so much for all your time and effort. O. LOVED the class.
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
Bradley Hills E.S. parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Electronics, March 2015
Z. really enjoyed the electronics class.
May 1, 2015
Wood Acres parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Lego Robotics, October 2013
My son B. loves the class. It’s his favorite part of the week… Thanks very much.
November 9, 2013
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.
Thank you for a great program and for taking time to update the parents. I appreciated!
June 11, 2014
Dufief E.S. parent, Gaithersburg, Md. Class: Robo Challenge, November 2013
This class was fantastic for my 3rd grade son. He enjoyed the simple introduction to programming and building.
November 9, 2013
Girls Get Science summer camp parent, Silver Spring, Md. July 2014
She was very excited about each of her projects and begged for us to sign her up for the next week.
July 9, 2014
Bannockburn E.S. aide, Bannockburn, Ill. Class: Lego Robotics, April 2015
I want to share what a wonderful job [your instructor] did … I was especially impressed with the manner in which he worked to make the class inclusive and meaningful for a student with special needs.
May 1, 2015
Garrett Park E.S. parent, Kensington, Md. Class: Lego Robotics November 2013
M. is having a blast in your Lego class. He is so excited and happy when I pick him up! Thank you so much for this opportunity!
November 9, 2013
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
Camp GrAd Lab parent, Silver Spring, Md. 2014
My child doesn’t rave about anyone — so he didn’t mention the counselors, but I watched them each time I picked up etc and thought they were wonderful. Very encouraging and gentle. Good team!
July 9, 2014
Garrett Park E.S. parent, Kensington, Md. Class: Robo Challenge, April 2014
Thanks for doing such a wonderful job, D. really loved Robo Challenge!! He will definitely be taking it again next time it’s offered!
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
Stone Mill E.S. parent, North Potomac, Md. Class: Robo Challenge 1, Oct. 2013
You are doing a great job, and A. can’t wait for weekly meetings! We only wish this class lasted much longer…
My [kindergarten] daughter [is] always excited to bring home her experiments and her interest in science grows more and more each day… Thanks for all you do!
December 17, 2014
Bethesda ES parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Lego Robotics, February 2014
“Thank you for the notes! [My son] is really enjoying Lego robotics.”
March 2, 2014
Garrett Park E.S. parent, Kensington, Md. Class: Robo Challenge, October 2014
B. was so excited about this first class. When he got into the car to go home I asked him, “How was the class?” He looked at me and said “BCE.” “Huh?” I responded. “Best Class Ever!”
K. has been loving robotics. Thanks so much for all you do!
March 19, 2016
Al-Huda parent, College Park, Md. Class: Early Engineers, May 2013
You did a marvelous job! Thanks for a wonderful experience. F. enjoyed the sessions so much that he will be signing up for [your] camp over the summer
June 10, 2013
Murch E.S. parent, Washington, D.C. Class: Lego Robotics, November 2015
My daughter S. absolutely loves this class and we were all very impressed with the professional program, great updates and fun projects the kids worked on. She is eager to sign-up for the next one! Thank you for all the work you did with the kids. Really very inspiring!
November 7, 2015
Cold Spring E.S. parent, Potomac, Md. Class: Lego Engineers, October 2015
I can’t tell you how much [my daughter] S. loves the class! Her only complaint is that the class is too short.
[My daughter and son] REALLY loved this past class. They love them all, but this one like the fingerprint one kept them talking and experimenting! My kids are learning and having a blast.
June 9, 2013
Murch E.S. parent, Washington, D.C. Class: Lego Engineers, June 2014
Thank you. [My son] had a blast! Hope to see you next Fall!
June 11, 2014
Wood Acres E.S. parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Intro to Robotics, November 2015
M. couldn’t stop talking about the class last night. He is so excited about the new Legos! Thank you for taking the time to send the amazing description below. We are looking forward to hearing more from M. – and you!
November 7, 2015
Kensington Parkwood parent, Silver Spring, Md. Class: Electronics, March 2013
Thanks a lot for all your hard work with the kids- A. loved it and is still having fun with the [burglar] alarm!
June 10, 2013
Lakewood E.S. parent, Rockville, Md. Class: Robo Challenge, June 2013
[My son] really enjoyed the class! He didn’t have a favorite, but he enjoyed both sessions of Robo Challenge and was sad to see it end.
This is a fantastic update. Thank you so much! I can’t get [my son] to tell me a whole lot so this helps me to ask more specific questions versus ‘how was the class?’ He really enjoyed the class a lot.
November 3, 2015
Camp GrAd Lab parent, Silver Spring, Md. 2014
He loved what he made. He is still using the marshmallow[launcher] and the marker robot … he loves to adjust them and show them off.
July 9, 2014
Stone Mill E.S. parent, North Potomac, Md. Class: Lego Robotics, October 2014
My daughter has thoroughly enjoyed this class.
October 23, 2014
Garrett Park E.S. parent, Kensington, Md. Class: Let’s Roll Engineers, April 2014
Thank you for this great update-it’s so nice to have parent updates directly from the program (my kids are very vague on details!). Sounds like a great class!
June 11, 2014
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
Flora Singer E.S. parent, Silver Spring, Md., Class: Space Engineers, November 2014
My son C. is super excited about the program. I used to be a NASA engineer. So I am really excited that you are using space tech to encourage young people to learn about engineering, science and most important creativity.
December 17, 2014
Greenwood E.S. parent, Silver Spring, Md. Class: Electronics, February 2013
M. is enjoying himself and now wants the fancy snap on sets you use in class for his birthday. The basic kit we picked up second-hand isn’t nearly as captivating at the ones he uses with you all!
June 10, 2013
Ardmore E.S. parent, Silverdale, Md. Class: Lego Robotics, November 2014
My daughter was so impressed that she made me want to sign up my students, at my center, for Lego Robotics program.
December 17, 2014
Garrett Park E.S. parent, Kensington, Md. Class: Lego Robotics, September 2014
A. had a wonderful time – and can’t wait for the next class!!! Thank you!
October 23, 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
Concord Hill E.S., Chevy Chase, Md. Class: Lego Robotics, November 2014
Thank you so much! [My daughter] S. LOVED the class and I asked CHS to continue it in the Spring because it’s her favorite after school activity.
December 17, 2014
Carderock E.S. parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Lego Engineers, April 2014
Thank you so much for this email. I love hearing about what’s going on, and my daughter T. LOVED building the spinning bird last week.
October 9, 2013
Our Lady of Mercy parent, Potomac, Md. Class: Robo Challenge Machines, March 2015
Thank you for everything! It was a great program.
May 1, 2015
Bannockburn E.S. parent, Bannockburn, Ill. Class: Lego Robotics, April 2014
J. loved it so much! He couldn’t stop talking about it! Thank you.
June 11, 2014
Oyster Adams E.S. parent, Washington D.C. Class: Lego Engineers, December 2014
I am N.’s dad. He is loving your Lego club.
December 17, 2014
Parent, Concord Hill, Chevy Chase, Md. Class: Storybook Science, March 2016
Thanks for the recap and the great suggestions on where to go. J. continues to love the class, asking me after each one when he gets to go again. Thanks for your great work!
March 19, 2016
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!
Thank you for the weekly reports and pictures. We have enjoyed them immensely and have shared them with M.’s grandparents. M. is having a lot of fun in this class.
October 9, 2013
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
Thunder Hill E.S. parent, Columbia, Md. Class: Lego Robotics, October 2013
The pictures are great! A. was very exited when he got home and told us all about the hungry alligator. … Thanks for doing such a wonderful job with the children!
November 9, 2013
Westbrook E.S. parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Video Game Programming, October 2014
Kindergarten – Grade 1. Scroll down for photos and reviews. Scroll down for photos and reviews.