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!
[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.
Thanks for the detailed description of the class and the fun pictures. I really appreciate the time you took to write. It will be fun to talk to our son about the different types of gears. At the same time, we (the parents) learn, too. He had a great time and is looking forward to Continue Reading
November 3, 2015
Burning Tree ES parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Lego Engineers, January 2014
“[My daughter] has been talking about your first class enthusiastically and showed me how to make a paper airplane that flips! … Thank you for including the photos of the kids from class!”
Dufief E.S. parent, Gaithersburg, Md. Class: Robo Challenge, November 2013
The instructor was excellent, always prepared … engaging, … has great personality to work with kids and understands kids well.
November 9, 2013
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
Parent, Kensington Parkwood E.S., Kensington, Md. Class: Video Game Programming, March 2016
Thanks for a great class this winter! W. has really enjoyed learning Scratch through Great Adventure Lab at KP. W. is psyched to show his game at the KP Science Fair in April!
March 19, 2016
Wood Acres E.S. parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Let’s Roll Engineers, October 2014
Our son R. is really enjoying the class. It is great that even the little guys are being exposed to these early lessons in mechanics, even as they have fun building with Legos 🙂
October 23, 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
Camp GrAd Lab parent, Silver Spring, Md. 2014
Keep offering the camps – great summer camp option, will repeat again next year for both my boys!
July 9, 2014
Oak View E.S. parent, Silver Spring, Md. Class: Lego Robotics, April 2015
Thanks. She is very happy in this club.
May 1, 2015
National Presbyterian activity coordinator, Washington, D.C. Class: Early Engineers, October 2015
I don’t know what else he teaches, but the kids absolutely LOVE him. I’ve had two parents approach me about his class just in the past week.
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
Murch E.S. parent, Washington, D.C. Class: Electronics, March 2015
O. is really enjoying the class and I appreciate these quick summaries. It gives us a bit more context to chat with him some more.
May 1, 2015
Girls Get Science camp parent, Silver Spring, Md., 2014
She absolutely loves science and this made her love it even more. We will definitely be returning next year.
July 9, 2014
East Silver Spring E.S. parent, Silver Spring, Md. Class: Storybook Science, May 2013
He loves it! His favorite activities are the volcano, the racing cars, and the telephone. Laura is fantastic and does a great job answering the questions and making science fun for the kids!
June 9, 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
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!
Homeschool parent, Silver Spring, Md. Class: Lego Robotics, March 2012
Thank you so much for teaching the LEGO class. W. really enjoyed himself, and learned a lot. It was fun to hear him tell about his creations, and watch the videos.
“R. has enjoyed this activity a lot. … We will try to sign her up for the Lego classes! I’ve also just signed her up for [The Great Adventure Lab’s] girls-only science camp. … We are hooked! :)”
March 17, 2014
Carderock E.S. parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Storybook Science, May 2014
Thanks for teaching the class. C. really enjoyed it.
June 11, 2014
Oyster Adams E.S., Washington, D.C. Class: Lego Engineers, June 2014
Thanks for a great year of Lego Engineering. … [My son] will be back with you all in the Fall.
Wow, those [photos] look great! … Thank you so much for teaching B. He really enjoyed this class!
June 11, 2014
Viers Mill E.S. parent, Silver Spring, Md. Class: Video Game Programming, January 2016
Thanks for teaching this class! H. came home so excited about it – it was the highlight of her week. She already showed us the Scratch website and helped her sister create a sprite and background. It sounds like a great intro to computer programming.
March 19, 2016
East Silver Spring E.S. parent, Silver Spring, Md. Class: Storybook Science, June 2013
E. loved Storybook Science and this last class in particular. He hasn’t taken off the sun beads yet. … I love the bridging of the science with reading and would love for it to continue.
June 7, 2013
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
Wood Acres E.S. parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Video Game Programming, May 2014
W. has been playing around with the program at home and so far he loves the class.
June 11, 2014
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
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
Bradley Hills E.S. parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Young Engineers, March 2012
[My son] had a great time …It was the perfect activity for a kid who loves to learn using hands-on activities. Out of all of the after school activities my kids have participated in over the past 5 years, this was definitely the best!
My daughter told me sadly that next week is the last week … She doesn’t want it to end! She obviously has really enjoyed herself. Thanks for all you have done.
My son G. adored this after school program. I have never seen him more excited about anything before. He loves Legos and now, loves programming robots. This is a brilliant program and we will definitely be interested in anything else you have to offer.
My son …loves the class and I know building a railroad crossing or crane is a passion for him.
December 17, 2014
Parent, Murch E.S., Washington, D.C. Class: Video Game Programming, March 2016
Thank you for the updates. It’s great to be able to learn more about what’s happening in these sessions. J. was showing us yesterday what he learned on the software we downloaded to one of our iPads – he’s having a great time.
March 19, 2016
Beverly Farms E.S. parent, Potomac, Md., Class: Let’s Roll Engineers, December 2014
Our son C. is very much enjoying Let’s Roll Engineers at Beverly Farms.
The first thing A. did at pick-up today was to open his backpack so he could show me what he made in class–it was the highlight of our evening at home, too! I look forward to seeing more projects and talking to him about the class in the coming weeks.
November 3, 2015
Peabody Primary parent, Washington, D.C. Class: Storybook Duplo, March 2015
The class sounds great! I know my son T. is really enjoying it.
May 1, 2015
Murch E.S. parent, Washington D.C. Class: Space Engineers, October 2015
It was a great pleasure watching you and the kids launch all of the rockets. I loved that squeal of excitement after every launch, which never got old for anyone there, including the parents. Thank you for making science so much fun!
November 3, 2015
Westbrook E.S. club coordinator, Bethesda, Md. Class: Mindstorms
Thank you for these awesome updates and pictures. … I am a big believer in this type of STEM programming and so pleased to be part of bringing it to Westbrook through the PTA. The kids are learning a lot from you!
May 9, 2013
Parent, Stonegate E.S., Silver Spring, Md. Class: Intro to Robotics, March 2016
I just wanted to say how much my boys have both enjoyed this Robotics class, they look forward to it every Thursday, keep up the good work!
March 19, 2016
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
Stone Mill E.S. parent, North Potomac, Md. Class: Lego Robotics, September 2014
Thank you for such a thorough email. My daughter had a fantastic time and told me she can’t wait until next week!!! Thank you.
October 23, 2014
Camp GrAd Lab parent, Silver Spring, Md. 2014
It was a great week, my kid LOVED it. So much so we went back this week. … his counselors have been great…
July 9, 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
Our Lady of Mercy parent, Potomac, Md. Class: Lego Robotics, April 2015
Thank you so much! Thank you for the pictures, also, and for letting my son B. join the last class. He enjoyed it and P. did, too!”
May 1, 2015
Westbrook E.S. parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Storybook Science, October 2014
E. was really excited to show me the clay models of fossils he made today. Storybook Science is one of his favorite after school clubs.
October 23, 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.
Thank you for this very interesting report on their class yesterday. R. really enjoyed it, and the whole family is admiring his car!
March 19, 2016
Georgian Forest E.S. parent, Silver Spring, Md. Class: Lego Robotics
I think it was a great class for [my daughter]. She had fun and learned a lot! What a great introduction to science and engineering!
December 9, 2010
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
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!”
Thanks so much for your fun and thought-provoking classes. N. loves them.
March 19, 2016
North Chevy Chase E.S. parent, Chevy Chase, Md. Class: Mindstorms, October 2012
J. is having a great time, and he particularly likes you as the instructor. He can’t stop talking about everything you did in class and gives me a step-by-step account of everything!
October 14, 2012
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
Ardmore E.S. parent, Springdale, Md. Class: Lego Robotics, October 2014
My daughter D. came home excited about .. how they made the robot lion stand, sit, roar, and chew … Thank you for keeping her intrigued and learning.
Kindergarten – Grade 1. Scroll down for photos and reviews. Scroll down for photos and reviews.