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!
East Silver Spring E.S. parent, Silver Spring, Md. Class: Early Engineers, April 2015
You are so fabulous!!! S. is having the best time in your class! Thank you for your letters and all you are doing!!
My son … told me this is his favorite after school club EVER! You totally rock and I hope that you’ve sparked some interest in engineering among the kids.
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.
You have really made this a wonderful class. … C. loves fossils and everything dinosaur and his photo shows him totally engaged.
October 9, 2013
Camp GrAd Lab parent, Silver Spring, Md. 2014
This camp … was very good. I was very impressed. [My son] went to Camp Invention the next week and it did not compare – The Great Adventure Lab was better. Thank you!
July 9, 2014
Murch E.S. parent, Washington, D.C. Class: Space Engineers, November 2015
D. … really enjoys the class!”
November 3, 2015
Ardmore E.S. student, Springdale, Md. Class: Lego Robotics, November 2015
I really had fun building the spinning top. It was so fun. I loved building it , but I loved playing with it too. Can’t wait until next class.😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀
Stone Mill E.S. parent, North Potomac, Md. Class: Lego Engineers, March 2014
“Thanks so much for these updates! R. is always so proud to tell his brother and I what he learned and built. This is really putting his “boring” kindergarten lessons into more perspective for him and he’s becoming more excited to learn.”
March 17, 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.
June 9, 2013
Wonders Child Care [@Somerset E.S.] Club Coordinator Ebony Ellis, Chevy Chase, Md.
Whatever class dates you have are fine with me. You have a great program so it will fill up no matter what day it’s offered. (June 2013)
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
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!
W. really loves the class, so thank you. [He] tells me he ‘wishes he had robotics every day.’
March 2, 2014
Wood Acres E.S. parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Let’s Roll Engineers, February 2015
Thanks!” Sounds like the kids had such a fun time.
May 1, 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
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…
October 9, 2013
Parent of Camp GrAd Lab camper, Silver Spring, Md. 2014
My child came home excited every day about the inventions, the video game creation, etc. etc. Always ready to go back for more!
July 9, 2014
Oak View E.S. parent, Silver Spring, Md. Class: Lego Robotics A, April 2015
S. is really enjoying your class. I love to see his huge smile when he talks about what he’s learning. Money well spent!!!! … Also thanks for the informative emails.
May 1, 2015
Northfield E.S. parent, Ellicott City, Md. Class: Video Game Programming, March 2015
K. was so excited about what he did yesterday he didn’t even realize he was eating a healthy dinner. 🙂 Sounds like things are really coming together.”
May 1, 2015
Parent, National Presbyterian, Washington, D.C. Class: Lego Robotics, March 2016
Thank you for the pictures of the robotics class just completed at NPS. My son D. absolutely loved it. We hope you will be offering more classes there.
[My son] H. had only positive things to say. These sorts of activities are empowering to kids and give them confidence to learn anything …
December 17, 2014
Sligo Creek E.S. parent, Silver Spring, Md. Class: Lego Engineers, September 2013
My husband and i appreciated your email … It is always hard to extract from kids what they did that day, so your detailed overview was a treat. Thank you.
October 9, 2013
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!
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.
October 9, 2011
Gorman Crossing Afterschool Activities Coordinator, North Laurel, Md.
My daughter is in the class this session. I wanted to let you know that sending out the photos each week from class is a very effective way to get parents to feel good about this class. I am over the After School Activities for Gorman Crossing PTA. I will be recommending this to all Continue Reading
June 11, 2014
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
Murch E.S. parent, Washington, D.C. Class: Young Engineers, June 2014
[My son] really enjoyed it — he was frustrated when his designs didn’t work but excited to be learning so much about how to make them better!
June 11, 2014
Garrett Park E.S. parent, Silver Spring, Md. Class: Storybook Science, November 2011
Thank you so much for making Friday after school so much fun for S.! She loves the class and told me you are her favorite teacher! Thanks also for the weekly updates!
It was a great class and I am happy everything went so smoothly on the first day. The kids loved it! -Mary Gregory, after school activities coordinator.
March 19, 2016
Private class parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Mindstorms, March 2015
I cannot describe to you how much fun P. had in the class.
May 1, 2015
Host of private class, D.C. Class: Mindstorms, October 2013
Thanks for working with this group–N. is loving the program.
November 9, 2013
St. Patrick’s Catholic School parent, Rockville, Md. Class: Lego Engineers, November 2014
Thank you for leading the class. J. really enjoyed going each week. Thanks also for checking about his ride home yesterday.
December 17, 2014
Stone Mill E.S. parent, North Potomac, Md. Class: Robo Challenge, November 2013
Thank you for a well organized and educational class. We look forward to the Part 2 in spring.
November 9, 2013
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
College Gardens E.S. parent, Rockville, Md. Class: Video Game Programming, Oct. 2015
Thanks for the emails and great interaction ! It’s nice to hear the updates and correlate with their progress! I can tell you that K. is really enjoying the class!
[My son] A. has been thoroughly enjoying the Lego Robotics class. Thank you.
December 17, 2014
Girls Get Science summer camp parent, Silver Spring, Md. 2014
The hovercraft ride was such a hit that if I ever book a birthday party with you, we must have that for the attendees. The invention lab was fantastic and I loved what my girl made each day. Even I learnt so much – there is actually such a thing as conductive thread. How cool Continue Reading
K. has been loving robotics. Thanks so much for all you do!
March 19, 2016
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
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 …
My daughter C. had an absolute blast with this. She cannot wait for the next session. She loved every minute of it. Thanks so much.
December 17, 2014
Robert Frost M.S. parent, Rockville, Md. Class: Mindstorms, April 2015
I was very impressed with the first class. Your instructors were very professional and did a fantastic job with the kids.
May 1, 2015
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.
May 9, 2011
Westover E.S. parent, Silver Spring, Md. Class: Young Engineers, May 2013
[My daughter] has really been loving all of the fun experiments! Her favorites have been the egg drop project, the catapult, and the bridge! She is learning a lot and is very excited about the class each week!
May 9, 2013
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.
Kindergarten – Grade 1. Scroll down for photos and reviews. Scroll down for photos and reviews.