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 $115 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 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
Wyngate ES parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Lego Robotics, February 2014
Best after school activity S. has had since he started at Wyngate as a kindergartner.
March 2, 2014
Ritchie Park E.S. parent, Rockville, Md. Class: Storybook Science, February 2015
[My son] has so enjoyed this class! I hope it is offered again. I’ll be happy to do some promo with his friends.
May 1, 2015
Oyster Bilingual School, Washington DC. Class: Electronics, October 2015
Thanks for this update. When I got home from a business trip, L. could not wait to tell me that he ‘lit a light bulb with batteries and play dough’… he liked it. Great work.
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.😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀
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
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!
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
Bond Mill E.S. parent, Laurel, Md. Class: Storybook Science, May 2014
This class is fantastic! My son comes home every Wednesday just beaming! He’s absolutely loving it! Thank you so much!!!
[My son] A. has been thoroughly enjoying the Lego Robotics class. Thank you.
December 17, 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
Burning Tree E.S. Parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Storybook Science, May 2012
[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!
May 9, 2013
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!”
March 2, 2014
Peabody E.S. parent, Washington, D.C. Class: Early Engineers, October 2014
My son S. is enjoying the Early Engineers class.
October 23, 2014
Ardmore E.S. student, Springdale, Md. Class: Lego Robotics, October 2014
The Lego Robotics class is super fun. I enjoyed making the alligator eat food and chop down on my hand. This was an exciting experience.
[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
Oakland Terrace E.S. parent, Silver Spring, Md. Class: Video Game Programming, October 2014
Thank you for the update each week. It is very informative to know what the kids are learning. My kids enjoyed the classes.
October 23, 2014
Stone Mill E.S. parent, North Potomac, Md. Class: Lego Robotics, October 2014
Thanks for the updates. My son K. enjoys this class very much!
October 23, 2014
Barnsley E.S. parent, Rockville, Md. Class: Robo Challenge, October 2012
Thank you for the detailed email you sent about the first class. It’s so nice to know exactly what goes on. I also wanted to tell you how much my son enjoyed the class. I even heard from a friend of mine that her son loved it so much, he couldn’t stop talking about it.
October 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
Our Lady of Mercy parent, Potomac, Md. Class: Lego Robotics
Thank you so much for teaching this class to our kids this year. [My daughter] loved it!!
Thank you for these emails. My son is really enjoying this class.
October 23, 2014
Flora Singer E.S. parent, Silver Spring, Md. Class: Let’s Roll Engineers, March 2014
J. took a new interest on his Legos and K’nex at home as a result of this class. I was so impressed that our instructor sent weekly updates – including pictures!
March 17, 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!
November 9, 2011
Beverly Farms E.S. parent, Potomac, Md. Class: Early Engineers, October 2013
Thank you for such a great experience. A. had a blast!
November 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
Bannockburn E.S. parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Video Game Programming, November 2011
The programming club was exceptional. The kids were very engaged, very creative and absolutely enjoyed learning to use SCRATCH. … The teacher … eagerly taught the lessons and worked with each student that needed her help.
November 9, 2011
Mattaponi E.S., Upper Marlboro, Md., Class: Lego Robotics, October 2014
Thank you for the updates … They are very informative and helpful. J. [My child] is having a wonderful time!
October 23, 2014
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
Forcey Christian parent, Silver Spring, Md. Class: Storybook Lego, November 2015
Thank you for your time and email updates. [My daughter] L. really enjoyed the Lego’s class with you! We plan on signing her up for next class …
Thanks so much for such a detailed run through of the class. [My son] had a great first introduction …
November 3, 2015
Girls Get Science summer camp parent, Silver Spring, Md. 2014
The girls say that it was probably better that it was just with other girls since boys can be bossy with the toys, doing the projects themselves rather than letting girls have a turn to truly tinker.
Wanted to let you know that [my son] really enjoyed Lego Engineers. It’s the only after school activity that he’s consistently looked forward to every week. It’s a great program.
June 11, 2014
John Hanson Montessori School parent, Oxon Hill, Md. Class: Lego Robotics, February 2014
He loves it! I will have to get there early one day to check it out. I will also look at the summer camp information. Haste pronto, yo espero!
March 2, 2014
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
Murch E.S. parent, Washington, D.C. Class: Space Engineers, November 2015
Well done! I really appreciate what you are doing. V. is very enthusiastic about this class. He tells me about it every time.
November 7, 2015
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!
Thank you for a great class. My son, A., definitely enjoyed himself and gave us a full report each week on the activities of the class. He is sad to see it end and hopes to meet up with you in a future class.
November 3, 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!
Thank you. My kids are really enjoying your class and would like to continue.
May 1, 2015
Parent, Somerset E.S., Chevy Chase, Md. Class: Video Game Programming, February 2016
A. is very excited to show me the program next week. He has enjoyed the class!
March 19, 2016
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 …
December 17, 2014
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.
November 3, 2015
Wood Acres E.S. parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Let’s Roll Engineers, March 2015
This is great – thanks! Our son R. really loves the class.
May 1, 2015
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.”
[My daughter] A. really enjoyed the class and talked all about it when I picked her up later that evening! She complains sometimes that she is the only girl in the class but I didn’t hear any thing about that this time!– all great signs. Both of us look forward to the rest of the Continue Reading
October 9, 2013
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.
October 23, 2014
Woodlin E.S. parent, Silver Spring, Md. Class: Electronics, February 2013
Thank you for your updates — it is so impressive what you’re doing and J. is loving it.
Kindergarten – Grade 1. Scroll down for photos and reviews. Scroll down for photos and reviews.