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!
Thanks so much for the update! Looks like a lot of fun. R. said it was awesome and he can’t wait until next week’s class. I appreciate how organized you are 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: Space Engineers, November 2015
D. … really enjoys the class!”
November 3, 2015
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!
Thanks for sending the update, photos and video. My son … loved the class and with the photos and video it’s great to see what he was talking about when he said that they made birds.
October 9, 2011
Burning Tree E.S. parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Let’s Roll Engineers, September 2013
My son Z. loves your class and keep talking about it!
October 9, 2013
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
Wood Acres E.S. After school Coordinator, Bethesda, Md. Event: Space Night
Your tables were highly popular – the kids just wouldn’t leave! You were excellent as a room contributor and educator. Well done!”
Thank you for these emails. My son is really enjoying this class.
October 23, 2014
Camp GrAd Lab parent, Silver Spring, Md. 2014
My child’s favorite part of camp: … the fact that there was always something interesting happening but with no pressure (like in school) and the counselors’ fun-loving and attentive attitudes.
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
Westbrook E.S. parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Video Game Programming, October 2014
[My son] is very excited about the class.
October 23, 2014
Camp GrAd Lab parent, Silver Spring, Md. 2014
Communication was great, thanks. L. LOVED the camp. She couldn’t stop talking about it in the evenings. She had a great time and I expect her to be back next year for more.
July 9, 2014
Maryville E.S. parent, Rockville, Md. Class: Lego Robotics, March 2015
This [update] is extremely helpful, and very much appreciated in our house. My son, J, was very excited to tell me about what he learned in class, so clearly you are doing a great job keeping his interest.
May 1, 2015
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
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
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!
I am really impressed with your work thus far. Keep it up.
May 1, 2015
Carderock E.S. parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Storybook Science, May 2014
Thanks for teaching the class. C. really enjoyed it.
June 11, 2014
Woodlin E.S. parent, Silver Spring, Md. Class: Young Engineers
This was an outstanding experience for [my daughter]. She was extremely enthusiastic about it, enjoyed it tremendously, loved her instructors, and learned a great deal. It has helped reinforce her ambitions to pursue STEM activities. After seeing how excited she was about this club, and after she asked me to come and see it in action, Continue Reading
Thank you so very much for your leadership and ability to not only educate but allow the kids to totally enjoy themselves!
March 9, 2011
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
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
Thunder Hill E.S. parent, Columbia, Md. Class: Lego Robotics November 2013
[My son] just loves the class! You are clearly doing a great job with these kids.
November 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, 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 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., 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
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
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.
Class went great. I got to stop in a few times to see the Lego Robotics class myself and the kids were so happy and engaged. I loved it.”
June 11, 2014
Wyngate E.S. parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Video Game Programming, March 2012
It was the absolute best after school program we’ve ever participated in. …Thank you sooooo much for bringing that program to Wyngate. It taught my son that he absolutely loves computer programming…which is a big deal for me, since he doesn’t seem to like anything but watching tv! 🙂
March 9, 2012
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
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
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
Camp GrAd Lab parent, Silver Spring, Md. 2014
My child repeatedly has told me…”Mom, I am so glad that you signed me up for this camp. Thank you.” Also, he has said repeatedly…”I cannot wait to go to camp tomorrow. I wonder what we will do.”
July 9, 2014
Chevy Chase E.S., Chevy Chase, Md. Class: Video Game Programming, June 2014
Thanks so much for your class. My son, G., loved it.
Thanks for such a detailed review of the first [class]. My son is very much into robotics and enjoyed the first day of Robo Challenge!
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!
June 11, 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.
My daughter loved the class….gender did not make a difference. Both my husband and I are science people so we expect our girl to also be a science person–and she is.It was exciting to solve the crime. She loved the class, and we were thrilled that she wasn’t the only girl.
March 9, 2011
Camp GrAd Lab parent, Silver Spring, Md., 2014
Your camp is great … My son started out just [morning] camp but liked it so well he wanted to stay for the full day.
July 9, 2014
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
Parent, Rock View E.S., Kensington, Md. Class: Intro to Video Game Programming, March 2016
Thank you so much for a great class. My son J. loved it!
March 19, 2016
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
Mater Dei parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Lego Robotics, November 2015
My son J. had a GREAT time. Thank you! Very excited for this opportunity for him!
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
Forcey Christian parent, Silver Spring, Md. Class: Mindstorms, March 2012
My son R. came home incredibly excited about his first meeting. He’s always loved Legos and has an affinity for science, math and engineering. He said this is the best activity he’s ever 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.
Kindergarten – Grade 1. Scroll down for photos and reviews. Scroll down for photos and reviews.