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!
Ardmore E.S. parent, Springdale, Md. Class: Lego Robotics, October 2014
Thanks for the pictures. M. really enjoys the class. Thank you also for the updates each week.
October 23, 2014
Cold Spring E.S. parent, Rockville, Md. Class: Lego Robotics, September 2013
Thanks so much for a great class. [My daughter] A. came home happy and excited.
October 9, 2013
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
Westbrook E.S. parent, Class: Storybook Science, January 2015
[My son] takes Storybook Science at the after-school program at Westbrook and absolutely loves it.
May 1, 2015
Garrett Park E.S. parent, Kensington, Md. Class: Lego Robotics, November 2014
My son loved the class, learned a lot and really liked his teacher.
December 17, 2014
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.
July 9, 2014
Spring Hill E.S. parent, McLean, Va. Class: Storybook Science, October 2012
Thank you very much for providing such a great learning opportunity for Y. and other kids at Spring Hill. Y. really loves your class and had a lot of fun.
October 9, 2012
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!!
May 1, 2015
Girls Get Science camp parent, Silver Spring, Md. 2014
Girls say the pacing was good, instructors were knowledgeable and helpful … You did a great job with everything. I am amazed at the amount of resources you had to manage and according to my girls, you did it very well. Thanks.
July 9, 2014
Westbrook E.S. parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Storybook Science, October 2014
[My daughter] … had a great time and is very proud of her slime! 🙂
October 23, 2014
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
Bradley Hills E.S. parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Young Engineers
Thank you so much for sending these [photos from class] — they are wonderful! My son was really excited to tell me all about the class.
May 6, 2011
Farmland E.S. parent, Rockville, Md. Class: Lego Robotics, March 2014
“I appreciate your messages about the classes. G. loved the [Lego Robotics] class with you. Thanks so much for being his teacher for the class and giving him this opportunity.”
March 17, 2014
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
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
Cashell E.S. parent, Olney, Md. Class: Lego Robotics October 2013
S. had an amazing time. Thank you so much for the pictures too!!!”
Bradley Hills E.S. parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Mindstorms, May 2014
I think this class was great! THANK YOU for doing such an excellent job.
June 11, 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
Bethesda E.S. parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Robo Challenge, April 2013
C. came home raving about how “awesome” class was — told me all about his plane and how it poised for takeoff and had a moving propeller! He loved the first class and can’t wait for next week. He thinks he might like to be an engineer, so this is a rong>very cool experience for Continue Reading
April 22, 2013
Wyngate ES parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Lego Robotics February 2014
H. is delighted … He told me this morning he wished it could be Lego Robotics every day! He has never been willing to try it before so I am thrilled that it is such a great experience for him.
March 2, 2014
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!
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
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
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
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
Westbrook E.S. parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Storybook Science, December 2014
[My daughter] E. really enjoyed Storybook Science this past semester. She’s interested in doing it again.
This is a fantastic update. Thank you so much! I can’t get Kaveesh 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
Murch E.S. Parent, Washington, D.C. Class: Lego Robotics, January 2015
Thank you so much. Tuesday is D.’s favorite day and it’s Lego Robotics that he likes most. I appreciate your hard work.
My son would love to continue. He has great time with your class. Thank you very much.
December 17, 2014
Murch E.S. parent, Washington, D.C. Class: Space Engineers, November 2015
E. has been sick but hopefully will be able to rejoin the class this week because he is enjoying it so much. Thank you.”
November 3, 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 son] A. has been thoroughly enjoying the Lego Robotics class. Thank you.
December 17, 2014
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
Bradley Hills E.S. parent, Bethesda, Md. Class: Young Engineers, Spring 2011
Thanks for your emails and the pics!! P. came home beaming and saying it was so fun. He eagerly told me that triangles are the best for construction– a new lesson, learned through experience.
May 9, 2011
Kensington Parkwood E.S. parent, South Kensington, Md. Class: Mindstorms, November 2013
Our son loved the class… Thank you! He would be very interested in Mindstorms 2 if it is offered at KP!
November 9, 2013
East Silver Spring E.S. parent, Silver Spring, Md. Class: Storybook Science, May 2013
Thank you. P. is always so excited and full of ideas after this class. He loves it.
May 9, 2013
Oakland Terrace E.S. parent, Silver Spring, Md. Class: Video Game Programming, November 2014
Thank you so much for your weekly communications. It was very helpful know that the kids learned and did in specific terms. My [daughter and son] enjoyed the program.
December 17, 2014
Forcey Christian parent, Silver Spring, Md. Class: Video Game Programming, November 2015
Thank you very much. A. enjoyed so much. We hope to retire once he creates the next big app/game.
November 7, 2015
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.
Thank you. My kids are really enjoying your class and would like to continue.
May 1, 2015
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.
[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
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
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.
You have really made this a wonderful class. … C. loves fossils and everything dinosaur and his photo shows him totally engaged.
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
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
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
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
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
Garrett Park E.S. Parent, Kensington, Md. Class: Let’s Roll Engineers, April 2014
A. LOVED class yesterday! He was so proud of the work – talked about the ‘baby’ type of legos ( now I wish I hadn’t given away all my Duplos) – that they were actually great to work with. Thank you!
June 11, 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!!!
Kindergarten – Grade 1. Scroll down for photos and reviews. Scroll down for photos and reviews.