Our After-School Program Themes
BRIXOLOGY
Using LEGO® bricks, kids build a different engineering-themed project in each class. They explore different engineering fields including mechanical, structural, aerospace, nautical, and bioengineering. They use critical thinking and creative problem-solving to test and improve their creations.
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NASA Academy of Future Space Explorers
NASA and Mad Science collaborate to educate the next generation! Children go on a voyage of discovery with unique hands-on activities, and amazing demonstrations that explore the sun and stars, space technology, rocket science, the atmosphere, planets and moons, and more!
Crazy Chemworks
Welcome to the world of chemistry! Children make gooey slime, experiment with different reactions and learn to use the tools that chemists use. Polymers and catalysts are only two of the fascinating concepts young scientists explore in this thrilling trip through the chemistry lab!
Extraordinary Laboratory
We’ll examine the world children interact with through fun and hands-on experiments, discovering the scientific principles behind it all! Your young scientist will be wowed by amazing activities and quality projects every week, exploring topics ranging from chemistry to magnets, taste buds to sound, lightning to rainbows, and so much more!
World of Wowology
Students will learn all about the science of flight and the forces that are involved in the process. They will discover the basic scientific principles of magic and see how it can be logically explained. Their reasoning skills will be put to the test as they become Junior Engineers, building and testing magnificent structures! The children will also explore the amazing properties of water.
Imagination Investigation
Students test their forensic skills and explore the amazing world of insects, learning how these fascinating creatures live. Each child will construct a propeller-driven race car as they learn about the power of mighty machines. We raise the curtain on the mysteries of movie making and special effects. Students explore the weather, investigating the power of wind, thunder and lightning.
Discovery Lab
These fun, hands-on, one-hour science programs spark imaginative learning. Children engage in exciting hands-on activities, watch spectacular demonstrations, participate in inquiry-based discussions and take home things that they have made themselves. Topics: Adventures in Air, Colour Lab, Eye to Eye, Keep in Touch, Butterflies, Mad Mixtures, Magnetic Attraction, Space Frontiers
Young Explorers
These fun, hands-on, one-hour science programs spark imaginative learning. Children engage in exciting hands-on activities, watch spectacular demonstrations, participate in inquiry-based discussions and take home things that they have made themselves. Topics: Bugs, Dinos, Animal Friends, Human Body, Listen Closely, Mad Seasons, Common Senses, Weather Wonders
Junior Adventures
These fun, hands-on, one-hour science programs spark imaginative learning. Children engage in exciting hands-on activities, watch spectacular demonstrations, participate in inquiry-based discussions and take home things that they have made themselves. Topics: Fluttering Birds, Sea Sand & Surf, Lights On, Worms, Shapes and Structures, Healthy Choices, Science of Music, Water Works
Harnessing Heat
Children learn about the science of heat and heat transfer. They get energized and learn about molecular motion by acting like hot and cool molecules. Things really heat up as children explore insulators and conductors, temperature-sensitive equipment, a tactile temperature test, and a sand-shaking experiment with frictional heat.
Lights...Colour...Action!
In this investigation into optics, children explore the science of light & colour. They observe how coloured lights can blend to make white light, & how a prism can separate white light into colours. A hands-on chromatography investigation reveals how inks can be separated into pigments. Experiments with filters & UV light provide a deeper understanding of vision & the electromagnetic spectrum.
Magnetic Magic
Magnetic Magic reveals the science behind the mysteries of magnetism. Children explore magnets and their properties, and learn about their forces of attraction and repulsion. They use magnetic wands, visualize magnetic fields, and magnetize paper clips. From exciting electromagnets to gravity-defying magnetic levitation, to the poles of the planet Earth, magnetic magic is all around us!
Mission Nutrition
Children focus on nutrition and fitness, including the essential components of a healthy diet and lifestyle. They learn how to read nutrition labels, and sort foods according to their nutrient contents. An experiment with emulsions shows them how bile helps our bodies digest fats. Children conduct a variety of hands-on experiments to understand how food fuels our bodies
Optical Illusions
Children explore the physics and psychology of optical illusions. They learn how our eyes can trick our brains as they observe and interact with objects that seem to change right before their eyes! Children manipulate flexible mirrors and explore the world with inverted vision. They explore the optics of classic mirror illusions, and experiment to create illusions of their own.
Smelly Science
The science of scents is in the air! Children will learn about our sense of smell and put their noses to the test as they experiment with the chemistry of aromas. From human nasal passages to animal adaptations, from enticing aromas to stinky stenches, the nose knows!
Sonic Sound
By exploring the science of sound, children learn about sound waves and how our ears perceive them. They experiment with making sound travel through different shapes and materials to create cool sounds with different frequencies and tones. They interact with sound-sensitive lights, and re-engineer their voices with voice-distorting technology!
Watts-Up
Children discover the world of static electricity. They explore electroscopes, and experiment to make feathers levitate within a static field. From lightning storms to wireless lighting, the Van de Graaff generator reveals the exciting and invisible actions of electrons in a brilliant, hair-raising display!
Atmosphere and Beyond
We’re on a mission to explore the atmosphere on Earth, and beyond! Travel to the end of the rainbow and make a sunset. Mix up various planetary atmospheres, one molecule at a time. Kids learn what planetary probes do and bring home new knowledge about other worlds.
Sun and Stars
This stellar class leads kids through the life cycles of the stars! They learn about our star, the Sun, and see stardust form. From baby star nebulae to spotting supernovas, children see how our star makes waves across the spectrum!
Space Phenomena
Junior astronauts probe the mysteries of meteors and bounce around satellite light! This phenomenal class explains spectacular space events. Kids learn how to explore faraway objects with telescopes and satellites and gain insight on the lights in the night sky.
Living in Space
Suit up for a space flight and experience the life of an astronaut! Kids use teamwork to complete an important space mission and learn how Ground Control connects with astronauts across the vast distance of space. This class is a taste of living above the world!
Rocket Science I & II
A chance for kids to investigate the 4 forces of flight as they race through space. In this two-week class, they explore the science involved in rocket construction and find a way to fix a broken spaceship. This class is a great introduction to aerospace engineering!
Space Travel
Budding engineers learn what it takes to be a true globetrotter! Kids race a rocket and design their own car engine as they learn about thrust. They see the principles of propulsion at work in a real rocket launch and achieve light-years of new space knowledge!
Space Technology
Discover technology that’s out of this world! Kids steer a laser beam through a laser maze and discover everyday objects originally designed for use in space. They feel their way around radar and see why we make technology with stereo vision. This is hi-tech space!
Lab Works
Kids experience what it’s like to be real Mad Scientists in this whirlwind class on how a lab works! They learn to manipulate laboratory equipment and experiment at their personal lab bench.
Junior Reactors
Children create a tiny world of atoms! They learn to recognize chemical reactions and mix up a few reactive ingredients for some sensational results!
pH Phactor
Kids slide down the colorful pH scale and dip into the world of acids and bases! They explore pH extremes and discover whether liquids found in their homes are acids or bases using pH paper!
Slime Time
Kids ooze into a gooey hour of sliming around! They create slime using the ultimate Mad Science recipe and then explore the effects of chemicals on their mixture. They get to take home their own concoction of Mad Science Slime!
Glow Show
Students discover amazing things that glow bright in the dark! They probe the properties of light and explore some unusual applications of glow-in-the-dark technology!
Matter of Fact
Students jump into this class with a molecular movement exercise to learn about the 3 states of matter. Through a hands-on approach, students will learn and observe the difference between physical and chemical changes and explore different densities of liquids and solids.
Super Sticky Stuff
Kids stick it to the walls and push the power of tape to the limits in this hour-long class on things that cling! They build a bond with glue and learn about the properties of different adhesives!
Chem in a Flash
Children hop on board the chemistry express for a high-speed science experience! They perform instantaneous experiments in this fast-paced class about split-second reactions that go like mad!
Current Events
Children investigate conductors, insulators, and other elements in the world of circuit electricity. They connect with circuits and discover the wonders of technology!
Fundamental Forces
Kids find out about forces by doing experiments on gravity, centripetal force, and inertia. They check out a gyroscope, make cars fly down a track and do a few balancing tricks to discover how forces affect motion.
Science of Magic
Children discover the magic of science and learn the science behind some well-known magic tricks! They untangle Houdini's chains and learn how mirrors and optics can make things disappear.
Fantastic Fliers
Children discover how the four forces of flight help things soar into the sky. They build all kinds of paper aircraft to help them understand in a tangible, hands-on way!
Super Structures
Kids test out the basics of architectural design and structural engineering in this hands-on class about structures. They explore how triangles, arches, and bridges give strength to structures.
Under Pressure
Kids discover how Bernoulli's principle can keep things in the air and how air pressure can be used to move things.
Wacky Water
Children explore the amazing properties of water – density, solvency and surface tension – in this hands-on look at how water work!
Chem-Mystery
Children discover the mysterious wonders of chemical science. They learn the difference between physical and chemical changes through exciting, hands-on experiments.
Bugs
Kids engross themselves in entomology! They inspect authentic insect specimens. They update their insect anatomy know-how and match up insects with their habitats
Detective Science
Kids play detective and help crack a case! They inspect fingerprints, mystery powders, ink samples, and teeth impressions. Then, they create a composite from memory
Earthworks
Kids dig into Earth Science! They uncover rock samples and discover how they formed. They inspect fluorescing minerals, model the moving plates that cause bends and breaks, and learn how sediment stacks.
Kitchen Chemistry
Kids cook up a chemical reaction! They blow up a balloon using yeast and go on a nutrient hunt. They act out digestion from start to finish and get a glimpse of their guts in action.
Mad Machines
Kids see how simple machines lighten their load! They launch with levers, secure with screws, and work with wedges. Then, they use pulleys to move heavy objects with ease.
Movie Effects
Kids discover why science is the real star on the big screen. They create cool sound effects and toy with 3-D technology. They make motion pictures come alive and sketch a short feature.
Walloping Weather
Kids get weather wise and uncover the reason for seasons. They create three-day weather forecasts, stage a statically-charged indoor storm, and spot the sun’s invisible UV rays.
Science of Toys
What makes toys work? Kids learn about motorized toys and take a spin with kinetic tops. They balance a bird to reveal its center of gravity.
Adventures in Air
Discover that air is powerful! It moves things, slows things down, is invisible and always surrounds you. Take-home: Pinwheel
Colour Lab
Introduce children to the beautiful world of colour, the colours of the rainbow, colour mixing and primary colours. Take-home: Rainbow Mixer
Eye to Eye
Learn about the sense of sight. Experiment with magnifying glasses, kaleidoscopes, binoculars and optical illusions. Take-home: Magnifying Glass
Keep in Touch
As they feel their way through this workshop, children will be asked to identify objects using only their sense of touch. Take-home: Feeling Handy
Mad Mixtures
Erupting volcanoes, melting foam, lab equipment, and crazy chemistry are this class’s highlights. Take-home: Mad Science Crazy Dough
Magnetic Attraction
The power of magnets and an introduction to polarity. Children put common objects to the magnetic test. Take-home: Fridge Magnet
Space Frontiers
A class trip through the solar system! Sign up for the “Mad Science Space Mission” as we investigate the cosmos. Take-home: Air Rocket
Butterflies
This hands-on look at butterflies explores how caterpillars change into butterflies and how butterflies eat. Take-home: Noodle Bug
Fluttering Birds
Children will discover how birds are different from them, what they eat, and how they communicate with each other. Take Home: Rockin’ Robin
Sea, Sand, Surf
During our trip to the beach we will discuss shells, creatures of the sea, salt water and the magnificence of a whale. Take Home: Ocean Bottle
Lights On!
Explore the mysteries of light, colour and rainbows. We will answer: How is a shadow made and can it be caught? What exactly is light? Take Home: Rainbow Glasses
Shapes and Structures
Children will learn about shapes and structures as they search for hidden shapes in structures from around the world and try out the Puzzle Box challenge! Take Home: Sailboat
Science of Music
Boom, tap, smack, cha-cha-cha! Children will feel, hear and see the vibrations that help create music in this hands-on exploration. Take Home: Jingle Bracelet
Water Works
Children will learn all about the different properties of water and will experiment with floating, sinking and density. Take Home: Glitter Tube
Healthy Choices
Children will discover where their food comes from and investigate which foods they need to stay healthy. Take Home: Menu Planner
Energy & Motion
Kids explore the concept of energy and how it gets things moving. Toys are used to help explain simple energy ideas and capture children's attention. They also get to take home toys called “Boinks” that demonstrate how energy and motion are related.
Animal Friends
Discover your inner animal! Identify animal sounds and learn about baby animals and their parents. Take Home: Animal Puppet
Creepy Crawlers
Explore the amazing world of creatures that fly, creatures that creep and creatures that crawl! Take Home: My Bug, My Buddy
Commons Senses
Make fascinating discoveries about the senses of sight, sound, hearing, touch and smell. Take Home: Thaumatrope
Changing Seasons
Understand the science of weather, the power of air, cycles of nature, seasons, days, years and months. Take Home: Pet Tornado
Human Body
Learn about muscles and body systems and listen to a human heart beat. Take Home: X-Ray Hand
Digging for Dinos
Children will learn all about dinosaurs . They will discover which dinosaurs are meat eaters and which are plant eaters and how scientist learn about them even though they are extinct. Take Home: Animal Prints
Listen Closely
Experiment with a Wave Motion Model and discover the science of sound. Take Home: Mini Ear
Weather Wonders
Investigate water cycles, weather patterns and how rainbows form. Take Home: Rain Gauge
Aerospace
Launch your imagination to new heights as you explore aerospace engineering! Discover the secrets of working in space-efficiency and compact design. Create a trussed space station module. Then, connect it with others to create a massive modular spacecraft. Take-home: Astro Lander
Carnivals
Feel the thrill as you build a spinning swing ride! Learn about the forces and mechanical engineering concepts behind some of your favorite amusement park rides. Then, improve and test the design to create an even wilder ride. Take-home: Viking Ship
Creatures
Discover nature’s engineering secrets as we investigate biomimicry! We can learn a lot about efficient design from observing plants and animals. Build a walking insect machine then test different ways to help it climb up the steepest branch. Take-home: Peacock Puzzle
Vehicles
Get in gear as an automotive engineer! Build a motorized vehicle and learn how to optimize it. Use wheels, axles and gears to reduce friction and improved its efficiency. Then, shift things into a higher gear to get a hands-on understanding of transmissions and gear ratios. Take-home: Hovercraft XS
Towers
Reach for the sky! Find out how structural engineers use ideas from physics to solve problems. Work together to build a structurally sound tower with a working elevator. Then, test and improve your design for strength and stability. Take-home: Sky Beams
Boats
Create a sea-worthy vessel as you set sail with nautical engineering! Build and test a boat powered by potential and kinetic energy. Then, try changing specific variables to improve speed, buoyancy, and stability. Take-home: Wave Rider
Bridges
How can you build the strongest bridge? Work together with your fellow civil engineers to build and test different bridge designs. Then, use what you’ve learned to create the strongest bridge possible. Take-home: Truss Bridge
Machines
Engineering is creative! Learn how gears, levers, and pulleys are useful tools for mechanical engineers. Then, combine them with art and design to create and test a motorized drawing machine. Take-home: Sky Roller
All About Animals
Children go beyond feathers, fins, and fur to find out more about the habitats, anatomy, and life cycles of amazing creatures. They experiment with camouflage and learn to identify and imitate sounds that animals make.
Energy Burst!
Children experiment with potential and kinetic energy as they pop, jump, and flip with hopping, swimming, and swinging toys. Children learn about the potential of stored energy in wind-up gadgets.
Get Connected
Children take on telecommunications and check out the power of sound. They learn about the technology developed to allow for long-distance communication and explore the limits of low-power radio signals.
Life in the Sea
Children learn about the vast range of life found in the sea—from plankton to sponges to whales! They learn how living things are adapted to their ocean habitats, and find out what humans can do to protect ocean life.
Mix It Up
Children shake up solutions and make mixtures with common household elements. They learn about the different parts of mixtures and how to separate solutions. Children explore filtering technology and follow a color-changing experiment to see how useful suspensions can be. Children also try out the tools and techniques of mixture sorting.
Moving Motion
Children learn all about the forces behind the movement of planes, trains, and automobiles. They explore Newton's laws of motion and get a feel for friction, inertia, and gravity. They see how mass affects movement and try out some physics tricks!
Radical Robots
Children explore how robots make our lives easier. They program a robot to move through an obstacle course and then control an automaton through sound and light.
Super Power Sources
Children check out power generation using both mechanical force and chemical reactions. They turn on light bulbs and fans and find out what makes a battery work. They learn about renewable and non-renewable energy sources and just how much effort it takes to power machines!
READY TO SIGN YOUR CHILD UP FOR AN AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM?
