Kids are naturally curious about the world they live in. Any toddler mom can attest to the constant questioning of, “Why?” Being a mommy of three children AND a first grade teacher, I spend most of my days attempting to explain things. But I’m always looking for ways my children (students included) can make their own discoveries about the world around them.
Courtney Flynn and Jennifer Moore are two New Canaan mommies (who are neighbors) contemplating the same things. Together, they have spent many play dates discussing what their children love. They know that experiments, investigating, and asking questions are things that all children enjoy. Both being certified teachers; Jenn has a science background and Courtney has an early childhood background, they combined their experiences and developed Rad Lab!
Rad Lab is an amazing science program for children ages 3-5, fostering natural curiosity while building science skills and concepts. These hour-long drop-off classes follow the scientific method and provide hands-on experience with science investigations aligned with the Core Science Curriculum Frameworks for Pre-K to 2nd grade.
I recently took my three-year-old son to a Rad Lab science class at the Methodist Church in New Canaan. Once he put on his official lab coat and safety goggles, the session began with a sensory activity (play dough) introducing the week’s core theme of physical and chemical changes.
The question of the day was, “What kind of changes can we see?” My son was encouraged to share his observations and make a hypothesis. Right from the start, he was engaged! I was so impressed with the level of vocabulary and questioning.
Next, the little scientists were off to complete several hands-on experiments. They were instructed to use vinegar, food coloring, and baking soda to create a chemical change. Bubbles!!!
Then, they mixed yeast, food coloring, and water to make sticky, gooey foam. Courtney and Jenn encouraged the children to use different amounts to change their reactions. They monitored each child throughout the experiments, asking questions to promote inquiry and encouraging the scientists to use their five senses during exploration.
A story was also read to the children as a further example of physical and chemical changes. Lots of repetition was used to emphasize the concept. The session ended with a discussion and written observation in their science notebooks, providing closure on the weekly core theme.
Overall, my son had an awesome experience and could not stop talking about all the fun experiments on the car ride home. I was in awe of his use of science vocabulary after only one session! I highly recommend signing up your little ones for a 10-week session.
Since not many science programs for preschool-age children are available, I suspect these classes will fill up quickly! Registration for new families begins TODAY, October 19th!
Rad Lab also offers birthday parties! For a party, they will come to your home and do a 45-minute investigation session with your little scientist and up to 20 friends. You can choose from several packages, depending on your child’s interests.
