Afterschool Programs 

We spark imaginative learning when school is out!

These hands-on, minds-on one-hour science programs enable children to work closely with a Mad Scientist and explore a variety of science topics through fun experiments, activities, and discussions.

With topics ranging from rocketry and magnets to polymers and electricity, kids become turned on to the science that is around them every day and realize it's COOL!

Our fun and fully-trained instructors come to you with all the materials necessary to run our dynamic multi-week programs.  We can even administer the registration process for you!

For more information, see below or contact us!

 


 Afterschool Program
Frequently Asked Questions

How does one get involved with the Afterschool Program?

Mad Science Afterschool Programs are run through schools, libraries, community centers, and any other place there are kids!  Afterschool Programs are not open to the public but are rather offerings made by schools (or other organizations) to their students.

"I am so glad I signed my son up for your program.  He enjoyed it very much.  I would definitely sign him up again if opportunity arose." - Parent of 2nd Grader, Swansea, MA

Who pays for Afterschool Programs?

Typically, Afterschool Programs are paid for by the student.  In some cases, a PTO or other organization may opt to pay part or all of the students' enrollment.

"Virtually every week that he attended, my son came home bubbling over with excitement for the program." - Parent of 3rd Grader, Marion, MA

What does the school need to do?

As much or as little as it wants to!  All we need from the school is space.  (More on that below.)  We supply all of the materials and instructors.  Parent/Teacher helpers are not required (but are welcome).  We can even provide registration forms and administer the registration process if you prefer!

"Because my daughter attends a very small Catholic school, we often times are not able to provide students with as many learning tools and resources as some of the larger public schools.  This organization offers a fun and informative after school curriculum that is first rate!  Thank you for a great six weeks." - Parent of 3rd Grader, Buzzards Bay, MA

How long does an Afterschool Program run?

That's up to you!  Our programs run one day a week from four to eight weeks, depending on your needs.

"My daughter enjoyed the experience with Mad Science.  It has sparked her interest in science.  I wish there were more after school programs like yours!" - Parent of 3rd Grader, Swansea, MA

Are Afterschool Programs only offered at certain times or on certain days?

We'll let you in on a little secret: even though we call them Afterschool Programs, we can run them anytime!  We recognize that different organizations have different needs.  Whether you're an elementary school, homeschooler, daycare center, or scout troop, we can adapt to your schedule.  Would you like to run the program in the summer? OK!  What about in the morning?  Sure!  Do you meet in the evenings?  Fine by us!   If your kids are there, we are too!  Days from Monday through Thursday tend to work best, though we will happily accommodate alternative schedules.

"My daughter brought this questionnaire home.  She insisted I put all 10s.  She loved the course!" - Parent of 2nd Grader, Swansea, MA

Do we get to pick the topics?

Unlike Workshops, which are designed to supplement a curriculum or fulfill a specific educational requirement, Afterschool Programs are pre-created series, or "Systems" of up to eight classes designed to expose students to a variety of science topics.  If you should opt to run a program for less than eight weeks, we will select which classes to omit from the original eight in order to provide the students with the best variety of topics.  (For example, a System may have two "space"-related classes.  We may omit one of those in favor of a different topic.)  If you should have a preference however, you are welcome to request which classes are omitted.

"My child loves science projects, so this after school program really appealed to him.  Best one we’ve done so far.  The weekly take-home stuff and instructions were great." - Parent of 3rd Grader, Cumberland, RI

What kind of space do you need?

We need enough space for kids to work comfortably without being disturbed.  Since many activities are done as small groups, tables or floor space tends to work better than desks.  We would also need access to water, electricity, and preferably a room that can be darkened somewhat (to make some experiments even cooler!).

"My son loved the Mad Science program!  He came home after every weekly class so excited to tell me what he learned and made for the week!!  Thank you for making him learn about science in a fun and exciting way!!" - Parent of 1st Grader, Swansea, MA

Our students don't know much about Mad Science.  How can we get them interested?

For schools that are new to Mad Science and are interested in running an Afterschool Progam, we will be happy to do a school assembly at a significant discount from our regular rate.  This is a great way to introduce your kids to the fun they can have as part of the Mad Science Afterschool Program.  It's also an opportunity for kids that may not get to participate in the Mad Science Afterschool Program to have a blast!

"My son enjoyed this program  From the very first class he was excited and looked forward to the next class.  Thank you."- Parent of 2nd Grader, Plymouth, MA

There’s a particular Mad Scientist that we really like!  Could we request him or her?

Our Mad Scientists recognize the great compliment it is to be specifically requested for a program.  Unfortunately, due to the number of programs we typically run and the intricacies of program scheduling, travel, equipment distribution, and time off for our instructors, we cannot guarantee a specific Mad Scientist for a specific program.  While we will make every reasonable effort to accommodate requests, we can only assure you that you will be satisfied with the excellent Mad Scientist that does your program, whomever it may be.

"[My son] really enjoyed the program and was sad to see it end.  We will be back!" - Parent of 1st Grader, Plymouth, MA

Our kids are all boys/all girls.  Can we request our Mad Scientist be a male/female?

Similar to a request for a specific Mad Scientist, we cannot guarantee the gender of your Mad Scientist for all of the same reasons.  We can assure you that you and the kids will be satisfied with any one of our excellent Mad Scientists.

"Our daughter really loved the program!  At-home activities were fun, family activities.  We all enjoyed the Mad Science program." - Parent of 1st Grader, Plymouth, MA