KSL Academy Scholars explore three primary states of matter, and problem solving to change them and understand the chemistry to allows us to better appreciate matter in all its forms.
Why is syrup so thick (viscous) when it is cold?
Using Science Fundaments at Kids Science Labs with a touch of mad science experiments
Why many Kids Love mad science experiments so much?
Have you ever watched your child’s eyes light up while they mix colorful liquids in a plastic bowl or watch a fizzy reaction safely explode in front of them? If so, you’ve witnessed the magic of the type of mad science that kids love at places like Kids Science Labs! It's the kind of science that goes beyond textbooks and into the realm of hands-on, real-world experimentation. Several years ago, when Kids Science Labs was offering mad science style afterschool classes, parents remarked that kids aren’t just learning—they’re engaging in thrilling experiments that make science feel like an adventure. A transformative experience was born, when Kids Science Labs began offering these hands-on
But what is it about these mad science experiments that gets kids so excited? And why are they so beneficial for learning? Let’s dive into why kids love KSL and how it supports their growth in ways traditional learning can’t always match.
What Is It About Mad Science Experiments That Boosts Kids' Learning?
It’s simple: Kids Science Labs and similar programs that offer crazy and mad science experiments that are all about engagement, are the new thing this year. When children do something hands-on, they’re not just memorizing facts—they’re experiencing the concept firsthand. Imagine teaching a child about chemical reactions. You could explain it in a classroom, but there’s a special spark when they actually mix vinegar and baking soda to create a fizzy explosion themselves. That’s Kids Science Labs in action, especially with their ChemBusters Mad Science Labs available for Chicago Summer Camps or Summer Camps in Seattle.
What makes it even more exciting is that it’s not just about watching. Kids are encouraged to participate in every step of the process. They get to ask questions, make predictions, and see results unfold in real-time. This approach leads to better retention, a deeper understanding, and, most importantly, a love for learning. Experiments give children a chance to see the "why" and "how" behind the concepts they’re learning, making science come alive.
At some of the most mad science programs at Kids Science Labs, curiosity drives the learning process. Kids are often fascinated by the unknown and the ability to create unexpected outcomes. These hands-on activities tap into that natural curiosity, allowing them to experiment, fail, try again, and, ultimately, learn from experience.
How Did Kids Science Labs Improve on Mad Science After-School Classes to Accelerate Careers in Medicine and Engineering?
You may have heard of Kids Science Labs because of their slime birthday parties, chicago summer camps, or seattle fun things to do with kids? These specialized programs build upon the core principles of Mad Science and take them to the next level. Parents should know that Kids Science Labs differs from the franchise, Mad Science, which offers after-school programs, Kids Science Labs takes a more focused approach, encouraging kids not only to experiment but also to discover pathways to potential careers in STEM fields like medicine, engineering, and technology.
At Kids Science Labs, they don't just stop at fun experiments. The labs are designed to provide an immersive experience that helps children understand the real-world applications of science. For example, kids aren’t just learning how a balloon flies—they’re investigating the principles of air pressure, physics, and engineering. This deeper understanding sets the stage for careers in fields that are changing the world.
Kids Science Labs has refined its PowerScience program by integrating curriculum that aligns with current developments in STEM education. Again, it is not the same as “mad science”, which is based in Canada. KSL offers STEM programs for kids 12 months a year, alternating between birthday parties, field trips, summer camps for kids, and stem programs. From early exposure to complex concepts like vision & lights, or forces & motion, these programs make science feel accessible and relevant to kids. The approach helps foster skills that are critical for success in medicine and engineering, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration.
By focusing on hands-on learning, Kids Science Labs accelerates the path for kids interested in exploring these high-demand fields. Instead of just introducing concepts, the labs challenge children to think critically and apply what they’ve learned to real-world scenarios—building a strong foundation for future careers.
What Do Kids Do to Turn Fun Science Into Crazy Mad Science at Kids Science Labs?
At Kids Science Labs, science isn’t just something kids learn about—it’s something they do. The labs are a playground for curious minds, where kids can dive into a range of activities that make science feel like an adventure. From creating chemical reactions that bubble and fizz to building simple machines or even designing their own experiments, the focus is on engaging children in the process of discovery.
One of the best parts of Mad Science at Kids Science Labs is the sheer variety of activities kids can try. Some might design rockets that actually launch (talk about cool!), while others might delve into biology by creating slime or observing plant growth in different conditions. There are also themed labs that bring real-world science into the mix, like understanding the science behind popular video games or the physics of roller coasters.
Every experiment is designed to be interactive and hands-on, ensuring that kids don’t just follow directions—they also get to take ownership of their experiments. They’ll make observations, hypothesize outcomes, and sometimes even fail before succeeding. These kinds of experiences teach resilience, collaboration, and, most importantly, the joy of learning through trial and error.
What Are the Special Benefits About Early Childhood Learning That Includes Frequent Hands-On Science?
Early childhood is a time when young minds are soaking up information faster than ever. It’s the perfect time to introduce children to the wonders of science through hands-on experiments. But why is this so important?
First, hands-on science nurtures a child’s natural curiosity. Young children are naturally inquisitive, asking "why" and "how" about the world around them. Engaging with science experiments helps them learn how to ask questions, think critically, and develop problem-solving skills. They learn that making mistakes is part of the learning process, which builds resilience and confidence.
Second, Kids Science Labs and other hands-on science programs help develop fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and other cognitive abilities. For example, when children measure ingredients for an experiment or manipulate materials to build a structure, they are exercising their coordination and ability to follow sequences of steps. This kind of learning improves concentration, memory, and understanding of basic math and science principles.
Third, regular engagement with hands-on science helps foster a love of learning. When children see their efforts come to life through experiments, they begin to associate learning with fun, which motivates them to continue exploring and experimenting. These positive experiences in early childhood set the foundation for academic success later in life.
Finally, early exposure to science can spark an interest in STEM careers. By introducing kids to the practical applications of science at a young age, you help them connect their academic learning with real-world opportunities. This could mean a future career in medicine, engineering, or even space exploration—fields that are constantly looking for the next generation of brilliant minds.
At the end of the day, the interesting and mad science experiments that are conducted at Kids Science Labs are not just about creating cool explosions or colorful reactions (though those are definitely part of the fun). Instead, KSL is about sparking a lifelong curiosity in children and giving them the tools to explore the world around them. Through the real hands-on experiments, led by excited teachers, children gain valuable skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and resilience—skills that will benefit them throughout their academic journey and beyond.
Whether it’s the mad science in chicago, the wicked potions in Seattle Summer Camps, hands-on science labs at Kids Science Labs or a simple experiment at home, there’s no better time to introduce your child to the world of science than right now. The possibilities are endless, and the results can be truly magical. After all, when kids can turn science into crazy fun, it’s easy to see why they’ll keep coming back for more!
Why does Orange Juice get so clumpy when you add milk to the cup?
Everything is made of stuff called elements. Different combinations make different things. When you mix certain elements and groups of elements together, sometimes they react and fizz, bubble, or explode. Kids are exploring what nearly everything is made of, namely elements, and why certain combinations of elements (molecules) are more reactive than others. A chemical reaction is anytime you mix two things, and you get something new. Students learned that they are irreversible, and typically can be seen via a color change, temperature change, fizzing, or a state change.
On this day, we led our students to deepen their understand that everything is made of smaller things, called elements, and investigated:
how the entire universe has an ingredient list called the “periodic table of elements” that is organized and helps us understand how things behave when you mix them
how some elements are metals and exist as solids, and others are non-metals and may exist as solids, liquids, or gases
what happens when two things mix and things stay the same ( physical reaction) v. something new is created (chemical reaction)
why ratios matter, and how acid and bases can be used to create innovative tools
In camp kids are making their own customized chemistry kits, with the elements of fun. We love providing our community with useful resources for kids to learn more at home, so show your kids this fun video to build confidence with Chemical Reactions: