STEAM Science Lab for Junior (age 5-8) and Intermediate (age 7-10)

Prepare to be amazed as you watch your differently-wired kiddo make real friends, explore this unique content, grow under the guidance of this expert mentor, and be seen in all their glory!

Why Take This Course?

There are 2 “levels” to this class!

STEAM Lab: JUNIORS (Level 1, ages 5-8)

STEAM Lab: INTERMEDIATE (Level 2, ages 7-10)

Curious kids are invited on a journey of discovery!

This is an incredibly fun, highly interactive STEAM series that is taught in a way that aligns perfectly with the way our neurodivergent students are learning in the 21st century! Your child will LOVE the curiosity-based, active, hands-on approach to STEM exploration in this course. We offer TWO FULL SCHOOL YEARS of exciting STEM topics and projects!

Students love this class because it comes with a printable "STEAM Lab Passport" which allows them to collect the weekly topic "stamps" to keep track of what they learned.  Collect them all!

This is an incredibly fun, hands-on course that is taught in a way that aligns perfectly with the way our neurodivergent students are learning in the 21st century! Your child will LOVE the fun, curiosity-inspiring, gamified, “unboxing” approach in this course. The STEAM Explorers approach is so engaging they will be hooked!

NOTES REGARDING Level 1 vs Level 2

The terms “Junior” and ”Intermediate” refer to two school years (Fall through Spring) of STEAM Lab: Discovery Quest  (Year 1 is “Junior,” Year 2 is “Intermediate”) .  That being said, there are NO PREREQUISITES for either level.  You DO NOT have to take Junior in order to sign up for Intermediate, and they can be taken in any order (even simultaneously), depending on your child's age, abilities, and interests.

Junior Level students will have limited reading and writing abilities (rarely used in class), will participate in mostly guided or creative projects, and often benefit from some adult assistance in class (varies per learner). 

Intermediate Level students are often able to read (beginning readers are OK), and can work more independently on both guided and open-ended projects and challenges. If you are unsure about which level (Junior or Intermediate) is right for your learner, please reach out!

  • Each of these (Junior and Intermediate) is a school-year-long class. The weekly subject matter will be introductory--so no previous knowledge of the topic is required.  All activities, games, stories, videos, and content will be age and developmentally appropriate.  New topics will be presented each week, a sort of “sampler” of STEM themes!

    Each week, the teacher will present a brief lesson about a featured STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) topic.  Students will take turns sharing what they already know about the topic and or what they are wondering about it.  For the remainder of class, students will participate in some of the following: a variety of short activities, discussion, read-alouds, video clips, or hands-on STEM projects (both open-ended and guided) to explore and demonstrate what we are learning.

    Extended enrichment activities may be provided between class meetings for students who are eager to learn more.

    Students will be encouraged to keep a STEAM "travel journal."  Each week,students will be provided with a printed page that they can complete and enter into their journals to practice and reflect on what they learned.

    A printable seasonal "STEAM Lab Passport" will also be provided. Students may add a weekly topic "stamp" to keep track of what they learned.  Collect them all!

    A general supply list is provided in the class description, but weekly supplies for special projects will be posted in the Google classroom prior to each meeting.  Alternate supply ideas are always available upon request, and all students will have ample opportunity to participate in class regardless of what they bring to class.

    In all of our STEAM courses, we will strive to create a safe, inclusive, positive classroom with the goal of building curiosity and excitement for learning about the world around us.

    STEAM Lab: Discovery Quest JUNIOR: 

    This level is designed especially for primary and early elementary learners (approximately grades K--2, see guidelines above). This class can be taken for one whole school year without any content repetition!  New topics will be presented each week, and will center around larger STEAM themes (ie Chemistry, Earth Science, Life Science, Engineering, Logic and Problem Solving, Physics, etc).  

    A few sample lesson themes from JUNIOR Level are as follows:

    Fossils

    The Science of Soil

    My Body: My Brain

    Animal Adaptations

    Geology ROCKS! (all about rocks)

    Punkin’ Chunkin’ Catapults

    Skyscraper Engineering

    Candy Cane Chemistry

    Spy School (Ciphers and Codes)

    …and SO MUCH MORE!

    STEAM Lab: Discovery Quest INTERMEDIATE: 

    This level is designed especially for lower elementary learners (approximately grades 1-4, see guidelines above).  This class can be taken for one whole school year without any content repetition!  New topics will be presented each week, and will center around larger STEAM themes (ie Chemistry, Earth Science, Life Science, Engineering, Logic and Problem Solving, Physics, etc).  

    A few sample lesson themes from INTERMEDIATE Level are as follows:

    Layers of the Earth

    The Water Cycle

    Medieval Castle Engineering

    The Physics of Flight

    Life in the Ocean Zones

    Rube Goldberg Machines

    Seasonal Migration of North American Birds

    Science Sleuths: Forensics and Secret Codes

    ..and SO MUCH MORE!

  • Empower your child to gain confidence, organize their thoughts, improve their communication and listening skills, all while learning more about matter in our daily lives!

  • Each week, we will use some or all of the following:

    Paper and pencil, construction paper, colored pencils/markers/crayons, building/construction blocks/toys, sculpting materials such as clay, glue, scissors (adult assistance may be necessary), plain white paper plates, straws, popsicle sticks, tape, water, containers for mixing, etc.

    A folder with pockets OR a blank, spiral-bound sketchbook.

    Access to a printer is required--but if none is available, please contact us to arrange an alternative solution. (We will do our best to make it work!)

    Additional materials may be requested prior to individual classes, but they will be common household, kitchen, or office supplies that are easy to find.

 

Ages: 5-8 and 7-10

Class size: Maximum- 8 Students

Level: All

Price Per Session: $44

Our Promise To You

Satisfaction Guarantee:

Your child must attend the class in question to qualify.

If you’re not 100% IN LOVE with your courses, here are your options:

  • Refund requests must be received up to 24 hours after the first course begins to do one of the following options:

    • transfer to another course of the same price

    • get a 100% refund credit toward a future class

    • get a 75% money-back to the original payment method

  • The deposit made at the time of enrollment is non-refundable. 

    Cancellation options are:

    Payment plan: Cancellation requests received up to 24 hours after the first course begins will stop any future payments.

    Any cancellation requests beyond that require a 30-day notice to stop the membership/billing.

    Paid in full:

    Cancellation requests require a 30-day notice.

    The remaining balance at the end of the 30-day cancellation period can be used to transfer to another class or be converted to credit toward a future class.

How To Enroll

Explore Times

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What Our Parents Say…

  • "As a former [special education] teacher and a parent on the spectrum, I have 4 neurodiverse kiddos I homeschool. Miss Alex has been fantastic. The key is finding a teacher that is just as passionate about learning as the kids. She is an excellent teacher for ANY student."

  • “Miss Alex is a great teacher!:-) she is not scared to talk to her students as people who can understand scientific language. The classes are a mixture of knowledge, a project, reading a book, a fun and something serious (that's what kids need in my opinion to know a new material and at the same time to be interested in the subject). The teacher is always prepared and well-organized...And there is always something unexpected at the class:-)”

  • "One of the best classes out there that’s full of fun and lasting experiences. My son looks forward to this class every week and Miss Alexandra is so kind, energetic, and so full of energy with a lot of patience. She takes time at the beginning of every class to make sure all her students are prepared with materials and if not, she helps them with alternatives or still makes it a fun experience to watch. It’s so hands on and she pulls information and activities from every aspect of science and at that are almost magical and thrilling. This is a wonderful, amusing ( watching your kids make messes and getting excited over the little things), enjoyable, and a very educational class that your child will remember and will impact their lives in the best way. I don’t think many, if any, schools offer a class like this as it is one of a kind and you won’t regret it. It’s and eye opener and I am so glad that my son gets to experience it weekly."

Meet Your Mentor

Miss Alex

Miss Alex has been teaching one thing or another (mostly art and STEM) for the better part of her adult life--although she often has trouble remembering that she is, indeed, a grown up! Often described as "weird," "nerdy" or "unlike the other kids" when she was in school (very long ago), she's grown to embrace her quirkiness, especially as a parent and educator. Her favorite part about her work is that she gets to do the very serious job of teaching while also spending her whole day "geeking out" with awesome kids about the best stuff: science, magical creatures, nature, animals, dinosaurs, imagination, art. She is inspired by how incredibly smart and curious her learners are, and enjoys exploring the wonders of the world right alongside them.

Miss Alex has been a STEAM and art educator for 8 years, as well as a homeschool parent, teacher, and advisor for nearly a decade. She applies an eclectic approach to teaching, seeing herself as more of a facilitator and fellow life-long learner than lecturer. She loves getting to know her students and building relationships with them as they explore and investigate together.

Miss Alex combines different learning styles in her lessons, and uses humor, lots of interactive discussion, and an approachable attitude to help everyone feel included and valued. As an ADHD parent of ADHD and neuro-diverse children, it is important to Miss Alex that all types of learners are able to have a positive, meaningful experience in her classes. Her goal is to open each child up to the joy of wondering, learning and connecting with the wide world all around us.

Explore Other Courses Offered by Young Scholars Academy

Questions Asked By Fellow Parents

  • 4 KEY things:

    1- A focus on the positive! We don’t focus on what students aren’t doing, we support what they are and we know the rest will come. We develop strengths, interests, and relationships. We build students up so they can build a better world! And do it with the new friends they make in our program!

    2- Like-minded neurodivergent peers. Our asynchronous students need one another and YSA is a safe haven for these kiddos to connect around their asynchronies, quirks, and interests. We’re a place where they can be their authentic selves and make friends while doing so!

    3- Passionate, masterful neurodivergent mentors who have walked the walk and can authentically validate and support your child with personal experience and care AND expertise as we all have advanced masters + degrees

    4-Content your students care about taught in a way they love! We offer the courses they need to be taking, not the ones they’re required to take.

    Come by and see for yourself!

  • Please don’t confuse reactive “distance learning” and virtual enrichment programming. After all, a student who is completely fried from a boring zoom class is often quick to pick up a tablet or phone, right?

    Our courses are not at all the same animal =)

  • THIS IS A SATISFACTION GUARANTEE, so your child must attend the class in question to qualify.

    If you’re not 100% IN LOVE with your courses, here are your options:

    1- 8-Week Courses Refund requests must be received up to 24 hours after the first course begins to do one of the following options: 

    Payment plan or Paid in full- 3 options: transfer to another course of the same price, get a 100% refund credit toward a future class, or get a 75% money-back to the original payment method. 

    2-  16+ Week CoursesThe deposit made at the time of enrollment is non-refundable. Cancellation options are:

    Payment plan- Cancellation requests received up to 24 hours after the first course begins will stop any future payments. Any cancellation requests beyond that require a 30-day notice to stop the membership/billing.

    Paid in full- Cancellation requests require a 30-day notice. The remaining balance at the end of the 30-day cancellation period can be used to transfer to another class or be converted to credit toward a future class.

    Please read the description of each course before enrolling.

  • We do! We have 3 kinds:

    1- Word of mouth: 25% off- we know that the best way to reach new families is word of mouth. When you help another family enroll in a YSA class and they name you at checkout, you will get 25% off the cost of the course you’re currently enrolled in once they stay past the refund period. Note— this applies to all regular courses, BUT only applies to the first month of membership courses.

    2- Multi-sibling: 10% off- We believe in supporting whole families and we are willing to put our money where our mouth is! When you sign-up 2 or more kiddos you will receive 10% off. Note— this does not apply to our membership courses.

    3-Multi-course: 10% off- To fully serve your family, we hope to provide your child with all the courses they dream of taking! To make this more affordable, when you enroll in 3 or more classes, you will receive 10% off. Note— this does not apply to our membership courses.

  • Of course!

    As we like to say, if you’re on our site, you’re in the right place.

    Our programming is for students who are not being supported or challenged enough in school.

    If you have an asynchronous kiddo who you know has strengths and struggles, our courses are for your child.

  • 2e students experience such asynchronous development that it proves difficult to have hard age limits.

    We often evaluate students on a case by case basis =)

    Please email us and we’ll discuss: sam@youngscholarsacademy.org

  • All of our programs are 100% virtual. This allows us to bring together the twice-exceptional/neurodivergent students of the world, connect them, and nurture them!

    Your child may very well enter a 6-person class with 5 other students from 5 different states/countries!

    Cool, right?