STEM-ology: STEAM Meets Storytelling!

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!

Ages: 9-12

Class size: Maximum- 8 Students

Level: All

Price Per Session: $44

Why Take This Course?

Embark on an exhilarating exploration of the fascinating intersection between science and storytelling in our literature-infused STEM-ology!

In STEM-ology, we unravel the mysteries within mythology, fairy tales, folklore, and legends, weaving them seamlessly with science, engineering, and artistic ingenuity. Each week, students delve into STEM challenges inspired by timeless tales, igniting their creativity, problem-solving skills, and resilience.

  • "Science is not opposed to storytelling. Science is a genre of storytelling. Stories of the real world, inspired by observations thereof." ~ Sean Carroll

    Embark on an exhilarating exploration of the fascinating intersection between science and storytelling in our literature-infused STEM-ology!

    In STEM-ology, we unravel the mysteries within mythology, fairy tales, folklore, and legends, weaving them seamlessly with science, engineering, and artistic ingenuity. Each week, students delve into STEM challenges inspired by timeless tales, igniting their creativity, problem-solving skills, and resilience.

    Modeled after the legendary 12 Labors of Hercules, this course introduces a captivating "Feat of the Week" in every class. Students are tasked with employing their creativity and grit to overcome these challenges, tracking their epic journey with a personalized "STEAM Legends" Passport (provided).

    What to Expect:

    Mythical Beginnings: Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of myths, legends, and folktales.

    STEAM Insights: Explore the science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) concepts intertwined with each week's challenge.

    Challenge Unveiling: Uncover the weekly challenge, complete with helpful tips or engage in an instructor-led project.

    Guided Creation: Receive expert support during dedicated work time, fostering an environment of collaboration and experimentation.

    Showcasing Achievements: Conclude each session with a presentation and reflection on completed or in-progress projects.

    This course embraces the principles of Project-Based Learning, encouraging students to experiment, collaborate, and create in a nurturing environment. From guided tasks to open-ended projects, the emphasis lies on playful exploration and curiosity, steering clear of rigid "right" or "wrong" outcomes. Students are encouraged to extend their projects beyond class, sharing their discoveries through classroom posts or subsequent meetings.

    Join us on a captivating journey where the realms of science and storytelling entwine, inspiring a love for discovery and kindling the flames of imagination!

  • This course embraces the principles of Project-Based Learning, encouraging students to experiment, collaborate, and create in a nurturing environment. From guided tasks to open-ended projects, the emphasis lies on playful exploration and curiosity, steering clear of rigid "right" or "wrong" outcomes. Students are encouraged to extend their projects beyond class, sharing their discoveries through classroom posts or subsequent meetings.

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

    --Paper and pencil, construction paper, colored pencils/markers/crayons, building/construction blocks/toys (ie plastic building bricks), small manipulatives, sculpting materials such as clay, sculpey, or playdough, glue stick, scissors (adult assistance may be necessary), plain white paper plates, straws, popsicle sticks, tape, cardboard, paper towel rolls, etc.

    --A folder with pockets and brads is recommended, OR a blank, spiral-bound sketch book or journal (spiral-bound opens flat for ease of use), preferable one that opens horizontally for a side-by-side layout of reflection pages.

    --Printed materials will be provided before each meeting. Access to a printer is required--but if none is available, please contact teacher 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 or office supplies that are easy to find in most homes. Alternative suggestions are always available upon request if a student does not have access to a supply we will be using.

How To Enroll

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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

Our Promise To You

Satisfaction Guarantee:

If you’re not 100% IN LOVE with this course within the first 24 hours, you can either transfer to another course, get a 100% refund credit toward a future class or get a 75% money-back.

That’s it! No hassle!

In 3 years and over 500 families served, only 2 families have ever used this.

*more info in FAQs below

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 =)

  • We offer a satisfaction guarantee!

    If you’re not 100% IN LOVE with your course, you can:

    1- Transfer to another equal value class at no charge (space permitting)

    2- Get a 100% refund to a YSA credit

    3- Get a 25% money-back to your credit card

    Refund requests must be received up to 24 hours after the first day of camp. After 24 hours after the first class begins there will be no refund of tuition.

    The non-refundable 25% deposit is critical as it allows us to determine which courses we can run.

    Note- this is a satisfaction guarantee, therefore your child must attend class to qualify.

    *Note- Yearly courses like AP require a 30-day notice

  • 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?