Workshops with SOL Correlations


		Workshops with SOL Correlations

All of our workshops can be adjusted to fit any age or grade level.

See the bottom of our list for other fun science activities.

	Workshop uses:
	-Enrichment supplements your curriculum
	-Remediation spotlight areas of concern
	-Review/Refresh prepare for the SOLs
	-Reward with an educational program
	In-Class Workshops are convenient:
	-No time-consuming travel
	-No expensive travel costs
	-No lost class time
	-Flexible to meet your schedule
	Each workshop contains:
	-Multiple demonstrations and hands-on activities
	-Leave behind materials or take home projects
	-One hour of interactive discovery
	-Cross-curriculum Resource Guide
	Each Resource Guide includes:
	-Preparation and review materials
	-Extension activities
	-Vocabulary
	-Bibliography

Bringing a Mad Science workshop to your class is easy and affordable.

Click on the Workshop Request Form link, fill it out and fax it in. That's all there is! A single workshop accommodates your whole class (up to 28 students) for only $139 ($4.96 per student). Team up with other teachers and save! Multiple workshops in the same day are only $125 each ($4.46 per student). Note: A $30 surcharge applies for all workshops that take place after 1pm

Sample Resource Guide Workshop Request Form

Grade Level	SOL	Name of Workshop and SOL Strand		Description
ALL	.1	Detective Science	Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and Logic	Students study their own fingerprints and teeth impressions to discover how detectives study evidence. They perform tests on different "mystery" powders to determine what they might be. The importance of one's observations are demonstrated by recreating the face of a "suspect" solely from memory.
K	.2	Seeking Our Senses	Living Systems	We take a detailed look at our five senses. Everyone discovers how our eyes work and play tricks on us as we examine optical illusions. Our ears get a checkup as we use stethoscopes and listen to movie sound effects. Our sense of touch is examined through the use of Braille cards. Then taste and smell is put to the test as we examine scented paints and flavored sodas.
K	.3	Magnetic Magic	Force, Motion, Energy	Your students will examine different types of magnets up close and learn how they attract and repel. They will observe how magnets behave, test different metal and non-metal items for their magnetic properties and even play a game of super magnet tug of war! Then we use the largest magnet, the Earth to create a compass. Students will be introduced to electromagnets and get to make one to take home.
K	.4	Matter of Fact	Matter	Investigate the ingredients of the universe – atoms, molecules, elements and compounds! Students will build their own marshmallow molecules, play alchemist by turning a nickel into gold (well, almost) and mix their own solution of Mad Science putty as we discuss physical and chemical changes and the three states of matter.
K	.5	Wacky Waves	Interrelationships in Earth/Space Systems	Study density, water as a solvent, water pollution, and waves. Experiment with eggs, various liquids, and hydrophobic sand. Problem solve to figure out the most effective way to clean up an oil spill. Understand how waves are made by making your own wave machine to keep.
1	.2	Fundamental Forces	Force, Motion, Energy	Introduces students to the basic concepts of forces. Encounter their own force of gravity. See what happens to objects when different forces are applied- to help illustrate things like gravity, precession, and centrifugal and centripetal force. Experiment with gyroscopes and hot-wheels loops.
1	.4	Photosynthesis	Life Processes	This workshop provides an introduction to the chemical processes in a plant, plant respiration, and the role of plants in food webs. We discuss different types of plants, their leaves and the products they produce. Your students will examine the role of light in the process, test for starch, and then create their own mini greenhouse to observe in class or take home.
1	.5	All About Animals	Life Processes	How do animals feed themselves and their young? Which animals hibernate and which ones migrate and why? How do animals use camouflage and behavior to protect themselves from predators? Students will gain a better understanding of the characteristics and adaptations of animals which live in different habitats and environments. Then make an animal print to take home.
1	.6	Space	Earth Patterns, Cycles and Changes	First we will examine the relationship the sun has to the Earth in providing light and heat and causing night and day. Next we are off to explore the solar system by taking an exciting look at planets, moons, comets and the stars! (Space suits not required!) We will create a real comet and investigate asteroid strikes. Students will make their own space shuttle to take home.
2	.2	Magnetic Magic	Force, Motion, Energy	We examine different types of magnets up close and learn about their poles and how they attract and repel. Different metal items will be tested for their magnetic properties. Then we use the largest magnet, the Earth to create a compass. Students will be introduced to electromagnets and get to make one to take home.
2	.3	Bubbling Potions	Matter	Introduce your students to the three common states of matter with a “cool” dry ice workshop. Mass, volume and phase changes are explored when we turn water to ice in 30 seconds, blow up balloons without using air, create fun bubbling potions, carbonate our own soda pop and finish with some awesome smoke illusions used in movie special effects.
2	.4	Bugs!	Living Systems	Students start by identifying the characteristics of insects. They then investigate insect defenses such as disguises and bad smells. They view different kinds of insect habitats. The importance of insects to the environment is explored by learning about insects' roles in pollination.
2	.5	Ecosystems	Living Systems	Your students will learn about the interconnections that exist between all living things in an ecosystem, including humans. The nature cycles, food chains and energy webs (producers, consumers and decomposers) within different environments are explored before we make mini-ecosystems that you can observe in class for a month.
2	.6	Walloping Weather	Earth Patterns, Cycles and Changes	Your students will become Jr. Meteorologists with this hands –on weather workshop. After we identify the different types and patterns of weather and its impact, we will investigate ways in which weather is predicted and measured. Students will learn about clouds, how it rains and what causes lightning. The finale is a UV detector to make and take home.
2	.8	Photosynthesis	Life Processes	This workshop provides an introduction to the chemical processes in a plant, plant respiration, and the role of plants in food webs. We discuss different types of plants, their leaves and the products they produce. Your students will examine the role of light in the process, test for starch, and then create their own mini greenhouse to observe in class or take home.
3	.2	Mad Science Machines	Force, Motion, Energy	Students start by identifying the different types of simple machines. They use levers to create catapults. Inclined planes are used to determine the easiest way to pull a cart. Students are shown ways that screws and wedges make our lives easier.
3	.3	Matter of Fact	Matter	Investigate the ingredients of the universe – atoms, molecules, elements and compounds! Students will build their own marshmallow molecules, play alchemist by turning a nickel into gold (well, almost) and mix their own solution of Mad Science putty as we discuss physical and chemical changes and the three states of matter.
3	.4	All About Animals	Life Processes	How do animals feed themselves and their young? Which animals hibernate and which ones migrate and why? How do animals use camouflage and behavior to protect themselves from predators? Students will gain a better understanding of the characteristics and adaptations of animals which live in different habitats and environments. Then make an animal print to take home.
3	.5	Ecosystems	Living Systems	Your students will learn about the interconnections that exist between all living things in an ecosystem, including humans. The nature cycles, food chains and energy webs (producers, consumers and decomposers) within different environments are explored before we make mini-ecosystems that you can observe in class for a month.
3	.6	Bugs!	Living Systems	Students start by identifying the characteristics of insects. They then investigate insect defenses such as disguises and bad smells. They view different kinds of insect habitats. The importance of insects to the environment is explored by learning about insects' roles in pollination.
3	.6	Ecosystems	Living Systems	Your students will learn about the interconnections that exist between all living things in an ecosystem, including humans. The nature cycles, food chains and energy webs (producers, consumers and decomposers) within different environments are explored before we make mini-ecosystems that you can observe in class for a month.
3	.8	Space	Earth Patterns, Cycles and Changes	First we will examine the Earth-moon-sun relationship and how it effects our seasons. Next we are off to explore the solar system by taking an exciting look at planets, moons, comets and the stars! (Space suits not required!) We will create a real comet and investigate asteroid strikes. Students will make their own space shuttle to take home.
3	.9	Wacky Waves	Interrelationships in Earth/Space Systems	Study density, water as a solvent, water pollution, and waves. Experiment with eggs, various liquids, and hydrophobic sand. Problem solve to figure out the most effective way to clean up an oil spill. Understand how waves are made by making your own wave machine to keep.
4	.2	Fundamental Forces	Force, Motion, Energy	Introduces students to the basic concepts of forces. Encounter their own force of gravity. See what happens to objects when different forces are applied- to help illustrate things like gravity, precession, and centrifugal and centripetal force. Experiment with gyroscopes and hot-wheels loops.
4	.3	Current Events	Force, Motion, Energy	Students problem-solve to create simple circuits that will light a bulb. Hands-on activities also allow them to explore more complex series circuits. They experience a nerve-tester, MS electricity labs, and our amazing Tooth Tunes device. Observe how electricity flows through wires and water.
4	.3	Electricity	Force, Motion, Energy	This workshop introduces students to the fundamental concepts of electricity: circuits, conductors and insulators, and how it is converted to everyday uses. Students will create different circuits, interact with plasma balls, discover “sticky” static electricity and make their own static energy chambers to take home.
4	.4	Photosynthesis	Life Processes	This workshop provides an introduction to the chemical processes in a plant, plant respiration, and the role of plants in food webs. Your students will examine the role of light in the process, test for starch, and then create their own mini greenhouse to observe in class or take home.
4	.5	Ecosystems	Living Systems	Your students will learn about the interconnections that exist between all living things in an ecosystem, including humans. The nature cycles, food chains and energy webs (producers, consumers and decomposers) within different environments are explored before we make mini-ecosystems that you can observe in class for a month.
4	.5	All About Animals	Living Systems	How do animals feed themselves and their young? Which animals hibernate and which ones migrate and why? How do animals use camouflage and behavior to protect themselves from predators? Students will gain a better understanding of the adaptations and characteristics of animals which live in different habitats and environments. Then make an animal print to take home.
4	.6	Walloping Weather	Earth Patterns, Cycles and Changes	Your students will become Jr. Meteorologists with this hands –on weather workshop. After we identify the different types and patterns of weather and its impact, we will investigate ways in which weather is predicted and measured. Students will learn about clouds, how it rains and what causes lightning. The finale is a UV detector to make and take home.
4	.7	Planets and Moons	Earth Patterns, Cycles and Changes	Explore our solar system neighborhood. Learn how the planets stack up, compare planetary sizes and distances, and create a lunar eclipse in this "mad" planetary tour! Build and take home Kepler's Cube, a fun and educational 3-D solar system puzzle!
4	.7	Space	Earth Patterns, Cycles and Changes	First we will examine the sun-Earth-moon relationship and how it effects our seasons. Next we are off to explore the solar system by taking an exciting look at planets, moons, comets and the stars! (Space suits not required!) We will create a real comet and investigate asteroid strikes. Students will make their own space shuttle to take home.
5	.1	Earth Works	Earth Patterns, Cycles and Changes	Students become junior geologists by exploring different types of rocks and minerals. They use a UV light to go on a mineral hunt. They discover how mountains are made and how earthqakes occur by studying plate tectonics.
5	.2	Sonics Sounds	Force, Motion, Energy	Your students will investigate sound, sound waves and the way different materials transmit sound energy. Students will visualize wavelength and frequency, test tuning forks, and even create amazing movie effects. Then they alter and record their voices through our voice effects generator!
5	.3	Laser Light	Force, Motion, Energy	Students will learn about light and how it behaves through different substances. The use of lasers for holograms, special effects and surgery is discussed. Your class will use real lasers to create illusions, design a light show and compete in a friendly game of laser tag. Note: this workshop requires the ability to darken the room.
5	.3	Lights, Color, Action!	Force, Motion, Energy	Using Newton’s color wheel and prisms, students will observe and create white light. We will discuss reflection and refraction and then introduce both the visible and invisible light spectrum through a strobe light and a black light. The grand finale is a chemical energy display – indoor fireworks! Note: this workshop requires the ability to darken the room.
5	.4	Matter of Fact	Matter	Investigate the ingredients of the universe – atoms, molecules, elements and compounds! Students build their own marshmallow molecules, play alchemist by turning a nickel into gold (well, almost)…and mix their own solution of Mad Science putty as we discuss the three states of matter.
5	.4	Che-Mystery	Living Systems	Students explore the difference between physical and chemical reactions. They witness the chemical magic of water turning into grape juice. They'll see what appears to be disappearing styrofoam. Through chemical processes students will make their own flavored soda, "magic mud", and crystal gardens.
5	.5	Cells	Living Systems	Available Fall of 2008 - Get under your own skin as the Mad Scientist leads you on a journey into your body. Discover the micro-world of cells. Cytoplasm? Mitochondria? Ribosome? What are they and what job do they do for you? Students will create their own cell model to take home.
5	.6	Black and Blue Oceans	Interrelationships in Earth/Space Systems	Your class will take a dive of discovery into the largest ecosystem on the planet – the ocean! Through a hands-on activity, your students will explore the effects of, and the difficulties in, cleaning up an oil spill.
5	.6	Wacky Waves	Interrelationships in Earth/Space Systems	Study density, water as a solvent, water pollution, and waves. Experiment with eggs, various liquids, and hydrophobic sand. Problem solve to figure out the most effective way to clean up an oil spill. Understand how waves are made by making your own wave machine to keep.
5	.7	Earth Works	Earth Patterns, Cycles and Changes	Students become junior geologists by exploring different types of rocks and minerals. They use a UV light to go on a mineral hunt. They discover how mountains are made and how earthqakes occur by studying plate tectonics.
5	.7	Mineral Mania	Earth Patterns, Cycles and Changes	Introduce your students to all aspects of geology – the rock cycle and classification, plate tectonics, the Earth’s structure, and the affects of weathering and erosion. Your students will create their own mini-volcano and then pan for “gems” which they can keep!

		Name of Workshop		Description
The following programs highlight Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and Logic. Virginia's Department of Education reminds teachers "25 percent of items on the third and fifth grade SOL assessments measure the skills defined in the “Scientific Investigation, Reasoning, and Logic” strand."
	.1	Acids and Bases		Uncover the mysteries of chemistry by using pH paper to test whether substances are acids or bases.. Test for acid rain, make a CO2 fire extinguisher and a film canister cannon.
	.1	Harnessing Heat		Witness a mini rocket launch while learning the properties and efects of heat. Lift a cup with no hands, create an underwater volcano and change the states of matter by turning solid kernel corn into an explosion of edible fun!
	.1	Optical Illusions		Hands-on optical illusions for the kids to test and view. They'll be tricked by which images are real. See what happens when a stroboscope is added. Make a cartoon out of still pictures.
	.1	Rocketry Demonstrations		Discover the dynamics of rocket flight. Touch and feel our scale rockets while learning how and why they fly. Students will compete in a rocket balloon race and then head outside to take part in a real rocket launch.
	.1	Science of Magic		Challenge students to use their minds, bodies, and all five senses to explain how these magic tricks work, so that they can reproduce them. They will see old-time favorites like the Illusion Box, Houdini's Chains, and handkerchief tricks. They will be dazzled by some newer tricks like Hydrophobic Sand, Body Illusion, and the Three-cup Monte.
	.1	Slime!		A perennial favorite! Students learn about polymers while experiment with slime by holding slime races, making bubble slime, and other exciting hands-on activities. Use putty to pick up newsprint. Observe the chemical reactions that create "magic muffins". Make slime to take home.
	.1	Stunt Planes and Gliders		The Wright Brothers would be proud as we follow in their footsteps and learn the fundamental principles of flight. Students learn how different variables of the planes control surfaces affect flight. Build a "football" glider and your very own loop-flying stunt plane. You'll be a Top Gun after this class!
	.1	Super Structures		Students test rigidity and stability of structures. After understanding how triangles and arches help support structures, they will build bridges, Roman Arches, various shaped structures out of magnets, and even a Jenga tower! Their ultimate challenge is to design an earthquake-proof building.
	.1	Tantalizing Taste		Experiment with taste sensations while "mapping" out your tongue. Use lifesaver testing to compare your sense of smell and taste. Carbonate and taste your very own soda pop and take the "Mad Science" taste challenge.
	.1	Under Pressure		Join Bernoulli and Newton as we take this exciting look at the science behind aerodynamics and the properties of air…under pressure. Use a vortex generator to create air pockets with a punch, and levitate the ping-pong balls in defiance of gravity!
	.1	Watts Up?		Students learn about static electricity, its properties and its role in natural phenomena. Make indoor lighting while conducting hair-raising experiments with our electro-static generator.
	.1	Where's the Air?		The concept of air pressure is demonstrated through its power to "crush" cans, explode marshmallows, and levitate objects. Students make their own helicopters to take home.