"I hear, and I forget
I see, and I remember
I do, and I understand."
—Ancient proverb
"Education is not the learning of facts, but training the mind to think"- Albert Einstein
Where Adventure Meets Education!
Our unique classroom is a launchpad for young minds into a world where complex thinking, innovation, scientific discovery, and play converge to create a transformative experience. Designed to spark curiosity, foster teamwork, and cultivate cooperative strategic problem-solving skills, our dynamic and engaging environment is where fun meets learning. Our curriculum is crafted to inspire the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and creators. We provide a dynamic environment where every activity is an opportunity for growth, exploration, and fun. Welcome to The Exploratorium, 7th Grade Science at Life School Waxahachie, Texas, where the future is waiting – let the journey begin!
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Dream Flight Adventures
In our live-action spaceship bridge simulator, Dream Flight Adventures, your child and their fellow crew members will navigate through challenges across the cosmos. This immersive experience teaches the true value of teamwork and leadership in real-time, as they make critical decisions, manage resources, and navigate the unknown, all while working together to achieve their mission objectives.
Earth Accord Game
The Earth Accord Game fosters critical thinking and diplomacy, engaging participants in a complex geopolitical simulation. Over the course of a week, players immerse themselves in over 30 hours of gameplay, strategizing for global harmony. Assuming roles from prime ministers' cabinets to members of the United Nations, players tackle interlocking global challenges, requiring a blend of strategy-making, financial intelligence, emotional intelligence, leadership, cooperation, and negotiation skills. This game is an emotional rollercoaster that mirrors the complexities of real-world diplomacy and global governance.
Entrepreneurship
At The Exploratorium, we ignite the entrepreneurial spirit in young minds. Through hands-on training in AI tools and productivity software, we delve into the essentials of business. This program is designed to empower your child with the confidence and skills to begin their first steps as an entrepreneur. Your child will learn to ideate, develop, and market their products, setting the foundation for future success. From concept to creation to commerce, your child will be poised to be up and running selling their products.
Virtual Reality
Our virtual reality experiences offer a deep dive into immersive worlds where imagination meets reality. This cutting-edge technology challenges students to apply their critical thinking and problem-solving skills in vivid, interactive landscapes. From exploring the depths of the ocean to journeying through the human body, and even venturing into outer space, VR makes the impossible possible. Beyond its educational value, VR at The Exploratorium includes a variety of physical activities, such as golf, bowling, and boxing, promoting exercise in engaging and fun ways.
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STEM Labs
The Exploratorium's STEM labs and robotics workshops are laboratories of curiosity and innovation. Hands-on experiments in our science labs ignite a passion for discovery, while robotics workshops offer playful engineering fun where students tinker and learn coding concepts; these sessions are designed to inspire a love for STEM, encouraging students to question, experiment, and innovate.
Science Labs and Science
Dive into the exciting world of scientific discovery with The Exploratorium's Science Labs and Fair Training! This innovative program is designed to ignite a passion for research and experimentation, guiding students through the thrilling process of using the scientific method in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Environmental Science and developing their own science fair projects: our comprehensive approach covers everything from the initial brainstorming phase to the final presentation. Students will learn how to identify a compelling question, conduct thorough research, and apply the scientific method to design and execute experiments. But it's not just about the science; we also emphasize the importance of clear communication and presentation skills, ensuring that each participant can confidently showcase their findings.
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Board Games
Board games are interactive tools that mirror complex real-world systems and challenges. Through gameplay, students explore concepts such as resource management, economic principles, historical events, and strategic thinking. Each game is chosen for its potential to foster skills such as decision-making, logical reasoning, and teamwork. In addition to the cognitive benefits, our board game sessions are a fantastic way for students to develop social skills. They'll learn to communicate effectively, negotiate with peers, and handle competition in a healthy, constructive manner. The inclusive environment encourages every student to participate, promoting a sense of community and teamwork.
Minecraft Edu
Step into the blocky realms of creativity and learning with Minecraft Edu at The Exploratorium! This engaging program leverages the wildly popular game Minecraft, tailored specifically for educational purposes, to offer students a dynamic, immersive learning experience. Minecraft Edu goes beyond mere play, providing a versatile platform where students can explore concepts in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) through the fun and familiar medium of video gaming.
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In our Minecraft Edu sessions, students become architects of their own learning experiences. They'll design and build virtual worlds that reflect lessons in environmental science, historical civilizations, renewable energy, and more, all while honing their problem-solving and critical thinking skills. This hands-on approach to learning makes complex subjects accessible and engaging, encouraging students to experiment, explore, and collaborate with peers in ways traditional classrooms cannot.
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Engineering and collaboration are at the heart of Minecraft Edu. Students work together on projects, learning the importance of teamwork, communication, and project management. They'll face challenges that require negotiation and cooperation, mirroring real-life scenarios and preparing them for future academic and professional endeavors.
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Outdoor Activities
Participants have fun in immersive learning experiences encompassing various activities to enrich their understanding and appreciation of the natural world. This multifaceted approach promotes outdoor skills and encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong passion for exploring and learning about the natural world.
Survival and Camping Techniques
Students engage in hands-on activities that teach them how to set up camps and shelters in various environments, understand the basics of fire building and safety, knot tying, procuring water and food, navigate using traditional and modern methods, and learn basic first aid for outdoor emergencies. They also learn to appreciate the importance of conserving natural resources while understanding Leave No Trace principles to minimize their environmental impact.
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Science Field Studies
Additionally, the program incorporates science field studies, providing hands-on learning opportunities that cover various aspects of ecology, biology, and environmental science. Through these studies, students comprehensively understand ecosystems, wildlife, and conservation efforts, enhancing their awareness and responsibility toward preserving our natural heritage.
Nature Crafting
Nature crafting serves as a dynamic and engaging way for students to connect with the environment around them, transforming natural materials into beautiful, functional, and educational creations. This hands-on aspect of the program encourages participants to observe their surroundings more closely, appreciate the beauty and utility of natural resources, and learn sustainable practices. Examples include:
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Leaf Prints: Using leaves of different shapes and sizes, students can create detailed prints on fabric or paper. This activity teaches pattern recognition and appreciation for the diversity of plant life.
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Bamboo crafting: includes learning how to make traditional Japanese shakuhachi bamboo flutes, candle covers, wind chimes, and more.
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Herbarium albums and flower pressing: Students learn to identify plants and understand the characteristics that distinguish different species, genera, and families. This helps in building a foundational knowledge of plant taxonomy and biodiversity.
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Seed Bombs: Mixing clay, soil, and native seeds to form "seed bombs" teaches about plant life cycles, native plant species, and rewilding efforts. It's a hands-on way to contribute to local biodiversity.
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Twig Picture Frames: Constructing picture frames from twigs and other natural materials combines artistry with lessons on tree species and the importance of forests.
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Herbal Sachets: Filling small bags with dried herbs and flowers introduces students to the world of plants, their uses in natural remedies, and their fragrances, promoting a sensory connection to nature.
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Nature Weaving: Using a simple wooden frame with string, students weave in various natural materials like grasses, feathers, and leaves, learning about textures, patterns, and the art of weaving.
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Bark and Mud Sculptures: Crafting with bark, mud, and other earth-based materials not only sparks creativity but also introduces soil science and the role of decomposition in nutrient cycling.
