Mad Science of Chicago Addresses Post-Pandemic Education Needs by Returning with Expanded and Refreshed Hands-On STEM Opportunities

At this critical post-pandemic time in education, Mad Science of Chicago has returned with expanded offerings of refreshed programs that bring hands-on STEM exploration to local children. The innovative leader in STEM learning paused operations over the past couple years, as experiential discovery became difficult to execute. Mad Science of Chicago has now relaunched and is bringing its programs to even more young people throughout the city - at schools, camps, birthday parties, community events and more.

Mad Science of Chicago enables students to explore the world in an interactive environment, helping them develop a lifelong love of science and engineering and inspiring many to pursue STEM learning and careers, according to Shafik Mina, president of Mad Science Group Inc., the global parent company of Mad Science of Chicago. He says the programs also foster 21st century skills like critical thinking and problem solving, which contribute to success in high school and beyond.

"We are eager to bring our programs to schools and neighborhoods all over the city, especially as students work to recover from pandemic learning loss," Mina says. "These types of supplemental opportunities are fun but also help them regain lost knowledge and deepen practice skills, expose them to new concepts they might have missed and inspire them to re-engage in learning in general."

Sharon King, vice president of research and development and franchise operations at Mad Science, adds that the opportunities that are part of the Mad Science of Chicago relaunch are especially important in under-resourced neighborhoods that lack high-quality interventions and support. And she says elementary grades are the best time to provide that support.

"Studies show that those who engage with science activities at a young age are more likely to see themselves in science careers, so this is when we want to make sure all children have the chance to get excited about STEM," she says.

King adds that the job market is becoming increasingly tech and science focused, and "Mad Science of Chicago is proud to play a role in getting young learners engaged and preparing them for the future."

The Mad Science of Chicago relaunch includes bringing back and enhancing summer camps, parties and community events, as well as a new partnership with Chicago Public Schools (CPS).

The popular STEM parties for birthdays or other special occasions feature group science experiments, demonstrations and activities for kids 5 to 12, with make-and-take items like slime or putty and optional add-on goody bags with science-themed toys. Chicago parents can find more information at https://chicago.madscience.org/parents-birthdayparties.

Mad Science of Chicago also offers stage shows and interactive fun stations for city events of all sizes, targeting kids as well as parents. The structure and activities can be adapted to fit many types of community, corporate or other events. More information can be found at https://chicago.madscience.org/organizations-specialevents.

Karen Brooker, sales manager for Mad Science of Chicago, says the relaunch of camps, parties and events for Chicago builds on the already successful school programs that have been underway since August 2022. Mad Science of Chicago was selected last summer to provide qualifying CPS elementary schools with STEM workshops on site, as an out-of-school-time (OST) option funded by the CPS Board of Education.

The school workshops include topics such as Walloping Weather and Kitchen Chemistry. There are also assemblies and in-school field trips for the building or several grades/classes. Brooker says the school programs are curriculum-standard aligned and intended to enhance and supplement the work being done by educators. CPS school administrators, staff or parents can learn how to bring STEM programs to their schools by visiting https://chicago.madscience.org/stemistsociety-program.

For over 35 years, Mad Science® has developed science programs that are kid-tested and approved. From the company's humble beginnings to the present day, Mad Science has always believed that hands-on, fun STEM experiences form the foundation of a lifelong love of science, technology, engineering and math. Today, Mad Science is the world's leader in science education for children pre-K to sixth grade, with over 150 franchise locations in more than 20 countries. Mad Science was founded in 1985 in Montreal, Canada, by two brothers, Ariel and Ron Shlien. Their hobby of conducting spectacular science experiments to the amazement of the children in their neighborhood grew from a passion into a thriving business. Mad Science is now a global enrichment company that brings the love of science in a unique, hands-on way to millions of children every year. For more information, visit https://www.madscience.org/.