Mad About Science at Wayside Elementary School

You know when there's ingredients like instant mashed potatoes, sand and water that something intriguing is in the works.

For campers attending Mad Science's Crime Scene and Chemistry Camp at in Potomac, it was merely another adventure.

"Gabriela has a really good interest—her imagination is nonstop, and this program is really sparking [her] imagination," said Potomac resident Angela Musalem about her daughter. "It's very fun—interactive."

Musalem said her daughter loves chemistry the most, adding that she was fascinated when a home experiment of mixing together Coke and Mentos totally exploded.

Mad Science, founded by Canadian brothers Ariel and Ron Shlien, is on a mission to spark imaginative learning in children by providing experiential education that's all about having fun and a keen curiosity for science.

"Kids are natural scientists, exploring the world. That's what kids do from the moment they're born," said Ali Kilpatrick, marketing manager for Mad Science.

Kilpatrick said the company has been offering summer camp programs in the D.C. metro area since at least 2001, noting the caliber of the instructors who make Mad Science's curriculum come alive.

After the budding scientists, ranging in age from 6 to 9, sketched outlines of their partner's body from head to toe, they assisted Instructor Mike Gates in making two model brains—one out of Jello and the other using sand, water and mashed potatoes. After all, they were on the Organ Trail, a fun-filled day learning about the body's most important systems.

Andrew Peng, 7, when asked what he thought about the strawberry Jello model brain that he helped make, rubbed his stomach and said, "Yummy!"

Gates, who has a molecular biology degree and has worked in research labs, has been teaching Mad Science in afterschool programs for almost a year. As a result of his experiences, he's on track to become an elementary school teacher.

"I love science and like the teaching of it," Gates said. "These kids are so enthusiastic. It's hard to beat their energy and enthusiasm for science."

The campers took turns mixing the trio of ingredients for the model brain that they wouldn't be eating for snack. Gates then scooped the gooey mixture into the mold and let it set. When it was time, the campers gathered around Gates as he released the brain from the mold. Wide-eyed and excited, they gently patted the brain and marveled at its gelatinous form.

"They believe that science is getting your fingers dirty," Gates said.