Question 1

Who are The Science Nerds?

Accepted Answer

We are Lindsey and Jenn, two women science teachers in Berlin, Maryland, that want to share our love for science with children. In this time of virtual learning, many students are missing the hands-on science experience that schools would be offering. We hope to change all that by bringing science to your home. We have a combined 25 years of teaching experience and hold Masters degrees. Our goal is to promote learning about the wonders of science while having fun conducting hands-on activities. Each item you order has a list of ingredients that have been carefully measured, counted, and weighed by us. Each kit contains experiments we have performed in our classrooms for years and have been adapted for home use with precise and easy to follow directions without the need for a science background. We love conducting experiments in the classroom as much as our students do. Some of our favorites are making slime, creating elephant toothpaste, and erupting volcanoes. Please show your support by purchasing a kit, rocking a nerdy T-shirt, or ordering personalized swag. Follow us on social media and help us to inspire children.

Question 2

How are the kits and lessons designed?

Accepted Answer

We work out of our home kitchens and spend hours and hours discussing our favorite experiments in science once we establish a topic.  We carefully write the procedures so that students of all ages can follow and understand.  Younger students may need some guidance from an adult or older student.  We have performed all included experiments for years so we know that they will work and work well.  We have a homeschool group aged 4th grade to 9th grade that helps us test all the labs so that we can be sure we have the correct age groups. We use feedback from our test groups to perfect our experiments.

Question 3

What is an Experiment Kit?

Accepted Answer

The Experiment Kits are designed to engage students by providing fun hands-on activities.  These will be sure to keep your children interested in science.  Students as young as three years old have completed our Experiment Kits. All of the experiments include step-by-step instructions along with full explanations on why and how they occurred.  Every material needed for the equipment will be included. They are designed to inspire students of all ages to find the same love of science that we have.

Question 4

What are Explore Lessons?

Accepted Answer

The Explore Lessons are designed to teach a lesson or mini-unit.  Although they contain “fun” components, their design is more “instructional” and will guide your child through a new topic.  It is not required to have background knowledge on a topic before starting one of these lessons.  All of the lessons will include videos with questions, research, note taking charts, at least one hands-on activity with procedures and materials included, full answer keys, access to The Science Nerds for help, practice worksheets, and a review quiz.

Question 5

How will you use your Experiment Kit or Explore Lesson?

Accepted Answer

Every kit and Explore Lesson will include a “Read Me First” sheet to explain the best way to proceed with the activities.  Most of the kits and lessons are designed to be done over several days… they include a lot for just one use.  Each kit and Explore Lesson will be unique; therefore, it is important to review our suggestions before starting.

Question 6

Why should you order the lab equipment kit?

Accepted Answer

When we write out the procedures for the experiments we assume that the student has the correct science equipment. This is the reason why we recommend buying the equipment set only once!  It establishes great lab practice skills to use the correct equipment names and metric units. Also, the lab equipment is colorful and reusable. It cuts down on waste from disposable papers and plastic.

Question 7

How will you use your Experiment Kit or Explore Lesson without purchasing the lab equipment kit?

Accepted Answer

You can still complete the activities without buying the equipment kit; however, you will need to be able to provide your own equipment and/or substitutions for what is needed.  It might be tedious and frustrating for some students to not have what they need.  The equipment kit can be purchased on our website and can be used over and over again.

Question 8

How much time will each Experiment Kit or Explore Lesson take to complete?

Accepted Answer

Every kit, lesson, and child is unique, so it will be impossible to give an exact time for completion. We will add the suggested time for each Explore Lesson to give you an estimated time for completion.

Question 9

Will my student be able to do an Explore Lesson without background knowledge?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are designing the Explore Lessons as a mini-unit that provides step-by-step directions and instruction. The video links help tremendously in understanding and establishing the background knowledge needed to move forward.

Question 10

Why do some things have an age range and others do not?

Accepted Answer

We truly believe that science experiments are ageless and can provide the same wow factor for little students to older pre-teens and teens.  We still get excited to see reactions take place even after doing them over and over.  If we have included an age range, it is because it has been tested and tried on children of different ages and we have been able to target a specific age range.  Younger children can do the lessons with the help of an older child, parent, or tutor.

Question 11

How can you reach The Science Nerds for help?

Accepted Answer

You can reach us by emailing nerds@thesciencenerds.com for more help.  We encourage students to reach out if they are having trouble or need clarification.  It is a great skill for younger students to develop, and we understand that sometimes parents don’t have all of the answers!  This takes the stress off of everyone by having direct contact with us!