About the Lab

Lesley Science and Science Education faculty have collaboratively designed an authentic, hands-on STEAM (Science Technology, Engineering Arts and Math) opportunity for children in grades K-6. Faculty and Lesley graduate and undergraduate student interns will develop and teach interdisciplinary, cross-curricular STEAM activities that explore complex scientific phenomena and systems. Activities will take advantage of lab facilities, urban GREEN SPACE, and faculty expertise.

WonderLab FAQ

DAILY

What happens each day? Children have time to relax, play, make new friends, explore outside, engage in hands-on STEAM activities, learn from and with their peers as well as Lesley students, and follow and develop their own STEAM interests. The program is based on integrated monthly topics that build across the semester. Program implementation is designed to support the interests of each child, and the group, and activities will change or be modified accordingly.

Can I add or drop days once the semester begins? In order to manage enrollments and allow all who are interested to participate, it is important to contact us to arrange for any scheduling changes at least one month in advance. If your schedule changes and you must withdraw from the program, you will be refunded all but your $100 deposit.

What happens if my child misses a day due to illness? Unfortunately, we cannot provide refunds for sick days. Extended illness will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

Can I pick my child up early? While our program is very flexible, the children are often involved in activities until 6 pm. Children will also have opportunities to work one-on-one and in small groups with Lesley Education students. Since these activities change from week to week, it is important for us to know if your child will be present for an entire session. If your child is absent or you need to drop off late or pick up early, contact us with details as soon as you know which will help us plan the day accordingly.

Is food provided? No. Please send your child with hearty snacks. The classroom is not a nut-free environment as we often collect and explore seeds and nuts as part of the science and research. Please let us know if you do not want your child to share snacks with others.

Holiday’s, Early Release, Professional Development and No School days: WonderLab will not run February and April school vacation weeks. WonderLab will not meet children at the bus stop or Kennedy school on early release or professional development days. If Lesley is closed for inclement weather, you will be notified. If your school system closes or releases early due to inclement weather, please notify us.

How do I reach you if I am late for drop off or pick up? The faculty and staff in charge that day will check WonderLabSTEAM@gmail.com before and after the program. Pick-up is at 6:00 PM. You will be charged $1/minute up to 6:15 and an additional $25 in 15 minute increments after 6:45 PM.

TRANSPORTATION

Is there transportation to WonderLab? Children may be dropped off and picked up at the classroom on the second floor of University Hall. We can arrange to meet and chaperone children on the ten minute walk to Lesley from a designated Cambridge public school bus stop or at a Somerville location, except on early release or professional development days.

BILLING

What is the $100 deposit for? We must receive a $100 deposit per child to confirm your registration. The deposit is deducted from full term payments or applied to the last month for the monthly payment plan.

WONDERLAB SET-UP

What is the staff/faculty to student ratio, and who are the Wonder Lab teachers? Ratios will be approximately 2 educators and a program director for every 10 children. Faculty members and their classes regularly work with WonderLab. Lesley graduate and undergraduate students teach all of the programs. Lesley students work with children on field-based assignments.

Research: WonderLab is designed to be a setting where Lesley students apply current education research practices and theories within our educational programming. We also document the educational impacts and outcomes of WonderLab on Lesley faculty and students.