As part of our ongoing series profiling Carver programming partners, we are highlighting organizations that consistently deliver high-quality, mission-aligned enrichment to our students across Norwalk and beyond. Mad Science is one of those partners—trusted, time-tested, and endlessly engaging for the young people we serve.
For years, Mad Science has been a familiar and highly anticipated presence in Carver programs. Whether during the school year in after-school sites or as part of summer enrichment, Mad Science brings energy, structure, and real scientific inquiry into Carver classrooms—often becoming the highlight of a student’s day.
STEM That Feels Like Discovery, Not Homework
Mad Science is an international STEM enrichment organization known for turning science into an active, hands-on experience. Through live demonstrations and student-led experiments, Carver participants don’t just observe science—they test it, question it, and experience it firsthand.
Sessions are intentionally designed to spark curiosity. Students mix chemicals, build structures, explore physical forces, and test theories in ways that feel playful and exciting, while still reinforcing core STEM concepts. The result is learning that feels accessible, inclusive, and fun—especially for students who may not initially see themselves as “science kids.”
A Natural Fit for Carver’s Afterschool and Summer Model
Mad Science programs align seamlessly with Carver’s after-school structure. Typically offered in one-hour sessions across multi-week cycles, these programs function as STEM “clubs,” with each week introducing a new theme or challenge. This format mirrors Carver’s commitment to variety, student choice, and sustained engagement.
Mad Science instructors arrive fully prepared, bringing curriculum, materials, and supplies—allowing Carver site teams to focus on student support and relationship-building. Their facilitators are skilled not only in science instruction, but also in classroom management and inquiry-based learning, making the programs accessible to students across a wide range of learning styles and grade levels.
Programs Students Remember
From chemistry experiments like bubbling reactions and “elephant toothpaste,” to engineering challenges and space science explorations, Mad Science programs consistently leave a lasting impression. Many sessions include small take-home items, extending the learning beyond the classroom and prompting students to share their discoveries with family members at home.
For Carver students, these experiences reinforce an important message: science is not abstract or intimidating—it’s something they can explore, understand, and enjoy.
Supporting Carver’s Broader Goals
At Carver, STEM enrichment is not an add-on; it is a core strategy for building confidence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that students carry into the school day and beyond. Mad Science supports this vision by creating welcoming, high-energy environments where students are encouraged to ask questions, make mistakes, and try again.
Importantly, Mad Science programming also supports working families by providing structured, high-quality enrichment during the critical after-school hours—another key pillar of Carver’s mission.
A Valued Programming Partner
Mad Science exemplifies the kind of partnership Carver values: reliable, engaging, educational, and responsive to the needs of the students and communities we serve. Their programs help turn after-school and summer hours into moments of discovery—where learning feels joyful and curiosity leads the way.
As we continue to profile Carver programming partners, Mad Science stands out as a powerful example of how strong collaborations can inspire students, support families, and make learning come alive.