2017 Summer Program
GCDC’s 2017 Summer Program will provide opportunities for children two years of age through five years of age to explore the concepts of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through fun, hands-on activities.
Our Approach To Learning:
Hands On: At the NASA Goddard Child Development Center, we know that young children learn best through hands on exploration. Therefore, all of our lessons are designed to include hands-on activities to ensure that the materials are taught in developmentally appropriate and fun ways.
Learn From Experts: We also believe it is important for students to learn from subject matter experts whenever possible. Students will have an opportunity to learn from a variety of NASA experts. Parents are encouraged to help us connect with NASA missions and other resources.
Make it fun! We believe that any topic can be made fun for young children. Our skilled teachers make this possible every day at GCDC. This summer, they will work to help your child learn about STEM concepts in creative and exciting ways.
Our Approach To Learning:
Hands On: At the NASA Goddard Child Development Center, we know that young children learn best through hands on exploration. Therefore, all of our lessons are designed to include hands-on activities to ensure that the materials are taught in developmentally appropriate and fun ways.
Learn From Experts: We also believe it is important for students to learn from subject matter experts whenever possible. Students will have an opportunity to learn from a variety of NASA experts. Parents are encouraged to help us connect with NASA missions and other resources.
Make it fun! We believe that any topic can be made fun for young children. Our skilled teachers make this possible every day at GCDC. This summer, they will work to help your child learn about STEM concepts in creative and exciting ways.
Available Spaces For The Summer
We have the following vacancies for the summer. Please note these spaces are for the summer program only and do not extend into the 2017-2018 school year:
- 6 PreK Spaces (Must be 4-5 years of age)
- 3 Kindergarten Spaces (Must be 5-6 years of age)
- 2 Preschool Spaces (Must be 3 years of age and fully potty trained)
Our Program
Roooar! (Week of June 19)
We will learn about dinosaurs—names, habits, body structure, etc.
Guest Speaker: TBD
We will learn about dinosaurs—names, habits, body structure, etc.
Guest Speaker: TBD
Around and Around We Go! (Week of June 26)
Through experimentation with spinning tops and other toys, we will learn concepts such as torque and momentum.
Guest Speaker: Steven Hughes, Engineer, GMAT Project Manager
Through experimentation with spinning tops and other toys, we will learn concepts such as torque and momentum.
Guest Speaker: Steven Hughes, Engineer, GMAT Project Manager
Sink, Sank, Sunk! (Week of July 3)
Experimenting with water. Let’s get wet and learn about the property of water and sink and float.
Special Event: Trip to Maryland Science Center
Experimenting with water. Let’s get wet and learn about the property of water and sink and float.
Special Event: Trip to Maryland Science Center
Researching, Testing, Bubbling! (Week of July 10)
Through experimentation and testing various solutions, children will learn the science behind bubbles. They will also create and test different wands to determine which type works best.
Special Event: Bubble Party
Through experimentation and testing various solutions, children will learn the science behind bubbles. They will also create and test different wands to determine which type works best.
Special Event: Bubble Party
Ooey, Gooey Science! (Week of July 17 & Week of July 24)
Lets get messy and learn about chemistry
Guest Speaker: Dr. Melissa Trainer, Research Space Scientist in the Planetary Environments Laboratory at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Special Event: Mad Science Presentation
Lets get messy and learn about chemistry
Guest Speaker: Dr. Melissa Trainer, Research Space Scientist in the Planetary Environments Laboratory at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Special Event: Mad Science Presentation
Tinkering With Engineering! (Week of July 31)
By providing special invitations to build, children will learn about the work of an engineer.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Alinda Mashiku, Aerospace Engineer at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
By providing special invitations to build, children will learn about the work of an engineer.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Alinda Mashiku, Aerospace Engineer at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Hello Robo! (Week of Aug 7)
Through age appropriate toys, children will explore the concept of coding.
Through age appropriate toys, children will explore the concept of coding.
Lights, Camera, Action (Week of Aug 14)
Throughout this week, the children will explore performance arts. The week will end with a performance for parents.
Throughout this week, the children will explore performance arts. The week will end with a performance for parents.
Fun in the Sun (Week of Aug 21)
Through experimentation and fun, the children will learn about the importance of the sun.
Special Event: Nature Jams will present an interactive musical concert.
Guest Speaker: TBD
Through experimentation and fun, the children will learn about the importance of the sun.
Special Event: Nature Jams will present an interactive musical concert.
Guest Speaker: TBD
Water Play
As part of our summer program, all GCDC classes will participate in sprinkle time weekly. Sprinkle time is one hour in duration. While outside, children enjoy playing fun water games, running through the sprinklers and exploring water tables. The following materials are required:
Parents must apply the first application of sunscreen before school each day.
- Swimsuit/swim trunks;
- Towel;
- Closed toe water shoes;
- Mini spray bottle (with child’s name labeled on bottle);
- Sunscreen; and
- A plastic bag for wet clothes.
Parents must apply the first application of sunscreen before school each day.
Reserve A Spot (For Summer Only)
This is for summer program only. Please note, registrations must be for a minimum of 3 consecutive weeks.
