Wonder Lab
Curiosity comes first. Children explore science through concrete, visual, sensory, and hands-on experiences while practicing observation, comparison, prediction, description, and early scientific thinking.
Cohelm Young Scientist
Science is something children do.
A hands-on science program for children ages 3–12 where learners wonder, predict, experiment, observe, record, and explain what they discover. Instead of simply watching science happen, children take part in the investigation themselves.
The difference
More than the “WOW” of an experiment.
A surprising experiment can capture a child’s attention. Young Scientist goes further by guiding children through the process of asking questions, making predictions, investigating, observing results, and beginning to explain what the evidence shows.
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Not only… Watching an experiment
But also… Conducting the investigation
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Not only… Seeing what happens
But also… Predicting what may happen
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Not only… Following instructions
But also… Observing and comparing results
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Not only… Hearing the answer
But also… Thinking about what the evidence suggests
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Not only… Doing a one-off activity
But also… Building scientific thinking through repeated investigation
How it works
From curiosity to scientific thinking
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Wonder
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Predict
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Experiment
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Observe & Record
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Explain
The depth of the investigation, vocabulary, independence, and recording expected from the learner changes according to age.
Age tracks
Science that grows with them.
Young Scientist is divided into developmental tracks so children can investigate scientific ideas at a level appropriate to how they learn and think.
Science Detectives
From “What happened?” to “Why did it happen?” Children make predictions, conduct experiments, record observations and measurements, compare results, identify patterns, and begin using evidence to explain what they discover.
Innovation Lab
Deeper investigation. More independent thinking. Children take on more structured investigations involving measurement, variables, data, evidence-based reasoning, problem-solving, and design where appropriate.
They don’t have to be “good at science” to begin.
Young Scientist starts with curiosity.
Children are guided at an age-appropriate level to observe, ask questions, make predictions, test ideas, and talk about what they notice. The program is designed to develop scientific thinking, not to test children on what they already know.
In a session
Children investigate, not just watch.
Young Scientist sessions are built around active investigation. Depending on the child’s age and the activity, learners may make predictions, handle materials, conduct experiments, observe changes, take measurements, record findings, compare results, and discuss what they discovered.
The exact activity and level of independence vary by developmental track.
Skills
What children practice along the way
Curiosity
Noticing and asking questions.
Prediction
Thinking about what may happen before testing an idea.
Observation
Looking carefully at changes, similarities, differences, and patterns.
Evidence
Using observations and results to support an explanation.
Communication
Describing what happened and discussing discoveries.
Problem-solving
Thinking through questions when outcomes are unexpected.
Progression
A science journey that can grow with them
Young Scientist explores major areas of science through age-appropriate investigations. As children progress through the developmental tracks, the investigations become deeper and more structured.
Children can earn Young Scientist achievement patches as they complete program modules, giving them a visible reminder of their progress.
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Matter
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Living Things
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Force, Motion & Energy
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Earth & Space
What’s included
We prepare what children need to investigate.
Experiment materials
Materials and consumables for the investigation.
Science tools and equipment
The equipment needed for the investigation.
Learning and recording materials
Age-appropriate learning and recording materials.
Prepared experiments and activities
Experiments and activities prepared before the session.
Trained Cohelm facilitators
Facilitators trained on the Young Scientist program.
Young Scientist program materials
The program materials for the module being run.
Selected programs and modules may also include items such as a lab gown or an achievement patch. Exact inclusions vary depending on the program format or module.
Questions
Questions parents ask
Is Young Scientist just a collection of science experiments?
No. The experiments are part of a larger scientific process. Children are encouraged to wonder, predict, investigate, observe, record, and explain what they discover at a level appropriate to their age.
Can’t we just do science experiments at home?
Home experiments are a great way to encourage curiosity. Young Scientist adds structured, repeated experience with scientific investigation, including prediction, observation, comparison, recording, and explanation.
Is this another academic class?
Young Scientist is structured, but it is built around active investigation. Children learn by handling materials, testing ideas, observing what happens, and discussing what they discover.
My child isn’t naturally good at science. Is this still for them?
Yes. Children are not expected to arrive knowing the answers. Curiosity, observation, questions, and discovery are part of the process.
Is age 3 too young?
Wonder Lab is designed specifically for ages 3–6, with concrete, visual, sensory, and hands-on investigations adapted to younger learners.
Will this be too simple for older children?
Innovation Lab for ages 9–12 involves more structured investigations, including measurement, variables, data, evidence-based reasoning, problem-solving, and design where appropriate.
Will my child actually participate?
Young Scientist is designed around meaningful hands-on participation. Learners are actively involved in the investigation rather than simply watching a demonstration.
Are materials provided?
Cohelm prepares the science materials, tools, and learning resources needed for each Young Scientist session. Exact inclusions may vary depending on the program format or module.
Where is Young Scientist available?
Young Scientist is offered through selected Cohelm programs, partner schools, and community locations. Send us an inquiry to ask about current or upcoming programs near you.
Ask about Young Scientist
Tell us where you are and your child’s age, and we will let you know about current or upcoming programs near you.