Our Philosophy
Simple Science Experiments and Easy Engineering Challenges
PolyKid Labs offers simple science experiments and easy engineering challenges for little kids. Online classes are project-based and emphasize engagement for each learner.
The materials set is curated with simplicity in mind for parents - only calling for a few common household items per lesson. Our goal is to reduce as much of the prep time and burden on parents as possible, and to make science and engineering learning a joy to families at home.
Early elementary ages may be capable of working on the activities independently. Younger kids are welcome to participate with adult assistance ideal, but not required. Children are welcome to watch until they are comfortable participating.
We believe any motivated child is capable of beginning to understand big concepts when they are inspired by the tangible and amazing phenomenon that can be found in science and engineering. We can't wait to see you in class!
Simple Science Experiments:
Spring series
Once per week for 45 minutes
Using only a handful of easy materials for each lesson, children will engage in simple activities that expose them to basic concepts like acid and base reactions, melting and freezing, density, viscosity, corrosion, and many other topics. It's a hands-on blast!
Some topics in the Simple Science Experiments class:
How could you blow up a balloon super fast, without using your breath or a pump?
What process can help turn liquid cream to solid ice cream in just 3 minutes?
What allows us to make beautiful tie-dye art in milk?
How do you get a raw egg to float to the top of a cup water? Or settle in the middle of the water?
Why don't oil and water stay together when mixed?
Is it possible to make a liquid rainbow of separate colors, one on top of another, inside a single container?
You'll find out! Children are encouraged to raise questions, hypotheses, and observations along the way. No prior experience or knowledge of science or engineering needed.
Easy Engineering for Little Kids:
Autumn series
Once per week for 45 minutes
Using only a handful of easy materials for each lesson, children will engage in simple activities that expose them to basic concepts in structural design, force and motion, energy transfer, simple machines, aerodynamics, buoyancy, and many other topics. It's a hands-on blast!
Some topics in the Easy Engineering class:
Start with small, fun, and seemingly weak materials to build structures tall and strong. What shape is the strongest in structural engineering? What shape is the strongest under compression?
Take just two small household items, and make a rocket! What shapes enable the rocket to fly steadier?
How can you play opposing forces against each other so as to keep slippery objects in place?
What designs of boats make for better buoyancy?
How far can you make sound travel, and what materials best transmit sound?
You'll find out! Children are encouraged to raise questions, hypotheses, and observations along the way. No prior experience or knowledge of science or engineering needed.
San Francisco Classes: 2020 Autumn Term
Mon, Aug 31ZoomAug 31, 2020, 4:00 PM – Dec 14, 2020, 4:45 PMZoom
Sat, Feb 08Richmond/Senator Milton Marks Branch LibFeb 08, 2020, 7:59 PMRichmond/Senator Milton Marks Branch Lib, 351 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA
Our Background
Hi there! My name is Evelyn Xinfeng Hu, and I have two girls, ages five and two. They are native San Franciscans and love to do science experiments and engineering activities and to make new friends! I'm passionate about early childhood education, social emotional learning, and exposing young kids to big concepts in fun and impactful ways. I have degrees in biomedical and electrical engineering and economics from Duke University, as well as a masters in bioengineering. Education has long been in my soul and my family. My grandmother was the first woman to become a professor of modern chemistry in the 1930s at Tsinghua University (the MIT of China) in the pre-WWII era. She had an amazing knack for breaking tough concepts into easy pieces for students young and old, and filling the classroom with laughter. Fueled by that heritage and inspiration, I'm driven to contribute to the learning outcomes in our youngest generation of learners, by curating innovative, hands-on, project-based experiences that spark long-term growth mindset. Our teachers are selected for similar passion and drive towards those educational goals. Our hope is to make science and engineering joyful, intuitive, and available to more kids. Hope you'll join us!