Mission & Philosophy

Why "Should" Kids Learn Science?
To paraphrase the great science writer Natalie Angier, "Most Americans don't know the name of our closest star (the Sun), whether tomatoes have genes (they do!), or the difference between a blastocyst, a fetus, and an entomologist :).... The number of jobs requiring scientific training has soared, but the number of Americans choosing degrees in science and engineering has declined. But for kids and their parents, the simplest answer may be that science is fun. Understanding how things work feels good."
At Science Adventure Program, our specialty is creating authentic outdoor experiences for all types of kids.
After adventuring, we return to the kids' home away from home, a mini-farm with all kinds of animals and nature-spaces to engage their imagination.
SAP Mission-Inspiring kids to ask questions and building the skills and confidence to venture forth to look for the answers. "Ask questions, make mistakes, get dirty!"
Through inquiry, exploration, group process, and truly student-directed learning, Science Adventure Program challenges kids to think for themselves, question what they think, and develop an open, curious mind. We believe these "real-life," "21st Century" skills will help them develop a lifelong love of learning and build confidence in themselves, serving them more in the long run than strictly academic content.
SAP Teaching Philosophy (Why we love what we do!)
SAP teachers' most important quality is the ability to connect with kids. We believe that students will be most engaged and open to learning when their teachers listen to them and enjoy their unique qualities. In SAP, students have a say in topics and activities, have time for unstructured exploration in nature, time for group play, and time for reflection. We also believe that teachers will be their best, most inspiring, animated selves, when they are teaching what they love, so SAP teachers have a lot of freedom to bring their passions to their group. Often, the programs that end up being most educational and memorable are when we throw out the lesson plan half-way through, follow students' questions, and take advantage of teachable moments. Such intimate groups allow for this special, wonderful kind of learning and group bonding.
SAP Lead Teacher-Christina de Martino - LinkedIn
To paraphrase the great science writer Natalie Angier, "Most Americans don't know the name of our closest star (the Sun), whether tomatoes have genes (they do!), or the difference between a blastocyst, a fetus, and an entomologist :).... The number of jobs requiring scientific training has soared, but the number of Americans choosing degrees in science and engineering has declined. But for kids and their parents, the simplest answer may be that science is fun. Understanding how things work feels good."
At Science Adventure Program, our specialty is creating authentic outdoor experiences for all types of kids.
After adventuring, we return to the kids' home away from home, a mini-farm with all kinds of animals and nature-spaces to engage their imagination.
SAP Mission-Inspiring kids to ask questions and building the skills and confidence to venture forth to look for the answers. "Ask questions, make mistakes, get dirty!"
Through inquiry, exploration, group process, and truly student-directed learning, Science Adventure Program challenges kids to think for themselves, question what they think, and develop an open, curious mind. We believe these "real-life," "21st Century" skills will help them develop a lifelong love of learning and build confidence in themselves, serving them more in the long run than strictly academic content.
SAP Teaching Philosophy (Why we love what we do!)
SAP teachers' most important quality is the ability to connect with kids. We believe that students will be most engaged and open to learning when their teachers listen to them and enjoy their unique qualities. In SAP, students have a say in topics and activities, have time for unstructured exploration in nature, time for group play, and time for reflection. We also believe that teachers will be their best, most inspiring, animated selves, when they are teaching what they love, so SAP teachers have a lot of freedom to bring their passions to their group. Often, the programs that end up being most educational and memorable are when we throw out the lesson plan half-way through, follow students' questions, and take advantage of teachable moments. Such intimate groups allow for this special, wonderful kind of learning and group bonding.
SAP Lead Teacher-Christina de Martino - LinkedIn