Hands On Science
The Hands on Science program consists of parent volunteers who guide a small group of students through science experiments that enhance classroom learning. You do not need any prior science knowledge to volunteer!
We provide all of the materials needed and have everything prepared for you in an easy to follow format. All you need to do is show up, assist the kids as they experiment, and have fun!
2026-2027 LAB DATES
- PreK: January 20, 2027
- Kindergarten: March 17, 2027
- 1st Grade: November 10, 2026 and March 19, 2027
- 2nd Grade: October 22, 2026 and February 24, 2027
- 3rd Grade: December 11, 2026 and March 24, 2027
- 4th Grade: September 17, 2026 and January 27, 2027
- 5th Grade: October 15, 2026, October 16, 2026, February 18, 2027, and
- February 19, 2027
Links For The Lab Sessions:
4th Grade: Theremin Kits - An electronic device that plays music. You can control the sounds by waving your hands over the device!
In 1920, an engineer named Leon Theremin discovered he could create music and sound by waving his hands around electric fields. The theremin has since been used to create all music, especially in sci-fi movies. You will guide the kids to build your own theremin with this DIY kit. Everything you need is in the box, so you can start building right away. There will be step by step instructions to build your theremin. Once assembled, the kids can create music and sound by waving their hands around the electric fields. This lab will help the kids discover the physics of electrical capacitance and practice working with real electronic parts. Bonus: the kids get to take home their kits!
Click Here To Watch A Video On How To Assemble The Theremin Kit
Click Here For The Lab Instructions
Click Here To Sign Up For The 4th Grade Lab
There are roughly 300 species of squid in the world. The largest weighing up to 1,000 pounds! For this lab session, students will learn all about squid and their amazing adaptations with a hands-on dissection led by knowledgeable educators from the Downtown Aquarium. Parents you would just observe and help the students if they need help.
*Note: The Houston Downtown Aquarium will provide all of the supplies and materials for this lab and will take care of clean up!
Lab Program
TEKS:
Grade 5: Science: 1A, 3C, 10A
Click Here To View The Lab Description On The Downtown Aquarium Website
HOS for 2025-2026 school year:
3rd Grade: Volcanos!
https://www.raepta.org/assets/06673/HOS/3rd_Spring/3rd_Grade_Volcanos.pdf
Robotics:
We will have about 8 different robots that are already assembled. We will place a robot at each table and divide the students into small groups. Every group will spend 7-8 minutes at each table and then move to the next table. The robots included in this experiment are: a reptile robot, a balance car, a bubble machine, a fiber lamp and a buzzer wire game kit. You will have a few guiding questions (with answers) to discuss. This will mostly be a time that the kids can learn about physics, engineering, and electronics, while also having fun! You will be stationed at one table to monitor and lead the students during their time with your assigned robot.
Kinder to 2nd Grade: Circuit boards - An electronic exploration kit
Each table will have a circuit board for the small group of students to use together. The electronic experiment includes a circuit maze, RGB light module, flying saucer accessories, and more. Kids can learn the basics of electrical engineering in a fun way. The kits are made for young learners. It contains an easy to follow instruction booklet to show you how to build each circuit. Kids will learn circuit knowledge such as parallel connection and series connection.
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