Kicking off a three-part initiative developed by Maggie Helon, the Wayland Public Schools Math & Science Curriculum Director (K-5), and Wayland School Community Programs (WSCP), a Science Explorers Club for Grades 3-5 students begins next month. The new after-school activity is being offered at both Claypit Hill and Happy Hollow Schools and is scheduled for eight Tuesdays, starting October 20. Program hours are 3-4:45pm.

The program is being offered on a fee basis. “Students may sign up for one, two, or even all three of these programs throughout the year,” explained Brian Jones, WSCP Director. “We’ll have a fall and spring rotation of the Science Explorers Club and in between –  this winter – we’ll be launching “Rockin’ Robotics!”

Registration is open now for the first program (the deadline to register is October 5). Through hands-on exploration, students will discover what eight different scientists do, studying one science career each week.  The careers are: paleontologist, astronomer, rocket scientist, biologist, ichthyologist, chemist, physicist, and engineer.

Maggie Helon, Math & Science Curriculum Director for Grades K-5, describes the program as teaching children “how to think like a scientist as they engage in highly interesting and exciting hands-on experiments that will be inquiry-based and model the scientific method.”

The program fee is $120 for eight weeks and it includes materials, a club t-shirt, and daily snack. Program dates are: October 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17, December 1, 8, 15, and the registration deadline is October 1, 2009.    Registration forms are available in school offices, through WSCP (508-655-6403). and online.   For more information, contact Maggie_Helon@wayland.k12.ma.us (508-655-0635) or Brian_Jones@wayland.k12.ma.us (508-655-6404).

For the program’s flier, click here.