About Us
Learn About Terrific Scientific and the People Behind It!Our Philosophy
Terrific Scientific is a hands-on, minds-on, challenging STEAM program for girls and boys that lays the foundation for innovative minds, problem solvers and design thinkers of the future through science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). Throughout the year, students learn the fundamentals of inquiry-based learning: Be curious, ask questions, think outside the box, explore possibilities, discover what you don’t know, experiment and try things out, analyze what you find, and evaluate results. Through this approach, students carry out experiments, engage in team activities, and see how science works in the real world. Our camps and classes appeal to children who have a genuine interest in how things work and what things are made of.
Terrific Scientific provides inquiry-based after school classes and camps in Engineering, Robotics, Chemistry, Rocketry, Environmental Science, Veterinary medicine, Forensics, Video game creation, Food science, Technology, Paleontology, Biology, Astronomy, Oceanography, Medicine and Special Effects. In doing so, we are helping children develop the scientific literacy essential for life as effective, productive citizens of the 21st century. We believe that each and every child is a scientist and we want to make them a better scientist!
“Tell me and I forget, Show me and I remember, Involve me and I understand.”
Chinese Proverb
By working with professional colleagues and developers of science and robotic curriculum, we have created an unparalleled set of cutting edge programs designed for the young mind ages 5-15. All of our programs are “kid-tested” to ensure that classes and camps are fun, full of scientific concepts, and have a track record of being successful! With Terrific Scientific, students have a safe and positive learning environment where they can experiment, problem solve, build scientific skills and delve into the mysteries of science. Locally owned, we have over 25+ years of teaching experience, curriculum development, and running after school programs/camps. Our team of professionals and college counselors from the fields of education, engineering, science, psychology, art and technology bring a set of unique experiences that will enrich and inspire young students to stretch out of their comfort zone to the depths of their critical thinking skills! We require that each instructor receive full background checks and certifications.
FAQs:
Questions about classes and camps? We have answers!
Have a different question? Then click this link, we will be happy to help.
How do I VIEW the classes and camps offered AND How do I know if classes or camps are full?
Click on the Register button at the top or bottom of the page. This takes you into our ACTIVE Registration system. Now you can filter by age, by location, or by program to see what we offer. The words “wait list” will be displayed if a session is full. Otherwise it is available for you to register.
How do I REGISTER for Terrific Scientific programs?
Click on the Register button at the top or bottom of the page. This takes you into our ACTIVE Registration system. Filter by age, by location, or by program and select your option. Enter both your child’s information and your information to set up your account and pay for your selection. You can use this account to register for additional programs during the school year as well! You will always receive an email confirmation when you register for any of our classes or camps. Be sure to keep the confirmation as it will have our Tax ID number.
What ages/grades do you accept?
Our classes and camps are for ages 5-15 (held either on elementary and middle school campuses or at our science studio location). Please check our individual classes and camps for age requirements.
Does my child need to bring anything?
No, Terrific Scientific provides all supplies. You may wish to purchase a t-shirt, but that is optional.
Can my child go directly to the Terrific Scientific class when school is dismissed?
Yes, there will always be Terrific Scientific instructor at the class location to supervise the students.
After Terrific Scientific classes, do I need to pick up my child from the classroom?
YES! In order to ensure the safety of your child, all parents must pick up their child directly from the Terrific Scientific classroom and sign them out. If you indicate “After school care” or “Walk Home” during the registration process, then our instructor will follow those instructions PROVIDED we have a statement from you in writing.
I want to enroll my child, but did not get a flyer. What do I do?
All classes for the entire school year are listed on this website. Please click on the “Register” button at the top or bottom of the page to view our programs. If you have further questions, you can always call 805-570-1988.
Can you pick my child up at his/her classroom?
We pick up our Kindergarten students from their classrooms. For all other ages, children will come to the Terrific Scientific classroom. We have a roster of all children enrolled so that we can ensure students arrive before the class starts. If you are worried about your child finding the classroom, instruct them to go to the front office and they will help direct him/her to the class.
What is meant by inquiry-based learning?
Science is, by its nature, inquiry based. Inquiry is an approach to learning that utilizes discovery and scientific thinking processes to explore and learn knowledge and skills. In order to achieve this, facilitators of inquiry based learning must create an environment rich with experiences that allows learners to act on their own curiosity. Youth need experiences that will stimulate their thinking and provoke questions (inquiry). Such experiences will help develop logical thinking abilities.
Is there a theme for each session?
Not for after school classes. We have 2 different classes, Engineering and Art, for Kindergarten, Grades 1-3, and Grades 4-6 throughout the year. Projects are always new and do not repeat during the school year.
Yes, for our Summer Camps. We offer many different themed camps designed for students Kindergarten- 8th grade!
How many children do you accept in your class or camp?
For after school classes, enrollment ranges from 10-16 per teacher depending on the specific class. Summer camps have a ratio of 1-9 students per teacher.
Who are your teachers?
Our team of professionals and college counselors from the fields of education, engineering, science, art, psychology and technology, bring a set of unique experiences that will enrich and inspire our young scientists. In addition, all of our instructors are fingerprinted and cleared through the CA Department of Justice.
What is your cancellation policy?
For After School Classes, a tuition credit can be made to your Terrific Scientific account that you can use at any time and does not expire. Only in exceptional cases, such as moving out of SB County, are tuition refunds made. Those refunds may also incur a cancellation fee of $25. For Summer Camps, full refunds will be given until April 1st. A 75% refund will be given between April 2nd and May 31. All registration cancellations will incur a $25 fee to cover our administration and registration fees. No refunds will be made after June 1st. However, you can transfer your registration into any other OPEN camp without charge.
Do you refund for days my child misses due to illness or other appointments/activities? No, we do not. However, you are welcome to take your child to a different school location that week of class. Please check with us in advance so we know to expect your child.
Help! I need your Tax ID number! No problem! You can find it listed on your email confirmation for any classes or camps registration.