School Programs
We are a DOE vendor and a Certified Woman-Owned Business with NYC and NYS DOE vendor #Voi008271 taylor@splatlab.com
At a glance
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Splat Lab is an enrichment class that was created for the sole purpose of having fun! Through STEAM inspired activities, kids problem solve, explore and feel a sense of belonging in the group.
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Splat Lab is an enrichment program that provides unique STEAM and social studies classes to youth across New York City.
Our team of progressive educators seeks to foster youth exploration and build a sense of community with each unique group we work with. We build our own culture and ensure that kindness and tolerance are at the forefront of everything we do. Youth voice and choice are central to every activity.
Our arts based activities are always process over product, giving youth space to problem solves and create their own work. Educators guide youth to find their own answers and determine how they want to work with materials available.
Our classes rarely have issue with behavior and we know this has to do with the DNA of our classes. Not only are youth highly engaged in project work but they feel a sense of belonging and safety in the class. We are totally strength based and #ProWeird and #ProNerd all day!
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Decide if you want a one day pop-up or a residency
Book a time with our program director to hash out dates, number of classes, number of students and curriculum choices (prefer a 2-week lead time)
Workshops are $270 for per 1 hour class
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Our school day workshops push into your existing school schedule. We modify workshops to suit the school day environment by creating engaging slides with dramatic photos and images, custom designed handouts and unique colorful materials. We differentiate our lessons to fit the culture of the school, ability of the students and age group. Our large pool of educators can work in multiple classrooms at one time and we’ve been known to service schools that have over 20 classes in one day.
We have workshops that fit into the NYS scope and sequence for all grade levels but our classes take a unique spin and offer content and projects most teachers aren’t doing in their classroom. Check out our workshops on China, Egypt, and ancient civilizations.
We also have totally unique classes that fit into social studies or ELA classes that are outside of the required content but offer engaging enrichment. Check out our workshops on Flags, Native code talkers and Mexican folk art.
Pop-ups & Residencies
Pop-ups & Residencies
Want to add some spice to a unit or let the kids experience a new teacher? We can offer many of our workshops as one-day pop-ups. This is also great if you are not sure how a residency can work for your class but love the idea of having more STEAM and social studies enrichment in the classroom.
All Ages Pop-ups
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We’ll set up 4 STEAM-inspired stations for the students to explore: oobleck, cup towers, splat crowns and magic wands.
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We’ll set up 4 stations based on a seasonal theme like Spooky Splat in October (spider web slime, spider puppets, orange and black cup towers, ghost drawings), Valentines Day (red salt dough, valentine crowns, engineering challenge, heart pipecleaner puppets)
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In this workshop, youth will learn all about the detailed robes worn by the emperors of China. Each robe had special symbols, colors, and details that only the emperors were allowed to wear. After studying the symbols and details, youth will create their own detailed dragon robe!
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In this class, students will learn about the history of slavery and emancipation, and how it has led to the celebration of Juneteenth. We will talk about the evolution of the holiday, the many ways in which it is celebrated, listen to common Juneteenth songs, and make themed confetti poppers.
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Have you ever wondered why flags look the way they do? In this workshop you can become a Vexillologist for the day! Vexillology is the study of the history, symbolism and usage of flags. Students will learn about the different types of flags, their design, colors, and symbols. Then, they will get to create their own flag.
Middle School Pop-ups
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In this workshop, youth will learn all about the detailed robes worn by the emperors of China. Each robe had special symbols, colors, and details that only the emperors were allowed to wear. After studying the symbols and details, youth will create their own detailed dragon robe!
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Greek and Roman Gods,The Reboot: In this workshop, students will learn how the Romans adopted the Greek pantheon of Gods and Goddesses but changed their names and other details. Youth will get to remix the Roman’s Gods further by adding their own 21st century spin to their likeness.
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Students will learn about Harriet Powers, one of the finest American folk artists who used her quilts as a form of storytelling. Youth will be able to create their own mini quilt stories using her appliqué technique.
We welcome students with an affirming check-in. In Splat Lab, students participate in our Splat welcome ritual. In Anthro Arts, they work on a warm-up activity based on the day’s theme, and then optionally share-out. Part of our class culture involves explicitly teaching youth to give each other “shine”, compliments and “shout outs”.
After our warm-up activities, kids in Splat Lab work on a drawing challenge followed by gooey activities like making slime. Kids in Anthro move on to a mini-lesson about the day’s topic such as the symbols on a Chinese Emperor’s robe or the design of an Aztec shield. Kids will then get to make their own version of the artifact! At the end of each class, we gather together to share out.
Flow of a Splat Lab Class
Flow of an Anthropology Class
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In Splat Lab, each session features a cool main project called the “Main Splat” such as making slime, cloud clay, and rain jars. While some students work in the Main Splat area, others are rotating around the “Open Splat” stations of their choice. These are fun, youth-directed areas that change every week. Some favorites are pipe cleaner puppets, secret messages, cup castles, and rainbow area.
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Youth enter the classroom and form a community circle. Circles are an important aspect of our democratic, community based culture. In circle, all youth and adults sit on the floor and are considered equal and all voices are important. The educator will then introduce the topic of study by sharing colorful photos that youth may touch, examine and question. After ideas are shared, students then choose an activity area to work on while traditional music plays. Books and extensions are always an option. At the close of class, students work together for community clean up and closing circle. In closing circle we show our work, share ideas and give each other shout outs.
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Our class is a community and everyone is equal. Every student's ideas are important and valued. We often work together on collaborative projects to make jewelry, give presentations and teach back new knowledge. We close every unit by celebrating our time together, sharing what we learned and how we have grown.
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Anthropologists are learning all the most important 21st century skills in every class! They are problem solving, thinking critically, practicing social emotional skills, collaborating and presenting their work. They are also learning some serious content! How many elementary students can name language spoken in Pakistan (Urdu) or the elements of ancient pueblo pottery design?