Our Teaching Methods
Our approach aims to 1) inspire young people to love learning about science and 2) motivate them to put in the necessary work to achieve proficient competency in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). We feature an innovative teaching philosophy developing Self, Social, and Custodial Engagement.
Additionally, this helps young people discover their passions and cultivate strong bonds of friendship and sportsmanship in addition to providing role models in the scientific community. LabRats’ learner-centered courses and camps are designed to deepen every member’s interests in science and technology through a curriculum that is as flexible and as diverse as our individual students’ interests and talents.
Self Engagement
Education research suggests that the most effective way to improve academic performance is to focus more on meeting the intellectual and emotional needs of the students as individuals, rather than focusing on boosting the average test scores of global populations of students.
Overcoming life’s obstacles requires grit and tenacity. LabRats strives to cultivate an unbreakable commitment within each student to become thoroughly literate in STEM.
We use only the best practices known to cognitive psychology to inspire young people to achieve an authentic mastery of STEM content and to develop empirical habits of mind.
Social Engagement
Since people generally succeed more in life when they’re supported by family and close friends, LabRats also cultivates strong bonds of friendship and sportsmanship within the program so students can support each other by coming together to work toward a common goal.
Custodial Engagement
We strive to provide our students with the best role models in the scientific community. We want scientists teaching science from the ground up and not just starting in college.
Our mentors know from experience what it takes to earn a science degree and what it truly means to be a scientist.
From personal expertise, they teach students the level of commitment needed to succeed in science and instill the moral standards needed in the scientific community.
