GCDC’s Summer Program will provide opportunities for children two years of age through five years of age to explore the concepts of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) through fun, hands-on activities.

Our Approach To Learning

Hands On: At the NASA Goddard Child Development Center, we know that young children learn best through hands on exploration. Therefore, all of our lessons are designed to include hands-on activities to ensure that the materials are taught in developmentally appropriate and fun ways.

Learn From Experts: We also believe it is important for students to learn from subject matter experts whenever possible. Students will have an opportunity to learn from a variety of NASA experts. Parents are encouraged to help us connect with NASA missions and other resources.

Make it fun!  We believe that any topic can be made fun for young children. Our skilled teachers make this possible every day at GCDC. This summer, they will work to help your child learn about STEM concepts in creative and exciting ways.

     2023 Summer Curriculum

Please see our full Summer Program Packet here.

June 26 – July 7 / Space is the Place: The children will learn how astronauts train for space travel. We will exercise and train just like the astronauts. Children will pretend to work on the ISS! They will have lots of time to explore as if they worked in their own scientific test labs. The young astronauts will mix materials and observe the reactions. Can you imagine a scientist taking a soil sample on Mars! We will make STEAM crafts to create astronauts and even rockets made from recycled materials. Get ready to board the ISS!

July 10 – 14 / Dinosaur Roar: Children will learn about all the different types of dinosaurs that once roamed the world. They will identify the many different characteristics of dinosaurs. We will make dinosaur fossils and set up an excavating adventure in the sandbox.

July 24 – 28 / Fizz, Pop , Bang: What’s a summer without a bang! Children will mix ingredients to make a chemical reaction. They will make Alka Seltzer Rockets blast off high into the sky! We will explore viscosity in an experiment with Pop-Rocks!

July 31 – Aug 4 / Hello Robo: We will spend some time learning about coding! Children will have the opportunity to explore Bee-Bots. They will then code the Bee-Bots to move through a predefined maze that they help design.

Aug 7 – 11 / Ooey, Gooey Science: This week we will learn all about physical properties. Children will measure and mix ingredients to make silly putty, magnetic slime, and bouncy balls. We will incorporate the scientific process and test different measurements of ingredients to observe how the changes in the physical properties take place.

Aug 14 – 18 / Bubbles, Bubbles, Bubbles Galore: Children will have an exciting time putting their curiosity to work to explore bubbles. We will explore what are bubbles, how are they formed, and what chemical solution makes the best bubbles. We will use different materials to design and create bubble wands. We will end the week with a bubble party, putting their mixing magic to work!

Aug 21 – 25 / Curriculum Break

Field Day Fridays!

Each Friday, the children will explore a variety of sports and outdoor games.

Sprinkle Time

As part of our summer program, all GCDC classes will participate in sprinkle time from 10-11 am or 11 am-12pm every Wednesday and Thursday. While outside, the children enjoy fun water games, running through sprinkler and exploring water tables. 

Parents much apply sunscreen before the school day. If your child needs a second application during the day, the Sunscreen Form must be submitted in order for a teacher to do so. Make sure to label the sunscreen with your child’s name.

The following materials are required:

Available Spaces For The Summer

We are currently enrolling for summer vacancies! Please click here to get on our waiting list.