Igniting Curiosity Through Hands-On Science
SparkSTEM Labs brings NGSS-aligned science experiments to 4th and 5th graders, empowering young minds to explore, question, and discover the wonders of science through engaging, hands-on learning experiences.
Our Science Labs
Each experiment is carefully designed to align with Next Generation Science Standards, making learning both fun and educationally impactful.
Volcano Lab
Erupting Volcano
The Mission
Mix baking soda and vinegar to create CO₂ gas.
The Science
Students prove a new substance is formed and model how invisible gas particles create real-world pressure.
Self-Inflating Balloons
Gas in Motion
The Mission
Capture a chemical reaction inside a balloon.
The Science
Evidence that mixing substances creates new matter (gas) that takes up physical space, even if the particles are too small to see.
Dancing Raisins
Bubbles & Buoyancy
The Mission
Observe raisins “dancing” in carbonated water.
The Science
Identify materials based on properties like density and buoyancy to explain how gas bubbles act as tiny life jackets.
Invisible Ink
Heat & Hidden Messages
The Mission
Use heat to reveal hidden lemon juice messages.
The Science
Observe an irreversible chemical change caused by energy (heat) to identify how materials react differently to their environment.
Meet the Founder
The Story Behind SparkSTEM Labs
"Science truly comes alive when you can see a reaction happen right in front of you."
The Spark Behind the Labs
As a high school student who has "doubled up" on science courses every year, I've always found my passion in the lab. However, looking back at my own journey, I realized something was missing: true, hands-on experimentation in elementary school.
While textbooks are great, science truly comes alive when you can see a reaction happen right in front of you. I founded SparkSTEMLabs.org to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world wonder. My goal is to ensure that every 4th and 5th grader in our community has the chance to be a "scientist for a day"—long before they reach high school.
What We Do
We bring high-energy, NGSS-aligned science labs directly to local elementary schools and libraries. Our curriculum is designed to be interactive, safe, and—most importantly—fun. By focusing on the "why" behind the "wow," we help students build a foundation in STEM that lasts a lifetime.
Our Vision for the Future
Starting this spring with our town library and four local elementary schools, SparkSTEM Labs is on a mission to scale. By next summer, we aim to bring our mobile lab initiative to surrounding towns, sparking a love for science in students across the region.
Our Impact So Far
Every experiment sparks curiosity. Every lab session plants a seed. Here's how SparkSTEM Labs is making a difference in our community.
4+
Schools & Libraries Reached
Partnering with elementary schools and public libraries across the community to bring hands-on science directly to students.
100+
Students Engaged
Over a hundred young minds have participated in our interactive experiments, discovering the excitement of real science.
4
Hands-On Experiments
From erupting volcanoes to dancing raisins, our NGSS-aligned experiments transform abstract concepts into memorable experiences.
Growing
Expanding Reach
What started as a local initiative is expanding to neighboring towns, with plans to bring mobile labs to even more communities.
These numbers represent real students whose eyes lit up seeing their first chemical reaction, and real communities coming together to support STEM education. But we're just getting started.
Upcoming Events
Summer Chemistry Club at Tenafly Public Library — NGSS-aligned hands-on sessions. Register on BCCLS to save your spot.
Register for Summer Chemistry Club
Self-Inflating Balloon (July 1) and Invisible Ink (July 8), 3:30–4:30 PM at Tenafly Public Library. Use the official BCCLS calendar link below.
Sign up on BCCLSPhotos from Our Labs
See our science experiments in action! Check back often as we add photos from new events.
Tenafly Public Library
Get in Touch
Interested in bringing SparkSTEM Labs to your school or classroom? We'd love to hear from you!
Let's Connect
Whether you're a teacher, parent, school administrator, or fellow student interested in STEM education, we're here to help bring hands-on science to your community.
Service Area
Bergen County, New Jersey
Response Time
Within 48 hours