Sponored by Learning Lab Wichita.
Perfect for homeschoolers and other students with flexible schedules, Learning Lab Wichita’s courses and workshops are designed to help kids explore their talents and interests.
Learning Lab’s third-quarter learning opportunities are open to all interested kindergarten through 12th grade learners. Offerings will take place at Learning Lab’s facility on the second story of Wichita’s historic Union Station downtown.
Learning Lab sought highly-qualified education innovators when designing the spring learning calendar. One such educator is retired Wichita Public Schools science teacher Chitra Harris. After decades in the classroom in India and then in Wichita, award-winning educator Chitra wanted to continue sharing her large arsenal of knowledge with young people.
Chitra’s depth of knowledge in the sciences and creativity in teaching pair to make her classes fan favorites.
“When students discover the right answer on their own, they’re like, ‘Wow!’ You can see the light shining on their faces,” Chitra said. “No one told them the answer, and that sense of discovery is what builds their confidence and interest in science.”
Students in Chitra’s Learning Lab Wichita class series this fall enjoyed learning how maggots help investigators determine the time of death and examining blood splatters, among many other topics.
“The forensics class is one of my favorite classes I’ve ever taken,” said Lucy Snider, age 11. “Chitra is a good teacher and makes the lessons fun. I think the class has made me more observant of my surroundings. It is interesting to learn how investigators use evidence and science to solve crimes. I’m excited to continue learning more in the spring class.”
Chitra will be offering Forensic Sciences Fridays from 10-11:30 a.m. March 7-May 23.
Other offerings include Beginning Spanish, a theatre production of Disney’s The Lion King Kids in partnership with Music Theatre Wichita, an opportunity for kids to learn to write poetry and hip-hop lyrics, and much more.
You do not have to have a Learning Lab Membership to register for these learning opportunities, although some offerings are free to Learning Lab members. Visit www.golearninglab.org/events to see times and prices, and click here to learn more about our affordable family memberships.
Calendar offerings can be filtered by age. After filling out a signup form, families will be able to register.
Questions? Click here.
SPRING 2025 CLASSES AT LEARNING LAB WICHITA
Religions of the World
11 a.m.-noon, Thursdays Jan. 9-March 6
Ages: 1st-5th grades
Instructor: Darby Breaux-Vickers with Sunflower Learning Community
Holidays Around the World
1-2 p.m., Thursdays Jan. 9-March 20
Ages: 1st-5th grades
Instructor: Darby Breaux-Vickers with Sunflower Learning Community
Disney’s The Lion King Kids at Learning Lab Wichita
2:30-4 p.m., Fridays Jan. 10-April 25
Ages: 6-12 years old
Hosted by Music Theatre Wichita
Join us for a wildly fun performance during the final session on April 25.
Beginning Spanish 1
10-11 a.m., Fridays Jan. 10-March 14
Ages: 6th-8th grades
Instructor: Kat Swartley
Storytelling Through Photography
2-3 p.m., Jan. 22, 29 and Feb. 5
Ages: 3rd grade and up
Instructor: Kristin Bogner
You CAN! An Empowering Experience for Young Women
2:30-3:30 p.m., Thursdays Feb. 13-May 8, biweekly
Ages: 6th grade and up
Instructor: Ashley Watkins with Ashley Watkins Coaching
A cohort designed to equip young women with the tools to grow in self-awareness, build leadership skills, and make meaningful contributions to their schools and communities
Forensic Sciences Fridays
10-11:30 a.m., Fridays starting March 7-May 23
Ages: 4th-8th grades
Instructor: Chitra Harris
Exploring Zoo Science: Conservation, Animal Care and the Future of Zoos
3-4 p.m., Thursdays April 3-May 22
Ages: 8th grade and up
Instructor: Molly Brown
Culminates in a field trip to Sedgwick County Zoo.
Hip-Hop Storytelling: Finding Your Voice Through Verse
1-2:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays March 25-April 11
Ages: 4th grade and up
Instructor: “The Sonnet Man” Devon Glover
ONE-DAY LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
STEM Takes Flight!
1-4 p.m., Jan. 14 & Jan.17
Ages: K-5th grades
Hosted by the Kansas Aviation Museum
Jan. 17 portion to take place at Kansas Aviation Museu
Let’s Celebrate Kansas Day
9-11 a.m., Jan. 29
Ages: K-8th grades
Hosted by Andover eCademy
Kansas Scholastic Chess Tournament
Feb. 1
Ages: K-12th grades
Hosted in partnership with Concordia Academy and the Kansas Scholastic Chess Association
Entrants must be part of a team; early registration ends Jan. 30, but participants can register on-site
Rainbows
10-11 a.m., Feb. 28
Ages: K-3
Hosted by Andover eCademy
Explore the fascinating phenomenon of rainbows in this STEM-based workshop.
Culinary Arts
9-11 a.m., March 6
Ages: 6th-8th grades
Hosted by Andover eCademy
Master knife skills using plastic knives, prepare a snack and learn from culinary experts.
Discover the power of the micro:bit! STEM Activity
9:30-11 a.m., March 28
Ages: K-5th grades
Hosted by Andover eCademy
PPE Fest (Politics, Philosophy, and Ethics)
Noon-4 p.m., May 16
Ages: 11th & 12th graders
Hosted in partnership with Ottawa University
