The Education Office Science Adventures FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Click on the question to see the answer and click again to hide the answer.

Q: What are Science Adventures?

Science Adventures are informal classes in science, engineering and mathematics, designed for students and/or families. Experienced classroom teachers or experts in a given field teach the classes. The program format emphasizes student-centered, hands-on learning using entertaining and thought-provoking activities.

Q: When do you offer classes?

Classes are offered year-round. During the school year classes take place on Saturdays. Classes are offered on Saturdays and weekdays in the summer.

Q: Do you offer summer camps?

We offer a variety of classes during the summer but do not offer “camps” that take place over several weeks in the summer. Our summer classes may be 1 to 5 days long and last for half a day or a full day.

Q: How do I register for classes?

You can register and pay for classes by mail, fax, phone, or online. Online registration is not available for Club Invention. More details are available at ed.fnal.gov/sciadv-regist/.

Q: Can I register online for classes?

Yes, register and pay here: ed.fnal.gov/sciadv-online-regist/.

Q: Is there a registration deadline?

There is a tentative registration deadline of 1 week before the scheduled date. We must receive a minimum number of registrations by this time or a class will be canceled. If space allows, we will accept registrations after this time.

Q: How long are classes?

Most Saturday classes are 2-3 hours long. Some classes may last for 5-6 hours, with a lunch break for students. There are a variety of half-day and full-day classes in the summer, which take place over the course of 1-5 days.

Q: How can I get on your mailing list?

Email edreg@fnal.gov or call 630-840-8258. We offer a printed brochure and email list. You can sign up for one or both.

Q: How often do you post new classes?

Classes are posted 3 times a year: Spring (January — May), Summer (June — August), and Fall (September — December).

Q: Do you offer family discounts?

No, we do not offer discounts for signing up multiple students.

Q: Do I (or can I) attend the class with my child?

Most classes are intended for the student only. Occasionally we offer a class for families to attend. If your child has special needs or you are concerned about them attending a class on their own, contact us at 630-840-8258 or edreg@fnal.gov.

Q: I live far away. What can I do while my child is in class?

There is plenty to do onsite at Fermilab: /home/visitors.shtml. There is shopping nearby on Randall Road (Batavia), Route 59 (Aurora/Naperville), or the Chicago Premium Outlets. Also nearby are several coffee shops and the Batavia Public Library.

Q: My child isn't in the grade level listed for a class but really likes the subject matter. Can he/she still attend?

We ask parents to refrain from signing up children for classes if they do not meet the grade level requirements. We will return fees for students who do not meet the requirements. Many of our classes are offered each year, so students often have the opportunity to attend the class at a later date.

Q: How do I know if a class is full?

Classes that are full will be marked full on our website. We update our website often but occasionally we will receive too many registrations for a class before we can update the website. We will notify families if a class they registered for is full and their name will be placed on a waiting list.

Q: Do you offer a wait list if a class is full?

Yes, we offer wait lists for all classes. If a class you are interested in is full, call or email (630-840-8258, edreg@fnal.gov) to be placed on the wait list. If an opening or an additional session becomes available, we will call you. Families placed on the wait list are not obligated to attend the class.

Q: How big are classes? (or How many students are in a class?)

Maximum class sizes are typically 12-16 students. We require a minimum of 5 students to run a class. We take up to 23 students in Club Invention.

Q: Is there a minimum number of students needed to run a class?

A minimum of 5 students is required to run a class (12 students for Club Invention). We must meet this minimum 1 week prior to the start of class. If we do not meet the minimum, we will contact families and refund payments for the canceled class.

Q: How do I cancel my registration? What is your refund policy?

Call 630-840-8258 or email edreg@fnal.gov to cancel your registration. You have up until 7 days before class to cancel your registration and receive a full refund. Refunds will not be provided after this time.

Q: Do you ever cancel classes?

We will cancel a class if we do not receive a minimum number of registrations. Families will receive 1 week’s notice if we must cancel due to lack of registration. Occasionally, classes have been canceled due to an emergency situation. Families will receive a full refund if this is the case.

Q: What is Club Invention? Why can't I register for it online?

Club Invention is a week-long program offered in the summer. It was created by the National Inventors’ Hall of Fame. More information is available here: http://www.campinvention.org. Club Invention provides us with a curriculum and materials to teach the class. Science Adventures instructors teach the class. Fermilab processes the registrations and sends confirmation letters for the class. Payments are processed by Club Invention so we cannot accept payments through our online system.

Q: Do you provide additional childcare before or after a class?

We do not offer childcare before or after a class. Students must be picked up promptly after class. We suggest arriving no more than 15 minutes prior to the start of class. Parents must stay with children until it is time to go into the classroom.

Q: Who teaches your classes?

Science Adventures are taught by experienced classroom teachers or experts in a given field.