Mad Scientist Laboratory Program Description

UNC Charlotte STEM Pre-College Program – Saturday Academy

Students participating in a dissection.

MS Engineering Mathematics
MS Python Pioneers in Coding

Registration for Fall 2026 will open on April 13, 2026 thru June 30, 2026 or until capacity is reached for all programs. Please find more information regarding registration below.

The Mad Scientist Laboratory invites middle school students (grades 6–8) to dive into the wonders of science through hands-on experiments, engaging demonstrations, and interactive challenges. Aligned with the North Carolina Science Standards, this program explores core concepts from 6th, 7th, and 8th grade science, as well as Physical Science and Earth & Environmental Science. Students will develop critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and collaborative skills while investigating real-world phenomena in a laboratory-style setting.

Program Dates & Location

Sessions will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the UNC Charlotte Woodward Building, 8812 Craver Rd, Charlotte, NC 28223 on the following dates:

Saturday Academy Dates

Virtual Thursdays

Fall 2026 – 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. each day

September 24

December 3

Fall 2026 Dates – 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. daily

September 12 & 19

October 10 & 17

November 7 & 21

Each Virtual Thursday will feature a STEM professional guest speaker, offering students a glimpse into exciting careers and innovations in science.

Instruction Format

Each in-person session includes:

  • 1.5 hours of instruction by one certified public school science teacher or graduate student
  • A 15-minute break
  • 1.5 hours of instruction by the second instructor

Eligibility & Enrollment

  • Open to students in grades 6–8 with a minimum grade of “C” in math and science and an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher
  • Enrollment period: October 27, 2025 – January 9, 2026
  • Maximum of 50 students will be accepted
  • Application requirements:
    • Completed application form
    • $125.00 application fee
    • Most recent report card or Infinite Campus/PowerSchool report

For questions, contact: stem-precollege@charlotte.edu  Learn more: STEM Saturday Academy

Sample Topics & Activities

1. Chemical Reactions & Kitchen Chemistry

  • Grade Level: 6th & Physical Science
  • Activity: Students mix household substances to observe chemical changes, create reaction equations, and explore pH levels.

2. Forensic Science: Crime Scene Investigation

  • Grade Level: 7th Grade Science
  • Activity: Students analyze fingerprints, fibers, and simulated DNA samples to solve a mock crime using scientific methods.

3. Weather Watchers & Climate Detectives

  • Grade Level: Earth & Environmental Science
  • Activity: Students build weather instruments, track local weather patterns, and explore climate change through data analysis.

4. Newton’s Playground: Forces & Motion

  • Grade Level: 8th Grade Science & Physical Science
  • Activity: Students use ramps, carts, and sensors to investigate Newton’s Laws and calculate speed, acceleration, and force.

5. Ecosystem Engineering

  • Grade Level: 6th & 7th Grade Science
  • Activity: Students design and build model ecosystems, simulate population changes, and explore biodiversity and sustainability.
Registration