Students listen to a chemistry lecture for Science Outdoors

FAQ

Below are some frequently asked questions...


Please note that the last time this FAQ was updated was August 2024. Information may not be up-to-date.

A: During lessons, teachers will give talks and students will be exposed to an interactive and fun experience. Demonstrations will be performed to allow students to experience and witness the laws of the universe first-hand.

A: The contents taught in each class are independent of each other and each class covers a different topic, however it is encouraged to attend every class so that the student may gain the most out of their experience. Plus, the final day will review content taught in all of the class with a fun tournament-style competition!

A: Of course! Each lesson is taught so that even those without experience can understand, and the whole purpose of the lessons is to encourage students to discover passions within science!

A: No, this program is selective with limited spots because we want to make sure that every student is able to get adequate attention for the best educational environmental for all. After registrations close, we take a look at each application and choose a few dozen students (our goal will be ~15 for Season 5 (2024)), out of a typical applicant pool of around 70 students. Please do keep in mind though that selection varies from year to year, and we tend to prioritize students who are new to All the Sprouts.

A: No worries! If you're still within the age range, you can register again next year, and if not, you can apply as a TA. Additionally, for students who are unable to attend the in-person meetings, we highly recommend attending our Summer Science Seminars (3S) lectures!

A: Great! If you want to become a TA/Teacher, please head to the Join Us page here!

A: Please don't hesitate to email us at lexingtonsprouts@gmail.com for questions, advice, or any sort of feedback. We look forward to hearing from you!

A: It's a surprise! ;)

A: Each lecture that you attend will be around 45 minutes and each day is $25, with a 20% discount if all 5 days are attended (that's $100) as of Season 4 (2024). The number of sessions you go to is decided by you during registration. Payment will be conducted at registration, and you should receive an email from Stripe for payment.

A: We teach the basics of many different branches of science: physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, mathematics, and earth sciences. You can always learn something, no matter if you are preparing for a science competition, if you are want to make up some missed school material, or if you just want to learn and have a fun time! As of January 2024, specific topics have yet to be released. Check back for more details.

A: You will receive emails with announcements and updates as well as further information on this website. We ask that you please check your email often (including your spam folder as we have switched emails many times in the past); email will be the main form of communication we will have with our learners (though a Discord server is in the works). Additionally, during registration, we will ask you to add the email lexingtonsprouts@gmail.com to your contacts list to prevent our emails from going to spam.

A: There will be 30 classes total. Each class lasts 45 minutes and there will have a 15 minute of break between each class. Classes run from 9 am EDT to 3 pm EDT every day, with office hours provided from 3 pm to 4 pm. Half an hour is allotted for lunch between 12:45 pm and 1:15 pm.

A: Please don't hesitate to email us at lexingtonsprouts@gmail.com for questions, advice, or any sort of feedback. We look forward to hearing from you!

A: Nothing! This program is free!

A: Of course! Every lesson is taught in a way that even people without any experience can understand, and the whole purpose of the lessons is to encourage students to discover passions within art.

A: Yes, though it depends on what you would like to learn!
  • Your digital art device with a utensil (iPad and Apple Pencil for example)
  • HB, 2H, B, 2B, 4B, 6B Pencil
  • Eraser (link to a recommended one here)
  • Sketchbook (Strathmore recommended)
  • Blender (optional but highly recommended)
  • Soft pastels
  • Sketchbook (Strathmore recommended)
  • Various colors of paint (Liquitex's titanium white, ivory black, light and dark green, navy blue, purple, burnt umber, and light blue are recommended for intermediate students; for beginners get the same color but different brand works):
  • Canvas (any size, but we recommend 18" x 20")
  • Sketchbook
  • A brush set with different sizes (any, as long as they are soft bristle)

    • A: Creating a branch means you will start up an All the Sprouts-backed program in a new town/city/district/municipality where one does not exist already. Our current locations are Lexington and Hopkinton in Massachusetts. If you are in one of those regions, you can contact the director of the branch if you are interested in joining.

    A: We have a Discord server for branch managers where we'll give you more information, planning resources and tips, and old slides and documents.

    A: While we dont technically have an age requirement, a general rule of thumb is to be at least a rising high schooler. (In VERY EXCEPTIONAL cases, we may consider middle schoolers, but this will be rare.) If you're a high schooler and above, you're welcome to apply, but we also need to see evidence that you'll be able to handle the logistics and responsibility that comes with establishing a new branch.

    A: No, feel free to have as many or few programs as you'd like! we'd recommend you generally start with one or two your first year, unless you have a lot of planning and people already ready and you're very confident. If you want to run a new program, just tell one of the directors about the idea and if we okay it, you're all set!

    A: As a branch director, you'll be expected to manage general logistics and the day-to-day operations of your branch, including finding people to teach, organize, and help you manage operations, potentially making slides or other resources and teaching kids, finding locales to teach students (this can be virtual!), advertising, and (if necessary) sponsorships. This may sound like a lot, but you'll gradually learn to love it. As a warning, this will take a lot of your time during the summer and especially the weeks you're running your branch. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to us by email or through Discord.

    A: We'll try to keep it within 2-3 weeks to a month, but if we're very overloaded it might take more time. We'll send you an email with our decision as soon as we reach a consensus.