From its humble beginnings in Montreal to becoming a global education movement, Mad Science has spent four decades making science exciting for kids. Discover how their hands-on approach is shaping the next generation of curious minds. 

Long before STEM was an education buzzword, two brothers in Montreal were quietly starting a science revolution. It was the early 1980s, and teenagers Ariel and Ron Shlien began touring their community doing science demonstrations for local kids and their families. It was just a teenage passion project in its infancy, but by 1985, after growing their business into a prosperous, education-minded venture, the Mad Science Group Inc. was officially formed. Today, Mad Science is the world’s leader in science education for kids, with 137 territories in over 20 countries. Talk about a true Canadian success story.  

Girl looking through a magnifying glass

Now, as Mad Science celebrates its 40th anniversary, the company continues to spark curiosity and creativity by way of dynamic, curriculum-aligned science programs for kids around the globe. But their offerings don’t stop there—through their franchising program, they also help people who dream of being entrepreneurs to open their own businesses. Read on to learn more. 

Bringing Science to Life 

One of the secrets to Mad Science’s long-standing success—other than a fervent enthusiasm for STEM education—is that their programs meet kids where they are. Whether it’s a classroom visit, a school assembly, an after-school program, a summer camp or a birthday party, Mad Science instructors are using each opportunity to turn curiosity into real learning moments. Through interactive, immersive presentations, kids are given the chance to build, test, explore and experiment—often with a little flash, fizz or foam.  With this approach to science lessons, kids don’t even realize they’re learning science fundamentals, not to mention critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork skills. 

Mad Science Birthday Party ad

Designed by Experts, Backed by Science 

How Mad Science builds its programs is a key differentiator in the space of science education. Every Mad Science workshop, classroom visit and camp is rooted in a deep understanding of how children learn best. So, this means that the programs aren’t just fun—they’ve been developed by a team of scientists and educational designers with the express purpose of making complex concepts accessible and age-appropriate (Mad Science offers program for kids as young as age 3!). 

Plus, each experience is carefully crafted to align with academic curricula, so while kids are having a blast launching rockets or building robots, the experiments are also reinforcing real classroom learning. It’s education by design—engaging, effective and endlessly inspiring. 

Encouraging the Next Generation with Franchise Opportunities 

Mad Science isn’t just about changing the way kids see science, either—it’s also about empowering adults to take up the mantle of STEM education. With a robust franchise program, the company offers unique opportunities for science lovers to become their own bosses and bring science education to their communities. Franchisees receive full training and support from HQ, including access to professionally developed materials, presentation plans and business guidance. It’s a chance to make a difference—one science experiment at a time. Mad Science currently has franchises from Halifax to Vancouver and everywhere in between (not to mention China, the Netherlands, Spain…), helping kids to learn, explore and fall in love with science. 

Even better, to celebrate their milestone anniversary, Mad Science Group is offering 40% OFF the initial Franchise Fee for a limited time only. 

To learn more about Mad Science, to book an event or to explore franchise opportunities, visit madscience.org.