In-Focus | Published June 14, 2024
NOVI — Any scientific experiment involves a premise, observation and an analysis of the results.
Zahraa Mougnieh, one of the owning partners at Kid Chemist Novi, was a dental student at Wayne State University when she founded Kid Chemist in 2019 after she realized that she missed an opportunity to truly explore the fundamentals of science while she was growing up.
“It was a case of not having the approach that really grasps our attention,” Mougnieh said. “Kid Chemist is a program where we educate kids about science and chemistry by creating hands-on experiments. We want to make learning as fun as possible through hands-on learning.
“I wanted to create a program where kids can fuel their interest in science and chemistry, so if they do want to go into the medical or scientific field, they feel confident,” she added.
Experiments at Kid Chemist, now in Novi and Dearborn, are created for growing minds of all ages. Topics and lab kits include chemistry and the periodic table of elements, the moon landing and fossil exploration.
“We start at age 4 and we go all the way to 14,” Mougnieh said. “The lessons get more in depth as you get older. The subjects get, obviously, more in depth, too.”
Kid Chemist offers in-person classes, one-on-one tutoring, camps, after school sessions and open play in the lab. They also host birthday parties.
Dunia Barada, an owning partner at Kid Chemist Novi, was sold on the concept after her son’s experience at a birthday party.
“I had my son’s fourth birthday at Kid Chemist in Dearborn. After that, I put him in two of the camps that Zahraa has,” Barada said. “I liked the idea so much, together we decided to bring it to Novi.”
Barada added, “I realize the impact it has on my son and how much he enjoyed it. I live in the Northville area. I knew it was something they don’t have over here. I know a lot of parents who really liked the idea. It’s truly amazing.”
Much more information about Kid Chemist, its mission and the opportunities they offer is available at kidchemist.com.
Kid Chemist Novi is located at 44225 W. 12 Mile Road, C-104, in the 12 Mile Crossing at Fountain Walk shopping center between Buddy’s Pizza and Aqua-Tots Swim School.
To inquire about time in the lab, call (248) 938-4361. For more information, visit kidchemist.com.