Brush Up Math Facts for Back to School with Beach Ball Math!

It’s no secret that school skills slip significantly over the summer. A recent large-scale study by the NWEA showed that students in 3rd to 5th grades lost an average of 27 percent of their school-year gains in math during summer break!

Beat summer brain drain and ensure your child stays on the ball this year in math with this fun, brain-boosting beach ball math game!

WHAT YOU NEED:

  • Beach Ball
  • Permanent Marker
  • Empty Laundry Basket

WHAT YOU DO: 

  1. Write the numbers 1 through 9 in permanent marker on the beach ball. You can repeat numbers that need more practice.
  2. Throw the beach ball to your child and tell them to freeze when they catch the ball.
  3. You child should then add or multiply the two numbers that their thumbs are either touching or closest to touching. If the answer is correct, award 2 points.
  4. A correct answer also earns an opportunity to take a free throw at the laundry basket. If your child makes the shot, award an additional 2 points (or 3 points if they take the shot from farther away).
  5. Have your child keep a tally of their points – or ask them to mentally add their new points each time they earn them.
  6. Celebrate your child’s success and send them back to school feeling smart and confident!

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Screen-Free Summer Learning & Fun with Challenge Island

As the school year draws to a close and summer beckons with its promise of sunshine and adventure, parents and educators alike are faced with a crucial question: how can we ensure that children make the most of their summer break while also continuing to learn and grow? At Challenge Island, we believe that one […]

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Challenge Island Secures Prestigious Spot on Franchise 500 for the 7th Consecutive Year

Challenge Island, the world-renowned STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education program, proudly announces its remarkable achievement of being ranked on the Franchise 500 for the seventh consecutive year. The Franchise 500, an annual ranking by Entrepreneur magazine, recognizes outstanding franchises for their exceptional performance, innovation, and sustained growth. Challenge Island’s commitment to excellence, […]

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Make Sharktooth Island Shark Bait Sushi Snacks to Celebrate Our Bestselling Book Series and Shark Camp!

WHAT YOU NEED: WHAT YOU DO:  Unwrap the crispy rice treats. (If they are not mini-sized, cut them into bite-sized pieces.) Top each crispy treat with a gummy fish. Cut the fruit roll into strips and wrap the strips around the shark bait sushi. Grab some chopsticks and take a chomp!

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Challenge Island is Included on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 for the 6th Year in a Row!

Challenge Island Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2023 Franchise 500 for the 6th year straight!

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Challenge Island Featured in IFA Oscar Ad During the 2023 Academy Awards!

Challenge Island Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2023 Franchise 500 for the 6th year straight!

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Challenge Island is Included on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 for the 6th Year in a Row!

Challenge Island Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2023 Franchise 500 for the 6th year straight!

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Challenge Island Ranks #188 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top Global Franchises List

All the world’s children need and deserve to experience the magic and benefits of Challenge Island! It is our honor to be ranked once again on Entrepreneur’s Top Global Franchises List as we continue our mission to bring Challenge Island to every child.

Announcements

Nurturing Social-Emotional Growth: The Heart of Challenge Island

At Challenge Island, we believe that fostering social-emotional learning (SEL) is just as important as nurturing academic skills. Our commitment to SEL is rooted in the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to develop the social and emotional intelligence they need to thrive in all areas of life. Let’s delve into how Challenge Island […]



Celebrate the “Lemonade Days” of Summer with a Lemon Volcano and a Cool Chemical Reaction!

Kick off the Lemonade Days of summer with a cool chemical reaction that promises to be a blast! Here’s everything you need to know to make your own lemon volcano plus the science behind the fizzy magic!

WHAT YOU NEED:

  • A Few Lemons
  • Baking Soda
  • Food Coloring
  • Dawn Dish Soap
  • Plates
  • Craft Sticks
  • Lemon Juice

WHAT YOU DO: 

  • Prep the lemons by rolling them on the counter. This will help loosen the juice inside.
  • Ask an adult to slice a little off the bottom of each lemon, just enough to make it flat.
  • Now ask the adult to cut off the top quarter of each lemon.
  • Stand up the lemons – juicy side up – on the plates.
  • Take a craft stick and poke holes in the different sections of the lemons to help get the juices flowing.
  • Place drops of food coloring on the juicy sections of the lemons. Use different color combinations for an extra STEAMy eruption.
  • Drizzle the dish soap on top of the food coloring. Now you are ready to add the activator!
  • Sprinkle a spoonful of baking soda onto each of the lemon tops. Use a craft stick to poke the baking soda down into the sections and release more juice.
  • Watch the volcano bubble up and erupt.
  • Add more lemon juice and baking soda to reactivate your volcano.
  • Send a picture of your volcanos to [email protected] and we will post it on our website!

The magic behind the lemon volcano comes from one of our favorite chemical reactions that occurs when you mix together an acid and a base. The combination of lemon juice (the acid) and baking soda (the base) results in the release of carbon dioxide (the gas that makes soda bubbly). The dish soap helps make the reaction more pronounced because it captures the gas inside its bubbles.

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Challenge Island Secures Prestigious Spot on Franchise 500 for the 7th Consecutive Year

Challenge Island, the world-renowned STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education program, proudly announces its remarkable achievement of being ranked on the Franchise 500 for the seventh consecutive year. The Franchise 500, an annual ranking by Entrepreneur magazine, recognizes outstanding franchises for their exceptional performance, innovation, and sustained growth. Challenge Island’s commitment to excellence, […]

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Press

Make Sharktooth Island Shark Bait Sushi Snacks to Celebrate Our Bestselling Book Series and Shark Camp!

WHAT YOU NEED: WHAT YOU DO:  Unwrap the crispy rice treats. (If they are not mini-sized, cut them into bite-sized pieces.) Top each crispy treat with a gummy fish. Cut the fruit roll into strips and wrap the strips around the shark bait sushi. Grab some chopsticks and take a chomp!

Announcements
Magazines
Press

Challenge Island is Included on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 for the 6th Year in a Row!

Challenge Island Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2023 Franchise 500 for the 6th year straight!

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Magazines
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Challenge Island Featured in IFA Oscar Ad During the 2023 Academy Awards!

Challenge Island Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2023 Franchise 500 for the 6th year straight!

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Magazines
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Challenge Island is Included on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 for the 6th Year in a Row!

Challenge Island Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2023 Franchise 500 for the 6th year straight!

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Challenge Island Ranks #188 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top Global Franchises List

All the world’s children need and deserve to experience the magic and benefits of Challenge Island! It is our honor to be ranked once again on Entrepreneur’s Top Global Franchises List as we continue our mission to bring Challenge Island to every child.

Announcements

Nurturing Social-Emotional Growth: The Heart of Challenge Island

At Challenge Island, we believe that fostering social-emotional learning (SEL) is just as important as nurturing academic skills. Our commitment to SEL is rooted in the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to develop the social and emotional intelligence they need to thrive in all areas of life. Let’s delve into how Challenge Island […]



Challenge Island Featured in IFA Oscar Ad During the 2023 Academy Awards!

Challenge Island is Featured during the 2023 Academy Awards in the International Franchise Association’s Oscar Ad!

Challenge Island is thrilled to be featured during the 2023 Academy Awards in an the International Franchise Association’s Oscar ad promoting the power of franchising! Watch the Ad HERE!

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Screen-Free Summer Learning & Fun with Challenge Island

As the school year draws to a close and summer beckons with its promise of sunshine and adventure, parents and educators alike are faced with a crucial question: how can we ensure that children make the most of their summer break while also continuing to learn and grow? At Challenge Island, we believe that one […]

Announcements
Magazines
Press

Challenge Island Secures Prestigious Spot on Franchise 500 for the 7th Consecutive Year

Challenge Island, the world-renowned STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education program, proudly announces its remarkable achievement of being ranked on the Franchise 500 for the seventh consecutive year. The Franchise 500, an annual ranking by Entrepreneur magazine, recognizes outstanding franchises for their exceptional performance, innovation, and sustained growth. Challenge Island’s commitment to excellence, […]

Announcements
Event
Fun & Games
Press

Make Sharktooth Island Shark Bait Sushi Snacks to Celebrate Our Bestselling Book Series and Shark Camp!

WHAT YOU NEED: WHAT YOU DO:  Unwrap the crispy rice treats. (If they are not mini-sized, cut them into bite-sized pieces.) Top each crispy treat with a gummy fish. Cut the fruit roll into strips and wrap the strips around the shark bait sushi. Grab some chopsticks and take a chomp!

Announcements
Magazines
Press

Challenge Island is Included on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 for the 6th Year in a Row!

Challenge Island Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2023 Franchise 500 for the 6th year straight!

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Magazines
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Challenge Island is Included on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 for the 6th Year in a Row!

Challenge Island Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2023 Franchise 500 for the 6th year straight!

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Challenge Island Ranks #188 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top Global Franchises List

All the world’s children need and deserve to experience the magic and benefits of Challenge Island! It is our honor to be ranked once again on Entrepreneur’s Top Global Franchises List as we continue our mission to bring Challenge Island to every child.

Announcements

Nurturing Social-Emotional Growth: The Heart of Challenge Island

At Challenge Island, we believe that fostering social-emotional learning (SEL) is just as important as nurturing academic skills. Our commitment to SEL is rooted in the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to develop the social and emotional intelligence they need to thrive in all areas of life. Let’s delve into how Challenge Island […]



Challenge Island Named One of 50 Franchise Companies Doing the Most to Champion Diversity by Entrepreneur Magazine

“Around 90% of Challenge Island’s franchisees are women (along with 100% of their corporate team), and they also have a significant number of Black, Hispanic, and LGBTQ+ franchisees, with teachers receiving 10% off the franchise fee. The new Challenge Island book series, cowritten by CEO and founder Sharon Duke Estroff, features Black and Hispanic children as the main characters, and many of the company’s S.T.E.M. challenge themes are designed to celebrate diversity, particularly during Black History Month and Hispanic Heritage Month. “Everything we do is about instilling a sense of inclusion, appreciation, empathy, and compassion in children,” says Estroff. “Diversity is so much a part of Challenge Island that we don’t have to make concentrated efforts to achieve it. It is what we are, through and through.”

Entrepreneur Magazine September 2022

This recognition by Entrepreneur Magazine is among our proudest accomplishments. Not only are we in great company on this list (alongside Ben and Jerry’s and Yum! Brands (KFC, Taco Bell) to name a few) but an adorable photo of diverse Challenge Island kids at work is featured in the article . Read the article HERE.

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As the school year draws to a close and summer beckons with its promise of sunshine and adventure, parents and educators alike are faced with a crucial question: how can we ensure that children make the most of their summer break while also continuing to learn and grow? At Challenge Island, we believe that one […]

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Magazines
Press

Challenge Island Secures Prestigious Spot on Franchise 500 for the 7th Consecutive Year

Challenge Island, the world-renowned STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education program, proudly announces its remarkable achievement of being ranked on the Franchise 500 for the seventh consecutive year. The Franchise 500, an annual ranking by Entrepreneur magazine, recognizes outstanding franchises for their exceptional performance, innovation, and sustained growth. Challenge Island’s commitment to excellence, […]

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Event
Fun & Games
Press

Make Sharktooth Island Shark Bait Sushi Snacks to Celebrate Our Bestselling Book Series and Shark Camp!

WHAT YOU NEED: WHAT YOU DO:  Unwrap the crispy rice treats. (If they are not mini-sized, cut them into bite-sized pieces.) Top each crispy treat with a gummy fish. Cut the fruit roll into strips and wrap the strips around the shark bait sushi. Grab some chopsticks and take a chomp!

Announcements
Magazines
Press

Challenge Island is Included on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 for the 6th Year in a Row!

Challenge Island Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2023 Franchise 500 for the 6th year straight!

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Magazines
Press

Challenge Island Featured in IFA Oscar Ad During the 2023 Academy Awards!

Challenge Island Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2023 Franchise 500 for the 6th year straight!

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Press

Challenge Island is Included on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 for the 6th Year in a Row!

Challenge Island Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2023 Franchise 500 for the 6th year straight!

Top Global Franchises 2022
Announcements
Press

Challenge Island Ranks #188 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top Global Franchises List

All the world’s children need and deserve to experience the magic and benefits of Challenge Island! It is our honor to be ranked once again on Entrepreneur’s Top Global Franchises List as we continue our mission to bring Challenge Island to every child.

Announcements

Nurturing Social-Emotional Growth: The Heart of Challenge Island

At Challenge Island, we believe that fostering social-emotional learning (SEL) is just as important as nurturing academic skills. Our commitment to SEL is rooted in the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to develop the social and emotional intelligence they need to thrive in all areas of life. Let’s delve into how Challenge Island […]



Cool Off this Summer with STEAMtastic Fizzy Ice Cubes!

Ready for a STEAMtastic© summer science experiment? Here’s everything you need to know to make your own fizzing rainbow ice cubes plus the science behind the bubbling magic!

WHAT YOU NEED:

  • Baking Soda
  • Food Coloring
  • Vinegar
  • Bowls
  • Ice Tray (Novelty Shapes Add to the Fun)
  • Squirt Bottle
  • Optional Tiny Toys to Hide Inside the Ice Cubes (Use a Large Cube Tray if Adding Toys)

WHAT YOU DO: 

Mix 4 tablespoons of water with a few drops of food coloring in a bowl. Do the same in separate bowls with as many different colors as you want. The more colors you use, the STEAMier the end result will be!

Add 1 cup of baking soda to a bowl. Mix in one bowl of colored water. Stir until crumbly and moldable. If the mixture feels too wet to mold, add a little more baking soda. Repeat for the next color.

Press and tightly pack the baking soda mixture into the tray. Hide tiny toys in some of the cubes for extra fun. Freeze the tray for at least 30 minutes or until it feels solid.

While you are waiting for the cubes to freeze, fill a squirt bottle with vinegar. When the cubes are frozen, carefully pop them out of the mold and start squirting away! The fizzing action will start up immediately! Add more baking soda and vinegar for continuous fizzing fun!

The magic behind the fizzing ice comes from one of our favorite chemical reactions that occurs when you mix together an acid and a base. The combination of vinegar (the acid) and baking soda (the base) results in the release of carbon dioxide (the gas that makes soda bubbly). Now that’s a COOL chemical reaction!

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Screen-Free Summer Learning & Fun with Challenge Island

As the school year draws to a close and summer beckons with its promise of sunshine and adventure, parents and educators alike are faced with a crucial question: how can we ensure that children make the most of their summer break while also continuing to learn and grow? At Challenge Island, we believe that one […]

Announcements
Magazines
Press

Challenge Island Secures Prestigious Spot on Franchise 500 for the 7th Consecutive Year

Challenge Island, the world-renowned STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education program, proudly announces its remarkable achievement of being ranked on the Franchise 500 for the seventh consecutive year. The Franchise 500, an annual ranking by Entrepreneur magazine, recognizes outstanding franchises for their exceptional performance, innovation, and sustained growth. Challenge Island’s commitment to excellence, […]

Announcements
Event
Fun & Games
Press

Make Sharktooth Island Shark Bait Sushi Snacks to Celebrate Our Bestselling Book Series and Shark Camp!

WHAT YOU NEED: WHAT YOU DO:  Unwrap the crispy rice treats. (If they are not mini-sized, cut them into bite-sized pieces.) Top each crispy treat with a gummy fish. Cut the fruit roll into strips and wrap the strips around the shark bait sushi. Grab some chopsticks and take a chomp!

Announcements
Magazines
Press

Challenge Island is Included on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 for the 6th Year in a Row!

Challenge Island Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2023 Franchise 500 for the 6th year straight!

Announcements
Magazines
Press

Challenge Island Featured in IFA Oscar Ad During the 2023 Academy Awards!

Challenge Island Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2023 Franchise 500 for the 6th year straight!

Announcements
Magazines
Press

Challenge Island is Included on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 for the 6th Year in a Row!

Challenge Island Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2023 Franchise 500 for the 6th year straight!

Top Global Franchises 2022
Announcements
Press

Challenge Island Ranks #188 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top Global Franchises List

All the world’s children need and deserve to experience the magic and benefits of Challenge Island! It is our honor to be ranked once again on Entrepreneur’s Top Global Franchises List as we continue our mission to bring Challenge Island to every child.

Announcements

Nurturing Social-Emotional Growth: The Heart of Challenge Island

At Challenge Island, we believe that fostering social-emotional learning (SEL) is just as important as nurturing academic skills. Our commitment to SEL is rooted in the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to develop the social and emotional intelligence they need to thrive in all areas of life. Let’s delve into how Challenge Island […]



Create Fun Fourth of July Fireworks with a Star-Spangled Chemical Reaction

What You Need for Milk Fireworks
Here’s What You Need to Make Your Own Milk Fireworks
Pour in just enough milk to cover the bottom of the plate.
Make a food coloring “bullseye” in the center of the plate. 2 drops of each color is plenty! Add other colors to your patriotic blue and red for a super STEAMy result!
Turn your cotton swab into a “magic wand” by pouring dish soap on the end. The more soaked in soap the cotton is, the more magical the result will be.
Poke your soapy wand into the center of the food coloring and watch the fireworks explode. The eruptions will continue for the next minute on their own. Add additional drops of soap for extra explosive fun!
Learn About the Cool Chemical Reaction Behind the Star-Spangled Milk Fireworks!

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Screen-Free Summer Learning & Fun with Challenge Island

As the school year draws to a close and summer beckons with its promise of sunshine and adventure, parents and educators alike are faced with a crucial question: how can we ensure that children make the most of their summer break while also continuing to learn and grow? At Challenge Island, we believe that one […]

Announcements
Magazines
Press

Challenge Island Secures Prestigious Spot on Franchise 500 for the 7th Consecutive Year

Challenge Island, the world-renowned STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education program, proudly announces its remarkable achievement of being ranked on the Franchise 500 for the seventh consecutive year. The Franchise 500, an annual ranking by Entrepreneur magazine, recognizes outstanding franchises for their exceptional performance, innovation, and sustained growth. Challenge Island’s commitment to excellence, […]

Announcements
Event
Fun & Games
Press

Make Sharktooth Island Shark Bait Sushi Snacks to Celebrate Our Bestselling Book Series and Shark Camp!

WHAT YOU NEED: WHAT YOU DO:  Unwrap the crispy rice treats. (If they are not mini-sized, cut them into bite-sized pieces.) Top each crispy treat with a gummy fish. Cut the fruit roll into strips and wrap the strips around the shark bait sushi. Grab some chopsticks and take a chomp!

Announcements
Magazines
Press

Challenge Island is Included on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 for the 6th Year in a Row!

Challenge Island Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2023 Franchise 500 for the 6th year straight!

Announcements
Magazines
Press

Challenge Island Featured in IFA Oscar Ad During the 2023 Academy Awards!

Challenge Island Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2023 Franchise 500 for the 6th year straight!

Announcements
Magazines
Press

Challenge Island is Included on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 for the 6th Year in a Row!

Challenge Island Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2023 Franchise 500 for the 6th year straight!

Top Global Franchises 2022
Announcements
Press

Challenge Island Ranks #188 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top Global Franchises List

All the world’s children need and deserve to experience the magic and benefits of Challenge Island! It is our honor to be ranked once again on Entrepreneur’s Top Global Franchises List as we continue our mission to bring Challenge Island to every child.

Announcements

Nurturing Social-Emotional Growth: The Heart of Challenge Island

At Challenge Island, we believe that fostering social-emotional learning (SEL) is just as important as nurturing academic skills. Our commitment to SEL is rooted in the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to develop the social and emotional intelligence they need to thrive in all areas of life. Let’s delve into how Challenge Island […]