STEM Programs Near Me

A hands-on introduction to real-world robotics and engineering. One of Silicon STEM’s most popular camps, LEGO Robotics introduces campers to the powerful LEGO® Mindstorms robotics platform—the same system widely used in middle and high school robotics programs. Campers work in pairs to design and build different machine-style robots, then bring them to life using block-based programming in the EV3 coding environment. As they test and refine their robots, students learn how code controls movement, sensors, and decision-making. Depending on the build, robots may be programmed to: Sort objects Perform pick-and-place tasks Balance or react to sensors Complete structured engineering challenges This camp is perfect for students who love tinkering, building, and figuring out how things work. Along the way, campers develop problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and teamwork—core abilities used by engineers and roboticists. What students will do: Build robots using the LEGO Mindstorms platform Learn block-based coding and robotics logic Program robots to complete real-world style tasks Test, troubleshoot, and improve designs Collaborate with a partner on engineering challenges LEGO Robotics is an excellent “get ahead” experience for students interested in future robotics programs and competitions, and a natural next step toward BattleBots, Rocketry, and advanced engineering camps. Note: This is a collaborative camp. Students will work in pairs throughout the week.

A Week-Long, Hands-On Science + Cooking Adventure! Get ready to mix, measure, taste, and experiment! Kitchen Scientists is the perfect camp for curious kids who love to explore how science comes alive in the kitchen. Throughout this week-long, hands-on camp, young chefs become real scientists as they investigate chemical reactions, experiment with microbes and enzymes, and test their super-taster senses. Each day features a unique science theme, hands-on experiments, and delicious cooking challenges. Campers will end the week with an exciting Cook-Off Competition to show off their new culinary science skills! All Summer Campers receive a free TCSL t-shirt!

Calling all curious scientists! Are you ready to unravel the amazing mysteries hidden deep inside every living thing – including you? During Genetic Genius, we'll dive into the fascinating world of Genetics & DNA to discover what makes you, YOU! We'll start by learning all about traits – like why your eyes are a certain color or why you might have curly hair! We'll explore how these traits are passed down from parents to kids, a bit like a secret family recipe. Then, we'll get up close with DNA structures, discovering what these incredible twisted ladders look like and what amazing information we can find inside DNA that tells every cell what to do!

Camp Footsteps Explorers 2026 A Summer of Discovery, Creativity, and Fun! At Camp Footsteps Explorers 2026, children entering TK through third grade will embark on a summer filled with imagination, friendship, and adventure. Each themed week is thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and encourage creativity through hands-on learning and play. From inventing and building during Maker’s Week to celebrating freedom and culture during Juneteenth: Freedom to Dream Week, every day brings new opportunities to explore, create, and grow. Campers will enjoy a wide variety of engaging activities, including art projects, outdoor games, field trips, science explorations, cooking projects, and meaningful community experiences that connect learning with fun. Our experienced and caring staff create a safe, nurturing environment where children are encouraged to try new things, develop friendships, and discover their unique strengths. Whether your child is a budding artist, an enthusiastic explorer, or a hands-on maker, Camp Footsteps Junior Explorers 2026 offers an unforgettable summer filled with laughter, learning, and lasting memories. Week 5 – Down at the Farm Field Trip: Ardenwood Historic Farm, Fremont Come on down to the farm for a week of country fun! Campers will explore what life is like on the farm through hands-on activities, crafts, games, and stories. From learning about animals and crops to making farm-inspired art and snacks, each day will bring new discoveries about where our food comes from and how farms work. Children will enjoy outdoor play, teamwork, and plenty of imaginative adventures—maybe even a “barnyard carnival” at the end of the week! Special Event : Barnyard Fun Day A petting zoo visit or mobile farm animal experience will bring the farm to Footsteps!

For more details, please follow the below link http://kidsstemstudio.com/napervilleclasses/

Confident Voices start EARLY! We are very excited to bring our “Tiny Talkers!” Workshops to our youngest voices! In this very fun, high-energy workshop, students will learn: - What Public Speaking Means - How to be louder, clearer, and much more interesting in our performance and content. - Get gentle feedback to bring out their best voices! - Learn how to improve confidence with different audiences (friends and adults!) We will play hilarious and fun speaking games and teach them very simple acronyms they can apply to their EVERY day speaking, not just in school!

Does your child freeze when they’re put on the spot? Or hesitate when asked a question? Not know how to start or struggle if talking to adults? This high energy, 2-hour workshop helps students learn exactly what to say—even when they don’t have time to prepare! Through interactive speaking games and guided challenges, students will practice organizing their thoughts quickly and responding with clarity and confidence! This workshop focuses on what to say and how to think on your feet. In this workshop, your child will: Learn how to respond quickly without freezing Practice organizing thoughts in seconds Build confidence in unexpected speaking situations Improve focus, creativity, and quick thinking This is a favorite format for students—it feels like fun, but builds powerful real-world communication skills! With two or more instructors to give plenty of individualized feedback and smaller group classes, students walk out much more confident speaking on the spot!

A. Course Overview: The Python Programming curriculum is a one-semester course covering topics typically found in introductory computer programming (coding) courses. Other introductory programming courses are not required; students merely need to have typical computer usage skills prior to starting this course. B. Teaching Strategies: The course material is designed to appeal to a variety of students, from traditional learners who thrive on written text to audio-visual students who enjoy a multi-media format. All content is delivered through an online system that allows students to work seamlessly both in the classroom and at home. The main chapters concentrate on Python programming and computer science topics. Certain states may require additional topics ranging from computing ethics and security to career exploration to the impact of computers on modern society. The course contains additional supplemental chapters at the end that can optionally be used to meet common state requirements. Teachers may choose to assign Supplemental Lessons as desired to meet state standards or student interest. The final “Creative Project” is optional and can be completed in small groups C. Course Planner: Some classes may move faster or slower than the suggested pace. The planner assumes students are working daily with approximately 45 to 60 minutes of class time. In most cases, the planner estimates one day per lesson (including the lesson quiz), one day per graded chapter activity (lab), and one day per chapter test. Some larger labs are assigned more time. D. Reading and Objectives: Chapter One: Fundamentals of Python • Introduction to Python • Running Python Programs • Writing Python Code Chapter Two: Working with Data • Data Types and Variables • Using Numeric Variables • Using String Variables Chapter Three: Input and Output • Printing with Parameters • Getting Input from a User • String Formatting Chapter Four: Making Decisions • Logical Expressions • The “if” Statement • Logical Operators • More Complex Expressions Chapter Five: Finding and Fixing Problems • Types of Errors • Troubleshooting Tools • Using the Python Debugger Chapter Six: Lists and Loops • Lists and Tuples • List Functions • “For” Loops • “While” Loops Chapter Seven: Numeric and Data • Dates and Times • Advanced Data and Time Management • Random Numbers • The Math Library Chapter Eight: Working with Strings • Character Data • String Functions • Input Validation with “try / except” Chapter Nine: Functions • Writing and Calling Functions • Function Inputs and Outputs • Local and Global Scope Chapter Ten: Python Classes • Thinking about Objects • Class Variables and Methods • Managing Class Files Chapter Eleven: Class Instances • Creating Objects with Instance Data • Instance Methods • Managing Objects Chapter Twelve: Food Fight Project • Introducing “Food Fight” Chapter Thirteen: Creative Project Requirements (Scale as desired to meet available time) Design • Project Life-cycles and teams Coding Testing • Supplemental Chapter One: Python on Your Computer • Installing Python • Managing Projects • Using the Python IDE • Supplemental Chapter Two: Computers and Individual exercises per lesson Modern Society • Global Computing Issues • Managing Your Digital Identity • Impact of Computing • Artificial Intelligence Classes will be taught on-site or on-line CANCELLATION POLICY: All sign-ups are final. No cancellations or refunds will be issued after registration. Note: Students will also receive access to NexClap.com for online course materials and NexGenKlick.ai to capture and showcase their learning journey.

One last sweet week before summer ends! Campers will revisit our Candyland theme with new sculptural projects and plenty of colorful fun. It’s a bright, happy finale to a summer full of creativity and imagination. Messy Art Lab Summer Camp Info 🌈 Art Show Each week ends with a special Art Show, where campers proudly share their amazing creations with family and friends! It’s a joyful celebration of their creativity and the wonderful work they’ve done all week. 🕘 Schedule Drop-off: begins at 9:00 AM Pick-up: 2:45–3:00 PM Aftercare: available 3:00–5:00 PM Aftercare Details: Aftercare can be purchased as a weekly package. We do not offer aftercare on Fridays. If you’d like to book individual aftercare days, please email Betty@messyartlab.com for availability. 🧺 What to Bring Please help your child come prepared for a fun (and messy!) creative day. 🚫 No nuts or nut products of any kind, please. -Two healthy snacks (morning & afternoon) -Lunch (no candy, gum, or sugary drinks) -A refillable water bottle -Comfortable, paint-friendly clothes -A jacket, sunhat, and layers for outdoor play -Sunscreen applied before camp -A full change of clothes (just in case!) 🧒 Camper Requirements To keep our camps safe, fun, and creative for everyone: -Campers must be 4 years and 6 months old by the first day of camp. (We’re not able to make exceptions to this policy.) -Campers should be able to follow safety instructions and engage in activities for about 30 minutes at a time. -Campers must be fully potty-trained and able to use the bathroom independently. -Please share any medical, behavioral, or developmental information (such as allergies, neurodiversity, or trauma) during registration. This helps us prepare thoughtfully and ensure a positive, supportive experience for every child. (All information is kept confidential.) 💰 Refunds & Cancellations We know plans can change! Please review our camp refund policy below: 100% refund for cancellations made within 24 hours of registration. All enrollments include a non-refundable 20% deposit. Cancellations made 30+ days before the camp start date: refund minus the 20% deposit. Cancellations made within 30 days of the camp start date: No refund unless we can fill your spot, in which case you’ll receive camp credit minus the 20% deposit. All cancellation requests must be sent in writing via email. Transfers to another camp week may be requested (based on availability). A 20% fee applies for transfers requested within 30 days of the original camp week.

Get ready to embark on exciting engineering adventures at our Epic Engineers STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) camp. This hands on camp is designed for young minds eager to discover the wonders of building and creating. Through fun and engaging activities, young explorers will learn about the founding principles of engineering while developing their creativity, problem solving skills, and a love of learning! All of the camps come together for lunch, recess breaks, and special events. There are free choice activities in the morning/afternoon including games and crafts. This camp is for incoming junior kindergarten, transitional kindergarten or kindergarten campers. We strive to provide a fun, nurturing and safe learning environment for our youngest campers. Our staff ratio is 8:1 with a maximum of 24 campers per week. ***REGISTER BY APRIL 24th to RECEIVE A FREE SUMMER AT SEA CREST T-SHIRT*** Please look out for an email (sent to the email you register with) a week or two prior to the start of camp with more details, including any special days happening that week. Our aftercare at camp runs from 3:00pm-4:00pm the charge is an additional $15 a day, if your child is not picked up by 3:05pm they will automatically be checked into aftercare and we will charge the card on file. Aftercare after a long camp day is definitely a time for decompression and may include board games and/or educational films. We also combine all campers at this time including our JK/TK and Kindergarten camp. All camps will run contingent upon a certain number of campers signing up. If your camp is cancelled, you will be notified at least 30 days prior. We may also combine the 1st and 2nd grade camps with the 3rd-6th grade camps if there is low enrollment. Cancellation Policy: Registrations canceled at least 30 days prior to the start of camp will receive a full refund. Registrations canceled 15-29 days prior to camp will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations within 14 days of the start of camp will not be refunded. Please wear sunscreen and bring a jacket daily because we never know what coastal weather will bring. Campers are required to bring a lunch, snack and water bottle daily.

Children and grown ups separate for 60 minutes gently easing them into the preschool experience in a familiar, safe environment. Purchase the corresponding membership, THEN reserve your child's spot in the desired class(es) to be attended. You will then be emailed additional information and waivers to sign before your child can attend class.

Play, Learn & Grow: Toddler STEAM Class! Build community and boost development in our engaging weekly class! Designed for learning through play, Toddler STEAM provides hands-on opportunities for your child to explore exciting concepts. They'll delight in messy experiments and projects, all while nurturing cognitive growth, enhancing fine motor skills, and practicing early problem-solving. Join the fun each week!

Encourage creativity and build self-confidence in your preschooler through art, science exploration, play and more. The class also reads children's books that explore and nurture key social and emotional skills. Children engage in activities that require cooperation, team work, or taking turns.

Get ready for an adventure into the intricate world of your brain, uncovering its hidden secrets and amazing capabilities. We'll embark on a journey through the different regions of the brain, discovering their unique roles in everything from your deepest sleep cycles to the formation of lasting memories and how you perceive the world around you. You'll learn that every brain is a masterpiece of individuality – including yours! Come discover what makes your mind truly one-of-a-kind.

We're going to unlock all the incredible, hidden secrets of botany. You'll transform into a buddy botanist, discovering exactly how plants grow, what they 'eat,' and how they stay super healthy. Our hands-on fun includes awesome seed extractions – carefully freeing tiny seeds from tasty fruits and veggies! Then, grab your imaginary lab coats as we become soil chemists, figuring out the perfect recipe for happy, healthy soil. But the best part? You'll plant your own seeds and witness the pure magic of life as they sprout and grow! This camp includes a trip to the Children's Garden in the Golden Gate Park on Friday. Students will take the Muni to the designation.

In the Applied Science Lab, students explore real-world science through fun, hands-on experiments. Each week, they build working projects like helicopters, flashlights, wind turbines, and more using everyday materials. The class encourages creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork while teaching core science and engineering concepts. No screens or kits—just engaging, interactive learning. It’s the perfect class for curious kids who love to build, explore, and discover how things work

Don't worry about a sitter! Give yourself a parents' night off and send your child to our Kids' Night Out! Pizza party dinner will be included, as well as multiple arts and crafts, and a big, instructor-led project! $40 for the first child and $35 for additional siblings. Each child will go home with a full bag of art that they create.

Farm Camp is run from our 1-acre school farm in the Mission Terrace neighborhood. We provide an opportunity for children to connect with nature while directly participating in the daily rhythms of farm life. Our day camp is designed to inspire a connection with and love of the natural world, and also a chance to get hands dirty in fun and educational ways. Activities include animal care for our chickens, weeding, watering, mulching, harvesting, compost care, crafts and free play. Children should bring snacks and lunch and come prepared to get dirty!

Encourage curiosity and build self-confidence in your preschooler through art, science exploration, play, and more. Teachers look to nurture key social and emotional skills, and engage in activities that require cooperation and social interaction.

We are excited to share the week being creative, building community and friendships. Drop off is from 9am-9:30 and pick up is anytime between 2:30-3:00pm. During our days at Hilltop Creative Camp we will start our mornings off with free play, morning greetings, snack and an indoor creative activity. Nature is a huge focus of Hilltop Creative. We will have outdoor time on a neighborhood hike up to the Hilltop and visit our local playgrounds Bernal Heights, Holly Park or St Mary's. Towards the end of the day we will be indoors and we will have an afternoon snack provided by Hilltop Creative for the campers.

We are offering 11 different art camps/ new curriculum for Art Camps this summer. Art Camp at All Things Art Studio is the best way to experience total immersion in a summer art program! It's fun & and students get a chance to delve into their creative selves without crazy time restraints. Students will also get to Tie Dye an All Things Art Studio Camp Shirt (or other item for repeat campers) on Day 1! (included in the fee of camp). In the mornings, they will be working on individual projects, and the afternoon art academy will give them a relaxed but focused exercise in fine arts. There will be landscape drawing and painting, and still life exploration. We explore drawing, clay, printmaking, textiles, weaving, watercolor, acrylics, tempera paint, glazing & more! We will work with canvas, clay, watercolor, tissue paper and many other types of medium as well. Every camp is a different curriculum, so please register for as many as you can :) It's an amazing week for students, they meet and make new art friends and enjoy the warm summer weather. Bring a sack lunch each day and a water bottle, We will have outdoor lunch & walk in the neighborhood- plus outdoor "en plain air" instruction in their daily journal/ sketchbook. Bring it on! Some of our Elementary, Middle School and High School groups will be offered at the same times & days (convenient for families with older & younger children). But the Camps will be separated by the groups and have different curriculum and locations within the studio. (MS/HS have a seperate registration with separate curriculum)