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Public Library

STEAM Workshops

DiscoverU’s science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) programs get students in grades 3–12 excited to learn and explore new subjects.

These hands-on workshops include computer programming, engineering, geology, and more. Past events have included pop-up planetariums, team design challenges, assembling mini-robots, and coding camps. Events update quarterly.

 

An over-the-shoulder angle of a youth with short black hair and black glasses, wearing a dark gray t-shirt and working on a wood-cut robotics project. He holds assembled pieces of the project in his left hand and is reaching for more parts in a white box with his right hand. There are more pieces and clear plastic bags of smaller components on the table around the box. Another person watches just out of frame.
 

Program Schedule:

 

October

Seed Starting
Thursday, October 3, 2024 | 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Register Here 
Clairemont Library | Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)

Discover the fascinating world of plant lifespans and how to kickstart your very own plant-raising journey! We'll dive into the life cycles of various plants, from sprouting seeds to blooming beauties, and discuss what makes each one unique. Bring your curiosity and let’s grow together! This is an in-person workshop.

Intro to Python Programming Language
Monday, October 7 & Tuesday, October 8, 2024 | 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Register Here
Skyline Hills Library | Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)

Take your first step in learning one of the most popular and widely used computer programming languages in the world! In this 2-day workshop, participants will gain an understanding of computer programming fundamentals and practice what they have learned using the Python programming language. No prior experience required. All software and equipment will be provided. This is a two-day workshop series. This is an in-person workshop.

Microscopes with Garden Bugs
Wednesday, October 9, 2024 |4:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Register Here
San Ysidro Library | Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)

Meet and learn about the fascinating insects commonly found in gardens! From the squirmy worms that help our soil to the quirky potato bugs that can be both a gardener's friend and foe, we’ll dive into the world of garden critters. Come ready to explore, ask questions, and maybe even discover a new appreciation for the little guys that play such a big role in our gardens. It's going to be a bug-tastic time! This is an in-person workshop.

Intro to Python Programming Language
Tuesday, October 15 & Tuesday, October 22, 2024 | 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Register Here
City Heights/Weingart Library | High School (Grades 9 - 12)

Take your first step in learning one of the most popular and widely used computer programming languages in the world! In this 2-day workshop, participants will gain an understanding of computer programming fundamentals and practice what they have learned using the Python programming language. No prior experience required. All software and equipment will be provided. This is a two-day workshop series. This is an in-person workshop.

Microscopes with Garden Bugs
Friday, October 18, 2024 | 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Register Here
City Heights/Weingart Library | Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)

Meet and learn about the fascinating insects commonly found in gardens! From the squirmy worms that help our soil to the quirky potato bugs that can be both a gardener's friend and foe, we’ll dive into the world of garden critters. Come ready to explore, ask questions, and maybe even discover a new appreciation for the little guys that play such a big role in our gardens. It's going to be a bug-tastic time! This is an in-person workshop.

Intro to Java Programming Language
Friday, October 18 & Friday, October 25, 2024 | 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Register Here
North University Community Library | Elementary School (Grades 3-5)

Join us for our exciting Tutor Style Program, where you’ll dive into the world of Java programming! Whether you’re a complete beginner or just looking to brush up on your skills. Our experienced tutors are here to guide you through hands-on exercises and real-world projects, making learning both fun and practical. Come ready to code, ask questions, and collaborate with fellow learners. Let’s code together! No prior experience is required. All software and equipment will be provided. Participants will need a free GitHub account. This is a two-day workshop series. This is an in-person workshop.

Project In A Box: Coin Flip Circuit
Saturday, October 19, 2024 | 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Register Here 
Clairemont Library | Middle School (Grades 6 - 8) & High School (Grades 9 - 12)

Ever wanted to flip a coin, but all you had were electronic parts? With PiB's Coin Flip Circuit kit, you can simulate the action of flipping a coin with just an electronic circuit! With the press of a button, the coin will "flip" as the flashing of LEDs alternates, settling on either "heads" or "tails". Creating a variation of a multivibrator circuit, participants will gain practical knowledge of components such as resistors, capacitors, and transistors. Participants are then taught to utilize this knowledge in changing the speed and duration of the LED flashes. This is an in-person workshop.

Seed Starting 
Wednesday, October 23, 2024 | 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Register Here
San Ysidro Library | Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)

Discover the fascinating world of plant lifespans and how to kickstart your very own plant-raising journey! We'll dive into the life cycles of various plants, from sprouting seeds to blooming beauties, and discuss what makes each one unique. Bring your curiosity and let’s grow together! This is an in-person workshop.

Seed Starting
Tuesday, October 29, 2024 | 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Register Here
Carmel Mountain Ranch Library| Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)

Discover the fascinating world of plant lifespans and how to kickstart your very own plant-raising journey! We'll dive into the life cycles of various plants, from sprouting seeds to blooming beauties, and discuss what makes each one unique. Bring your curiosity and let’s grow together! This is an in-person workshop.

 

November

Seed Starting
Saturday, November 2, 2024 | 2:00—3:00 pm. | Register Here
Linda Vista Library | Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)

Discover the fascinating world of plant lifespans and how to kickstart your very own plant-raising journey! We'll dive into the life cycles of various plants, from sprouting seeds to blooming beauties, and discuss what makes each one unique. Bring your curiosity and let’s grow together! This is an in-person workshop.

Project In A Box: Operation Game
Saturday, November 2, 2024 | 2:00 - 5:00 pm. | Register Here
North University Community Library | Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)

Hello doctors! It is an important part of your medical training to properly perform an operation. So, we will be teaching you how to build your own operation game, where you'll learn basic circuitry and programming with Arduino while also learning about the digestive anatomy and practicing your surgical skills. Hope to see you in the Operation Room! This is an in-person workshop.

Intro to Python Programming Language
Tuesday, November 5 & Tuesday, November 26, 2024 | 4:00 - 5:00 pm. | Register Here
Mountain View/Beckwourth Library | Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)

Take your first step in learning one of the most popular and widely used computer programming languages in the world! In this 2-day workshop, participants will gain an understanding of computer programming fundamentals and practice what they have learned using the Python programming language. No prior experience required. All software and equipment will be provided. This is a two-day workshop series. This is an in-person workshop.

Intro to Java Programming Language
Tuesday, November 12 & Tuesday, November 19, 2024 | 4:00 - 5:00 pm. | Register Here
City Heights/Weingart Library | High School (Grades 9 - 12)

Join us for our exciting Tutor Style Program, where you’ll dive into the world of Java programming! Whether you’re a complete beginner or just looking to brush up on your skills. Our experienced tutors are here to guide you through hands-on exercises and real-world projects, making learning both fun and practical. Come ready to code, ask questions, and collaborate with fellow learners. Let’s code together! No prior experience is required. All software and equipment will be provided. Participants will need a free GitHub account. This is a two-day workshop series. This is an in-person workshop.

Watercolor Painting with Spices
Saturday, November 16, 2024 |1:00 - 2:00 pm. | Register Here
Oak Park Library | Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5) & Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)

Join us for a fun and creative workshop where you'll discover the art of painting with spices right from your pantry! We'll explore how to use everyday spices to create vibrant colors. This is a great way to unleash your creativity while having a blast with friends or making new ones! Bring your curiosity and willingness to experiment and let’s spice up our art together! This is an in-person workshop.

Flower Dissection with Microscopes
Tuesday, November 19, 2024 | 3:00 - 4:00 pm. | Register Here
University Heights Library | All Ages

How do plants grow and thrive? Through a close examination of the different parts that make up flowers through microscopes, learn how plants are able to continue their growth for another generation. This is an in-person workshop.

Watercolor Painting with Spices
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 | 4:00 - 5:00 pm. | Register Here
San Ysidro Library | Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)

Join us for a fun and creative workshop where you'll discover the art of painting with spices right from your pantry! We'll explore how to use everyday spices to create vibrant colors. This is a great way to unleash your creativity while having a blast with friends or making new ones! Bring your curiosity and willingness to experiment and let’s spice up our art together! This is an in-person workshop.

Seed Starting
Friday, November 22, 2024 | 4:00 - 5:00 pm. | Register Here
North University Community Library | Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)

Discover the fascinating world of plant lifespans and how to kickstart your very own plant-raising journey! We'll dive into the life cycles of various plants, from sprouting seeds to blooming beauties, and discuss what makes each one unique. Bring your curiosity and let’s grow together! This is an in-person workshop.

 

December

Flower Dissection with Microscopes
Friday, December 6, 2024 | 4:00 - 5:00 pm. | Register Here
City Heights/Weingart Library | Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)

How do plants grow and thrive? Through a close examination of the different parts that make up flowers through microscopes, learn how plants are able to continue their growth for another generation. This is an in-person workshop.

Project In A Box: Solar Panel (Virtual)
Saturday, December 7, 2024 | 2:00 - 5:00 pm. | Register Here
SDPL Virtual Branch | Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)

Learn how to control the power of the sun! Create a solar panel circuit to power your own mini-home while exploring how solar panels work and how we can use them with other parts to create electricity. Hopefully you’ll do what’s RIGHT and join us to make something BRIGHT! This is a virtual workshop.

Microscopes with Garden Bugs
Wednesday, December 11, 2024 | 3:00 - 4:00 pm. | Register Here
University Heights Library | All Ages

Meet and learn about the fascinating insects commonly found in gardens! From the squirmy worms that help our soil to the quirky potato bugs that can be both a gardener's friend and foe, we’ll dive into the world of garden critters. Come ready to explore, ask questions, and maybe even discover a new appreciation for the little guys that play such a big role in our gardens. It's going to be a bug-tastic time! This is an in-person workshop.

Microscopes with Garden Bugs
Saturday, December 14, 2024 | 2:00 - 3:00 pm. | Register Here
Oak Park Library | Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5) & Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)

Meet and learn about the fascinating insects commonly found in gardens! From the squirmy worms that help our soil to the quirky potato bugs that can be both a gardener's friend and foe, we’ll dive into the world of garden critters. Come ready to explore, ask questions, and maybe even discover a new appreciation for the little guys that play such a big role in our gardens. It's going to be a bug-tastic time! This is an in-person workshop.