According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM occupations, which include life and physical sciences, are projected to grow 10.8% by 2032, more than four times faster than non-STEM occupations. Fortunately the San Diego Public Library has free STEM courses for Elementary and Middle School students. Kids can learn everything from Botany to Computer Technology. Check out a list of course offerings below:
Marine Biologist Bay
Thursday, March 20, 2025 | 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. | Register Here
Otay Mesa-Nestor Library | Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5) & Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)
Take on the role of marine biologists as you learn about plankton, neutral buoyancy, and the amazing adaptations that help creatures thrive in the oceanic environs. Through teamwork and creativity, students will design and build their own models, slimy creations, testing and refining their ideas just like real scientists. This is an in-person program.
Sun & Stars
Saturday, February 22, 2025 | 2:00 - 3:00 pm. | Register Here
Linda Vista Library | Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)
This stellar program is your ticket to the stars! Watch star dust burn, and journey through a soapy galaxy as you investigate the life cycle of stars! Use your Cosmic Disk to explore the constellations in this NASA approved program. This is an in-person program.
Beginning Vegetable Garden
Saturday, February 22, 2025 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Register Here
Mira Mesa Library | Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5) & Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)
Dive into the essentials of starting your very own vegetable garden! Perfect for beginners or as a quick refresher, this workshop covers everything from soil selection to harvesting. Prepare to plant, nurture, and enjoy the fruits of your labor with these vital gardening insights. This is an in-person workshop.
Automobile Design
Monday, February 24, 2025 | 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Register Here
Rancho Bernardo Library | Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5) & Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)
Explores what makes an automobile work! This course is designed to inform and empower aspiring engineers and designers to unleash their creativity while sharpening their technical skills. This is an in-person program.
Astronaut Landing
Thursday, February 27, 2025 | 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. | Register Here
Otay Mesa-Nestor Library | Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5) & Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)
During this out-of-this-world field trip, travel back to 1969 to join the Apollo 11 crew for their historic flight to the moon. After creating a moonscape filled with rocks, craters and other moondusted obstacles, students will be challenged to design a Lunar Lander that will keep the astronauts safe as they prepare to take one small step for man and one giant leap for mankind. This is an in-person program.
March
Scratch Programming Language
Saturdays, March 1, March 8 & March 29, 2025 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Register Here
North University Community Library | Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)
Dive into the world of computer programming with Scratch! This 3-day course will guide you through the essentials of moving objects, adding sounds, creating animations, and crafting simple games. Unleash your creativity with interactive projects and build a solid foundation in coding concepts while having fun! This is an in-person program.
Spin, Pop, Boom
Monday, March 3, 2025 | 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. | Register Here
San Ysidro Library | Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5) & Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)
Join us for this action-packed science show! Explore physical and chemical reactions using fire, foam, and music. Experience endothermic reactions that produce shivering results and exothermic reactions like elephant toothpaste. This is an in-person program.
Flower Dissection with Microscopes
Tuesday, March 11, 2025 | 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Register Here
North Park Library | Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5) & Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)
How do plants grow and thrive? Join us as we closely examine the different parts that make up flowers through microscopes and learn about their roles in helping the plant continue its growth for another generation. This is an in-person workshop.
Project In A Box: Virtual Wind Turbine
Saturday, March 15, 2025 | 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Register Here
SDPL Virtual Branch | Middle School (Grades 6 - 8) & High School (Grades 9 - 12)
Learn the fundamentals of renewable energy sources by making your own wind turbine! Using modules made of laser cut wood and electronic components, participants will learn different aspects of renewable energy and climate change while practicing circuitry basics. This is a virtual workshop.
Food Science
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 | 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Register Here
Valencia Park/Malcolm X Library | Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)
Discover the fascinating role of science in cooking! This course combines chemistry, physics, biology, and math through exciting food experiments. Explore the science that transforms simple ingredients into delicious meals. Get ready for hands-on fun and tasty outcomes! This is an in-person program.
Marine Biologist Bay
Thursday, March 20, 2025 | 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. | Register Here
Otay Mesa-Nestor Library | Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5) & Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)
Take on the role of marine biologists as you learn about plankton, neutral buoyancy, and the amazing adaptations that help creatures thrive in the oceanic environs. Through teamwork and creativity, students will design and build their own models, slimy creations, testing and refining their ideas just like real scientists. This is an in-person program.
Blow Cart Beach
Saturday, March 22, 2025 | 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. | Register Here
Linda Vista Library | Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)
Using engineering skills and creative thinking, you’ll craft a beach cart with sails to harness the ocean breeze. Then, compete to see how far your car can go with just puffs of wind! Grab your friends, bring your imagination, and get ready for a fun-filled challenge packed with teamwork, laughter, and adventure. This is an in-person program.
