(Adults) In this workshop students design and 3D-print an embossing tool for making leather patches and key fobs. This class is for those that have taken 3D printing basics or have a working knowledge of TinkerCAD. This course covers the steps needed to create designs. There will be two sessions of two hours on consecutive weekends. We will print one design per person which be available for pick up at the rec center one week after the second class. Bring a laptop and a mouse. $15 materials fee.

(8-14 yrs.) Experience the wonders and excitement of computer aided design, 2D and 3D modeling processes, design thinking and 3D printing to produce a digital object. This class is perfect for students with limited or no 3D design and printing experience. All materials and equipment provided.

(13-Adults) Whether you're a curious beginner or an enthusiast eager to explore the latest technology, this hands-on course will take you on a captivating journey. Expert instructors will guide you through understanding the basics of 3D printing to creating and printing your own designs. Unleash your creativity and be amazed at the endless possibilities of this innovative and transformative technology. No prior experience required. A laptop or tablet with mouse and an email address are required. A Fairfax County library card number is recommended. There will be a $15 materials fee.

(6-12 yrs.) Designed especially for young curious minds, this course introduces children and their parent to 3D printing. Through fun and age-appropriate activities, students the basics of 3D design and witness their creations come to life as tangible objects. From custom toys to personalized backpack tags, this class is an exciting adventure of creativity and technology. No prior experience needed. A laptop or tablet, Fairfax County library card and an email address are required. There will be a $15 materials fee.

(7-12 yrs.) Learn engineering strategies for building sturdy structures using unique RoboThink bricks, and then apply that knowledge to build multiple robots for a variety of friendly competitions. You'll have a blast as you play robot soccer, compete in robot relay races, and complete dozens of other fun challenges in this RoboThink program.

(8-Adult) Join park naturalists as they take you on a tour of constellations, comets and other current events happening in the skies above. Children must be accompanied by adult also registered.

(6-12 yrs.) Enter the world of espionage where students become code-breaking detectives, using critical thinking, pattern recognition and basic programming to crack secret messages. Through hands-on exploration of classic ciphers like substitution and transposition, they'll learn encryption and decryption, uncover spy secrets, and even create their own codes. This engaging, spy-themed program offered by Athena Coding builds analytical skills, curiosity, and teamwork through a thrilling journey into the science of secrecy.

(6-12 yrs) In this class offered by STEM exCEL, students explore electronics in a virtual world with essentially infinite resources. Using Minecraft's wire system called Redstone, students can build constructs representing real-world electrical circuits and simple computer projects. Students gain an initial understanding of circuitry, electronics and electrical theory to understand virtually how real circuits, switches, bread boards, etc. are used. Any supply fee payable to instructor at first class.

(11-17 yrs.) In this interactive gaming class gamers are in a classroom setting where they can learn and gain tips from others plus receive coaching on strategic game play. Participants will make new friends, have fun playing games and feel safe in an inclusive environment. This session features the Nintendo Switch platform with various games.

(6-11 yrs.) Use your critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities to engineer a solution for our secret seasonal challenge. Attack the design problem and work within the criteria and constraints to see if you can come up with the best solution.

(5-8 yrs.) In this class offered by Athletes Global, students will explore chemistry, astronomy, earth science and health through fun, interactive hands-on science experiments while improving their critical, creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

(9-12 yrs.) In this class offered by Athletes Global, students will explore chemistry, astronomy, earth science and health through fun, interactive hands-on science experiments while improving their critical, creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

(9-12 yrs.) In this iCode program students learn foundational concepts in computer skills, programming, game development and robotics with extra exposure to patterns, sequencing and logical thinking that results in an improved ability to solve problems. Students work through coding basics, basic digital design using Roblox Studio, program design, game theory and design, electronics programming and drone operations and handling.

(6-12 yrs.) Explore how bird adaptations allow birds to live in their chosen ecosystem. Study the parks collection of preserved specimens. Afterwards, make observations and explorations using field tools to learn identification and classification.

(6-12 yrs.) Learn the how mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and fish are classified. We use outdoor exploration, observation and lab skills to explore this topic.

(8-14 yrs.) Discover how to build and operate a small drone. Explore aerospace sciences and develop motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Learn recreational and professional uses for drones and how to operate them safely and responsibly. This activity is best for participants having limited to no drone experience. All materials and equipment provided.

(6-12 yrs) In this STEM exCEL class, students learn the fundamentals and concepts of game design with a real game engine. Students will design and build their game from the ground up while learning 2D game art and programming logic.

(6-12 yrs.) In this Athena Coding class students engage in hands-on activities such as creating a lava lamp, engineering a fully functional race car and Ferris Wheel, levitating a ping pong ball, and constructing a Newton’s Cradle. Activities introduce students to a deeper understanding of the world around them as well as scientific concepts like physical and chemical reactions, potential and kinetic energy, as well as acids and bases. Students have a blast and take home their experiments after each class.

(5-8 yrs.) This Sci Genie class combines the exciting world of LEGO with programming. Students work in teams through a series of challenges to program and manipulate their own robots. Skills are enhanced across science, engineering, technology and coding through project-based activities. The unique combination of the LEGO brick, classroom-friendly software and inspiring, standards-based science projects results in a resource that builds students’ confidence.

(6-12 yrs.) Get ready for a thrilling ride with Lego SPIKE Robotics: Amazing Amusement Park! In this Baroody Camps course students explore the exciting world of amusement parks as they build and code their own attractions. From Ferris wheels to spinning teacups, wild ideas come to life through hands-on projects using everyday themes. As they work on their projects, students develop computational thinking skills, including the ability to create and follow sequences, identify cause and effect, and understand simple loops, followed by testing and debugging programs to ensure that their creations are ready for the amusement park.

(8-12 yrs.) This Sci Genie class combines the exciting world of LEGO with programming. Students work in teams through a series of challenges to program and manipulate their own robots. Skills are enhanced across science, engineering, technology and coding through project-based activities. The unique combination of the LEGO brick, classroom-friendly software and inspiring, standards-based science projects results in a resource that builds students’ confidence.

(5-8 yrs.) In this Baroody Camps class students bring their favorite zoo animals to life. Each week, students build and code a different animal robot using axles, timing belts, gears, laptops and coding blocks while learning fun facts about these animals. The creations will be animated using special programming software. This program provides fun learning experiences while helping to develop skills such as confidence, creativity and collaboration.

(8-13 yrs.) Take your child’s love of Lego® to new heights in this Athena Coding program that blends architectural design, science, and engineering. Students build moving models that demonstrate key STEM concepts, while integrated storytelling boosts creativity, problem-solving, and literacy. Whether beginner or advanced, every builder will be challenged and inspired.