STEAM Saturdays Classes

Want to know how rainbows are made? Or where shadows come from? If so, we welcome all curious artists and scientists to join us in Art in Motion! We’ll explore light, color, texture and motion through hands-on art projects that help us see science in action. Want to experiment with textures and viscosity to create your own museum-worthy art pieces? Or would you rather dive into the science behind how we see colors by creating your very own color-changing light? Be ready to learn and get a little messy in Art in Motion! 

Jump into an adventure where science comes alive! Fast-paced and hands-on, this experience is designed to spark curiosity and make biology exciting for students. Campers will show their nature-loving side through flower dissections and building their own mini ecosystems. Everyone gets a chance to explore, discover, and experiment. This camp is perfect for young scientists who love hands-on learning and springtime exploration!

Who knew delicious treats could unlock real chemistry? Campers will investigate how candies dissolve at different speeds, experiment with edible polymers by stretching homemade marshmallow slime, and use chromatography to reveal hidden dye colors in their favorite sweets. Along the way, they’ll explore acids vs bases, solubility, molecular structure, and how heat and mixing can transform ingredients, proving that learning can be both scientific and scrumptious!

What says “I love you” better than a handmade gift? In this camp, campers will do just that! They’ll explore tools like the laser cutter, decorate unique surfaces like rocks, and craft an array of festive Valentine’s treasures. Bring a smile to someone’s day with these one-of-a-kind creations!

Step into a world where dragons rule the skies! In the Dragon STEAM Academy, campers will explore the science and magic behind dragons through hands-on activities. Students will learn how dragons would fly and then engineer and create dragon kites and models based on their newfound knowledge. Campers will also decipher the science of dragon’s fire with safe, exciting experiments that show how real flames behave. It’s the perfect camp for young adventurers to take flight into a world of dragons.

Soar into the world of our flying friends: birds! Campers will investigate the way birds have adapted to fly and eat different foods through hands-on challenges. They will also explore the purpose of migrations and nests, and will even get to take home their own decorated bird feeder!

Holiday Maker Workshop is a festive Fab Lab class where kids get creative with hands-on projects. From designing snowglobes to building ornaments and crafting laser-cut decorations, campers will use real makerspace tools to bring their ideas to life. By the end, everyone will take home unique, DIY holiday keepsakes made with their own two hands! 

Using the LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Robotics kits, campers will develop basic robot design and coding skills as they design, build, and program a robot to complete unique challenges. Through the engineering design process, campers will build problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork skills all while gaining a new insight into the world of robotics.

Springtime is here! Celebrate the season with us by getting garden-ready. We’ll paint pots and distribute seeds so campers can truly begin their planting journey. Additionally, students will learn about the process of pollination and a plant’s life cycle. They’ll become equipped with all the knowledge needed for a green thumb! Join us for a day overflowering with fun.

In an age of dragons and warriors, wizards and warlocks, young campers will step into the role of magic apprentices in our Chemistry Quest! Apprentices will assist wizards and their fellow trainees in conducting magical chemical reactions while learning the science behind how they work. This class is perfect for curious young minds who love science, spells, and a touch of medieval adventure! 

Join us for a day of engineering and crafting, where we’ll put your building skills to the test with hands-on activities like creating your own puzzle, designing custom stamps, and making mini windmills. Campers will get to imagine, build, and explore as they bring their ideas to life in a fun and creative environment.

Step into a world where curiosity runs the show—building, tinkering, creating, and discovering with every turn. This day is packed with hands-on STEAM adventures: making colorful art, solving mini-mysteries with science, and bringing big ideas to life with tools that make you feel like real inventors.

Dive into an underwater world of discovery during this Under the Sea science class! Campers will explore ocean wonders through fun, splash-tastic experiments such as designing their own twilight-zone fish, cleaning up an ocean oil spill, and discovering the different layers of the ocean and the creatures that live there. It’s the perfect class for students ready to dive deep into creativity and uncover the science behind our planet’s amazing oceans!

Get ready to make some FAB-ulous jewelry in this creative class! With imagination and a little lab magic, campers will design and decorate their own clay pendants, laser-cut bracelets, and seashell pendants—plus other simple wearable wonders. Kids will head home with unique creations and lots of sparkle to show off!

Wrap up the year with fabulous science and holiday fun! This winter break, campers will dive into woodworking, design their own T-shirts, create sparklers, and explore a flurry of exciting STEAM projects. Join us for a mini camp that’s full of maximum creativity, discovery, and festive hands-on adventures! 

$150: Camp runs 9am-1pm on 12/29, 12/30 and 12/31. 

Welcome spring! Join us to make fun, spring-themed crafts that your little blooms will love. We will use STEAM techniques and machines for a unique way to celebrate the season. Expect colourful flowerpots and springtime flowers, papercraft flowers, and even special wooden decorations to spice up your home, and remind you of your child's amazing work!

Disease Detectives is an exciting biology & forensics themed class where students step into the role of junior investigators to solve fun, fictional “outbreak” mysteries! Explore how scientists track the spread of illness, identify clues in nature, study microbes safely through models, and use real investigative techniques—like analyzing symptoms, examining evidence, and tracing transmission paths while also getting the chance to learn and research the real science behind viruses and diseases. This hands-on, story-driven camp empowers students to think like scientists, ask great questions, and use teamwork and problem-solving skills to crack the case!

Jump on roller coasters, chase soaring projectiles, and unlock the mysteries behind the forces that make our world move in this action-packed STEAM Saturdays class! Campers will explore how energy constantly transforms, from potential to kinetic and everything in between, through hands-on activities and exciting demonstrations. We’ll dive into the physics behind motion, speed, and force, showing how energy shapes every twist and turn of a coaster, every arc of a launch, and all of the movement we see around us. Campers will not only learn the different forms of energy but also how these concepts connect to real-world physics.

In this class, campers will brainstorm, collaborate, and invent creations to benefit all areas of society. They’ll explore different branches of engineering through challenges involving medical technologies, spacecrafts, mini cars, and more. Using the Fab Lab’s unique resources, kids will create inventions to take home while diving into edible, interactive, and educational activities that make engineering exciting and fun! 

Blast off into an exciting universe of exploration in this Extraterrestrial Explorers class! Campers will investigate the mysteries of black holes, meteors, and more while exploring some of the most amazing science in our galaxy. They’ll take on engineering challenges inspired by NASA missions and think like true space explorers. It’s the perfect class for students ready to discover the science behind our incredible universe!

A mystery is afoot in the Fab Lab, and only our junior detectives can crack the case! Campers will step into the world of forensic science using real maker tools to uncover clues and analyze evidence in creative, hands-on ways. They will laser-cut custom fingerprint cards to learn ridge patterns, examine mysterious samples under digital microscopes to reveal hidden details, and decode secret messages using simple ciphers. Campers will compare and match “evidence” just like professional investigators from a curated crime scene, and even conduct Suspect Interviews to crack the case! Blending chemistry, engineering, and problem-solving, this class transforms forensic science into an exciting STEM adventure where teamwork and curiosity lead the way.

Ice Crystal Chemists dive into the chilling world of winter chemistry, exploring how temperature affects states of matter, crystal formation, and icy reactions. Campers will experiment, build, and discover the hidden science behind snow, ice, and all things frozen.

Using the LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Robotics kits, campers will develop advanced robotic and coding skills as they design, build, and program a robot to complete unique challenges. Through the engineering design process, campers will build problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork skills all while gaining a new insight into the world of robotics.

Put your math skills to the test! From cracking codes with equations to solving tricky riddles, this camp challenges your mind in a fun escape-room-style adventure. Along the way, you’ll craft your own cipher wheel to unlock hidden messages. By the end, you’ll walk away with new problem-solving skills that will boost your math confidence well into middle school and beyond.

Get ready to dive into the exciting world of sound! Campers will explore how music is created through the science of vibrations, pitch, and sound waves as they build and test their own instruments. Students will uncover the science behind the noises they hear every day by mixing creativity, music, and engineering into one unforgettable sonic experience!

Get ready to blast off into the universe! In this class, students will explore the mysteries of space and learn about the science behind stars, planets, and galaxies. We’ll explore how gravity holds the universe together, uncover the life cycles of stars, and even dive into the mysteries of black holes. Campers will get hands-on with fun activities like modeling gravity using everyday objects, building star life cycles, and crafting mini-constellations. Through experimentation, students will begin to see how astrophysics helps us understand the vast and exciting universe around us!

Get ready to uncover the science behind superpowers in this hands-on Superhero Science class! Campers will explore real scientific principles through exciting experiments like creating their own superhero gadgets and experimenting with well-known superpowers. It’s the perfect camp for students ready to power up their creativity and discover the science that makes heroes so super!

Step into a day where science may catch your feelings — potions, candy-inspired experiments, and reactions that fizz and blush. It’s hands-on and perfect for anyone who loves creating things that bubble, burst, or shine. You’ll walk out feeling that chemistry is actually… enchanting.

Step into a winter wonderland and get ready to craft, create, and celebrate the season! Campers will make magical snow globes, edible Christmas trees, and plenty of other festive creations. It’s the perfect way for kids to unleash their crafty side and bring home one-of-a-kind winter treasures!

Wrap up the year with fabulous science and holiday fun! This winter break, campers will dive into woodworking, design their own T-shirts, create sparklers, and explore a flurry of exciting STEAM projects. Join us for a mini camp that’s full of maximum creativity, discovery, and festive hands-on adventures! 

$150: Camp runs 9am-1pm on 12/29, 12/30 and 12/31.

Join us for an evening of stars, galaxies, and planets! In Astronomy, students will learn the science of stars, the structure of galaxies, and the foundations of our universe through activities like star boards, experiments to model the Big Bang Theory, and even get the chance to use a real telescope to see objects in the night sky! Campers will leave with a much broader knowledge of the universe and new insight into the cosmological process that shaped the very planet they live on.

Join us for a hands-on journey into Anatomy and Medical Science, where campers become junior doctors for the day! Students will explore the amazing systems of the human body through labs like modeling organs, simulating the spread of a virus, testing reflexes and reaction time, and discovering basic first-aid skills. With interactive demos and plenty of exploration, this camp is perfect for budding doctors, nurses, and researchers ready to dive into the world of medicine.

Step into the shoes of real civil engineers as you help build and connect a bustling metropolis! In this hands-on adventure, students will team up to take charge of a different district within a growing city. Throughout the day, teams will design and construct essential infrastructure using creativity, collaboration, and real engineering principles, while tackling surprise challenges and “disaster scenarios”. By the end of class, campers will connect their districts into one functioning, resilient city!

At the Clay Creations Studio, students explore the intersection of art, design, & engineering as they use modern maker tools to reinvent traditional pottery! Campers will experiment with air-dry clays to sculpt decorative pieces, then take their creations to the next level by incorporating Fab Lab technology such as laser cutters for custom texture stamps & vinyl cutters to design stencil patterns. Along the way, they’ll learn how engineers think about form, structure, strength, & materials while completing hands-on projects like textured bowls & mini sculptures. This camp blends creativity with real-world STEM skills, giving students the chance to prototype, test, & refine designs just like professional makers!

Step into the exciting world where creativity meets technology! In this camp, we’ll explore how digital art shapes the media all around us, from eye-catching ads and cinematic TV graphics to the designs we wear every day. Get ready to sharpen your photo-editing skills as you transform ordinary pictures into stunning works of art. You’ll launch your own mini-business and craft a unique logo to represent it. You’ll even step into the shoes of a journalist as you design your very own magazine. By the end of our adventure, you’ll discover that no matter where your future leads, digital media is the perfect foundation for bringing your ideas to life!

Imagine designing an evil lair perched atop a roaring volcano, constructing a daring rope bridge, or creating catapults ready to storm a mighty castle. In Fantasy Architecture, you’ll bring extraordinary ideas like these to life! This camp takes everyday engineering skills and powers them up, letting you build structures that could only exist in the wildest corners of your imagination. Step into Fantasy Architecture, where common sense takes a back seat, and anything you can dream up is possible.

Fish may not give lectures or wear lab coats, but they’re one of the best ways to learn about science. In this class, students will explore how the most diverse taxon of vertebrates can reveal principles of biology, physics, chemistry, and engineering. Campers will test osmotic regulation in different environments, experiment with mini “swim bladders” to control floating and sinking, and create diagrams linking traits to evolutionary relationships—and plenty of other hands-on activities. Through these challenges, campers will develop observation, analysis, and problem-solving skills while exploring the ways fish connect big ideas across biology, physics, and engineering.

Let’s get physical! In this class, students will experience the world of mechanical engineering, gaining hands-on experience in building and designing for the physical world. Through a series of engaging projects, they’ll develop the skills and intuition needed to tackle real design challenges. By the end, campers will have planned, designed, and built a solution to a given problem—applying the engineering design process every step of the way.

Step into the exciting world of physics, the science that explains how everything moves and works! In this class, students will explore Newton’s Laws of Motion, energy, and forces while connecting these concepts to the real world. Campers will create their own Newton’s cradles to see momentum in action, investigate the physics of roller coasters by constructing tracks, and test how energy transforms from one form to another. With a mix of fun challenges, problem-solving, and creative projects, students will discover how physics powers both everyday life and the most amazing feats of engineering.

Whether you like it or not, math exists everywhere! Join us for a day in rediscovering the fun in math by exploring how it can be used to solve crime and mystery. Learn about the wonders of mathematical modelling, probability, and the magical irrationality of Pi with us. The day will be packed with adventure and excitement as campers learn to apply the knowledge they’ve learned into real-life scenarios. It’s the perfect camp for everyone: no prior math knowledge needed!

Students explore Materials Engineering by constructing the same design with different materials and comparing performance. Through testing, measurement, and observation, they learn how properties like stiffness, density, and flexibility affect real-world engineering decisions.

Saddle up and journey back to the wild frontier! In Wild West Workshop, you’ll step into the boots of pioneers and frontierspeople! Learn hands-on skills from the Old West and modern Fab Lab tools. Craft a custom leather belt, build a miniature homestead with woodworking tools, and decorate your own cowboy hat and bandana. Adventure, creativity, and frontier fun await!

Check in will take place at 9:00am (or 2:00pm for afternoon sessions) inside the main entrance located near the rear of the building. A volunteer or staff member will help you check in your child. If someone other than you will be picking up your child, please notify lab staff at check in.

You are also required to sign your child out when picking them up at 1:00pm (or 6:00pm for afternoon sessions). Again, this will be done inside the building and a volunteer will retrieve your child from the lab or classroom.

The lab and its machines and equipment are regularly professionally cleaned and sanitized with EPA-approved products.

Antibacterial hand soap is available in restrooms and antibacterial hand sanitizer is available throughout the lab for easy access and use.

Students should wear comfortable, fitted, casual clothing and CLOSED TOE and CLOSED HEEL shoes. Gym or tennis shoes – NO SANDALS, CROCS or FLIP FLOPS permitted. Loose clothing and jewelry are not permitted for safety purposes and long hair must be secured.

Please pack a snack for your child to enjoy during the daily designated snack time. Snacks WILL NOT be provided. Please make sure your child brings a water bottle that can be refilled at the lab.

Programs that qualify for direct pay include Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) or Personalized Education Program (PEP) scholarships. Families who intend to pay for STEAM Saturdays class(es) through their Education Market Assistant (EMA) account/Step Up For Students scholarship must enter the coupon code STEPUP when registering in the Fab Lab portal. They must then reserve the funds in EMA within 24 hours of registering. If the funds are not reserved within 24 hours of registration, the student will be moved to the program's waitlist. After the program is complete, the reserved funds will be pulled from EMA. If the student has insufficient funds in their EMA account at that time, then the family will be required to pay out-of-pocket upon receipt of invoice.

The registration portal has the most current information regarding open spots and waitlists. You will NOT be charged when adding yourself to a class waitlist. Students on the waitlist will be notified in the order they were added to the waitlist if a spot becomes available. We will notify you as early as possible by phone or email if there is an opportunity to move off the waitlist and include instructions on how to make payment.

Cancellations must be made at least 10 days in advance of your enrolled class session to qualify for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 10 days from class will qualify for a 50% refund. Cancellations made the same day of class do NOT qualify for a refund. All refunds are subject to a 5% processing fee beginning 1/1/2026. Cancellations must be made in writing to info@suncoastscience.org or by calling 941-840-4394. Cancellations by voicemail will not be accepted. No-shows do not qualify for a refund. If your child has to be picked up early, there is no refund for class time missed.

We reserve the right to cancel a class if 8 or fewer students are enrolled. In the case of a cancellation due to low enrollment, a full refund will be provided.

For each student to have a positive, safe experience in STEAM Saturdays classes, we have established the following expectations.

1. Walking is our preferred mode of transportation while working in the lab! Please refrain from running.
2. No food or drink (including candy and gum) is allowed in classroom or machine areas unless agreed upon with staff or volunteers. Snacks you bring will be set aside for snack time.
3. The Golden Rule… Treat others as you would like to be treated! This means raising your hand to speak, respecting others’ personal space and keeping your hands to yourself, being considerate and helpful, using appropriate language, etc.
4. Treat our machines and tools respectfully... like they are your own!
5. There may be other programs running concurrently with STEAM Saturdays. Please be sure to stay with your group at all times.

To reinforce these rules and encourage an appropriate and safe learning environment, we employ the “Three Strikes and You’re Out” policy in relation to the above expectations.

• Strike 1 (Reminder): A reminder of our expectations will be given to the student.
• Strike 2 (Warning): The student will be removed from class activities for a short period of time.
• Strike 3 (Action): We will contact you to immediately pick up your child from the lab. Depending on the severity of the behavior, future participation in lab activities may be impacted.