2026 fall steam saturdays Registration NOW OPEN
Join us every Saturday for a FUN, hands-on exploration into different areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM)! Students will take part in unique activities, collaborative challenges, or create take-home projects using high-tech Fab Lab equipment like the vinyl cutter, laser cutter, 3D printers, and more.
STEAM Saturdays classes are developed for students, by our talented high school student instructors.
All classes are 8:30am-12:30pm unless afternoon is indicated. Afternoon session is 1:30-5:30pm.
$50 per class, includes all supplies
Please pay close attention to the grade range for each class. Do not enroll in a class if your child does not meet the specified grade. The registration portal has the most up-to-date information regarding waitlists.
Fall 2026 Class Schedule
Scroll down for class descriptions
October 2026
10/3: The Woodshop (6-8th grade)
10/10: Mini Makers (2-3rd grade)
10/10: Video Game Design (4-5th grade)
10/17: Bites & Frights (4-5th grade)
10/17: Halloween FX (6-8th grade)
10/24: Spooky Sprouts (2-3rd grade)
10/24: Dr. Frankenstein's Lab (4-5th grade)
10/24: Haunted Alchemy (6-8th grade)
10/31: Creepy Crafts (2-3rd grade)
10/31: CADaver Lab: 3D Design & Printing (6-8th grade)
November 2026
11/7: Harvest Makers (2-3rd grade)
11/7: Autumn Adventure: Escape Room (4-5th grade)
11/14: Murder Mystery (4-5th grade)
11/14: Flying Pickle (6-8th grade)
11/21: Machine Madness (4-5th grade)
11/21: Under the STEAM (4-5th grade)
11/21: Automotive Engineering (6-8th grade)
11/28: Astronaut Adventures (2-3rd grade)
11/28: Physics: Chain Reactions (6-8th grade) AFTERNOON CLASS
December 2026
12/5: Critter Quest (2-3rd grade)
12/5: STEAM Machine (4-5th grade)
12/5: Fireball Chemistry (4-5th grade)
12/12: Santa's Workshop (2-3rd grade)
12/12: Science of Sound (4-5th grade)
12/12: Aerospace Engineering (4-5th grade)
12/19: Robotics (6-8th grade)
12/19: Bust it or Trust it?! (4-5th grade)
winter break camp - $150
12/28-12/30: Winter Wonderland Camp (2nd-5th grade) 8:30am-12:30pm daily
New to the Fab Lab? Click the yellow button above, then Create Account. Follow the instructions in the email to verify your account. Once logged in, click Get Started to add your child(ren) as Members. Select Enroll in a Program from Youth Memberships, choose STEAM Saturdays, pick your class(es) and check out. For waitlists, follow the same steps—you will not be charged for joining the waitlist.
Want to pay for STEAM Saturdays using your Education Market Assistant (EMA) account/Step Up For Students scholarship?
Enter coupon code STEPUP when registering. You 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. Scroll down to STEAM Saturdays Policies & Expectations for more information.
STEAM Saturdays Class Descriptions
Click the class name to expand the full class description
2-3rd grade classes
Do you like big cats, little bats and everything in between? Then Critter Quest is the place for you! Join us in exploring the wonderful world of zoology! We’ll step into the shoes of scientists and zookeepers to explore how to care for the amazing animals all around us! We’ll learn how scientists tag and release animals like birds and sharks, practice our skills at designing and building toys and challenges for animals in zoos, and compete in critter identification challenges. So put on your field boots, grab your binoculars, and experience life on the wild side! Led by Liliana & Lee
Celebrate the colors and fun of Fall at Harvest Makers! Campers will use their imagination and creativity to make seasonal projects. From autumn-inspired designs to FABulously festive builds, students will have plenty of opportunities to experiment with different materials, learn new making skills, and become turkey tinkerers! Led by Lee & Zoe
4-5th grade classes
Ready for takeoff? Students will team up with members of the Fab Lab’s Aerospace Club to explore what really makes an aircraft fly. They’ll see a student-built plane in action, witness a colorful propulsion demonstration, and take on their own flight challenge using laser-cut foam aircraft. Through testing, tweaking, bending, and rebuilding, they’ll discover how small design changes can make a big difference in lift, stability, and performance. Expect plenty of launches, engineering, and high-flying experimentation! Led by Aerospace Club
Get ready to design, create, and bring your ideas to life at Machine Madness! Students will get hands-on experience using a metal laser cutter and other Fab Lab tools to build their own unique creations. Campers will make projects such as a custom metal sign and a laser-cut fidget spinner. Along the way, they’ll build confidence with digital fabrication tools and discover just how much they can create with the right machines and a little imagination! Led by Riya & Zoe
Get ready to dive into the exciting world of sound! We’ll explore how music is created through the science of vibrations, pitch, and sound waves as we build and test our own instruments. Let’s uncover the science behind the noises we hear every day by mixing creativity, music, and engineering into one unforgettable sonic experience! Led by Jake
6-8th grade classes
Level up your robotics skills! Campers will design, build, and program robots using LEGO® Education SPIKE™, VEX, or other tools as they take on fast-paced engineering challenges. They’ll experiment with advanced coding, sensors, mechanisms, and strategy while building problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork skills. Plus, award-winning FIRST® Tech Challenge Robotics team Ultronic will make a special visit to show off their competition robot and give campers a behind-the-scenes look at real-world robotics! Led by Ariana & Elyse
Get ready to make some tree-mendous creations! At The Woodshop, campers will explore the essentials of woodworking, from hand tools like saws and chisels to digital fabrication tools like laser cutters. Using their new knowledge, they’ll create unique projects, such as custom trinket boxes. You woodn’t want to miss it! Led by Nidhi & Liliana
STEAM Saturdays Policies & Expectations
Drop-Off and Pick-Up
Check in will take place at 8:30am (or 1:30pm 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 12:30pm (or 5:30pm for afternoon sessions). Again, this will be done inside the building and a volunteer will retrieve your child from the lab or classroom.
General Health and Safety
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.
Dress Code
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.
Snacks
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.
Release Forms
FES Step Up For Students Scholarships
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.
Waitlists
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 & Refund Policy
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.
Student Expectations
For each student to have a positive, safe experience in STEAM Saturdays classes, we have established the following expectations.
- Walking is our preferred mode of transportation while working in the lab! Please refrain from running.
- 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.
- 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.
- Treat our machines and tools respectfully... like they are your own!
- There may be other programs running concurrently with STEAM Saturdays. Please be sure to stay with your group at all times.
Three Strikes Policy
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.
Meet your FABulous instructors
STEAM Saturdays classes are developed for students, by talented student instructors that are part of our Student Planning & Education Committee (SPEC). Click here to learn more about the program and instructors!
