STEM Programs Near Me

A. Course Overview: The Python Programming curriculum is a one-semester course covering topics typically found in introductory computer programming (coding) courses. Other introductory programming courses are not required; students merely need to have typical computer usage skills prior to starting this course. B. Teaching Strategies: The course material is designed to appeal to a variety of students, from traditional learners who thrive on written text to audio-visual students who enjoy a multi-media format. All content is delivered through an online system that allows students to work seamlessly both in the classroom and at home. The main chapters concentrate on Python programming and computer science topics. Certain states may require additional topics ranging from computing ethics and security to career exploration to the impact of computers on modern society. The course contains additional supplemental chapters at the end that can optionally be used to meet common state requirements. Teachers may choose to assign Supplemental Lessons as desired to meet state standards or student interest. The final “Creative Project” is optional and can be completed in small groups C. Course Planner: Some classes may move faster or slower than the suggested pace. The planner assumes students are working daily with approximately 45 to 60 minutes of class time. In most cases, the planner estimates one day per lesson (including the lesson quiz), one day per graded chapter activity (lab), and one day per chapter test. Some larger labs are assigned more time. D. Reading and Objectives: Chapter One: Fundamentals of Python • Introduction to Python • Running Python Programs • Writing Python Code Chapter Two: Working with Data • Data Types and Variables • Using Numeric Variables • Using String Variables Chapter Three: Input and Output • Printing with Parameters • Getting Input from a User • String Formatting Chapter Four: Making Decisions • Logical Expressions • The “if” Statement • Logical Operators • More Complex Expressions Chapter Five: Finding and Fixing Problems • Types of Errors • Troubleshooting Tools • Using the Python Debugger Chapter Six: Lists and Loops • Lists and Tuples • List Functions • “For” Loops • “While” Loops Chapter Seven: Numeric and Data • Dates and Times • Advanced Data and Time Management • Random Numbers • The Math Library Chapter Eight: Working with Strings • Character Data • String Functions • Input Validation with “try / except” Chapter Nine: Functions • Writing and Calling Functions • Function Inputs and Outputs • Local and Global Scope Chapter Ten: Python Classes • Thinking about Objects • Class Variables and Methods • Managing Class Files Chapter Eleven: Class Instances • Creating Objects with Instance Data • Instance Methods • Managing Objects Chapter Twelve: Food Fight Project • Introducing “Food Fight” Chapter Thirteen: Creative Project Requirements (Scale as desired to meet available time) Design • Project Life-cycles and teams Coding Testing • Supplemental Chapter One: Python on Your Computer • Installing Python • Managing Projects • Using the Python IDE • Supplemental Chapter Two: Computers and Individual exercises per lesson Modern Society • Global Computing Issues • Managing Your Digital Identity • Impact of Computing • Artificial Intelligence Classes will be taught on-site or on-line CANCELLATION POLICY: All sign-ups are final. No cancellations or refunds will be issued after registration. Note: Students will also receive access to NexClap.com for online course materials and NexGenKlick.ai to capture and showcase their learning journey.

Camp Footsteps Explorers 2026 A Summer of Discovery, Creativity, and Fun! At Camp Footsteps Explorers 2026, children entering TK through third grade will embark on a summer filled with imagination, friendship, and adventure. Each themed week is thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and encourage creativity through hands-on learning and play. From inventing and building during Maker’s Week to celebrating freedom and culture during Juneteenth: Freedom to Dream Week, every day brings new opportunities to explore, create, and grow. Campers will enjoy a wide variety of engaging activities, including art projects, outdoor games, field trips, science explorations, cooking projects, and meaningful community experiences that connect learning with fun. Our experienced and caring staff create a safe, nurturing environment where children are encouraged to try new things, develop friendships, and discover their unique strengths. Whether your child is a budding artist, an enthusiastic explorer, or a hands-on maker, Camp Footsteps Junior Explorers 2026 offers an unforgettable summer filled with laughter, learning, and lasting memories. Week 5 – Down at the Farm Field Trip: Ardenwood Historic Farm, Fremont Come on down to the farm for a week of country fun! Campers will explore what life is like on the farm through hands-on activities, crafts, games, and stories. From learning about animals and crops to making farm-inspired art and snacks, each day will bring new discoveries about where our food comes from and how farms work. Children will enjoy outdoor play, teamwork, and plenty of imaginative adventures—maybe even a “barnyard carnival” at the end of the week! Special Event : Barnyard Fun Day A petting zoo visit or mobile farm animal experience will bring the farm to Footsteps!

Give your child the gift of confidence and the joy of cooking! Our culinary program offers hands-on cooking lessons for budding young chefs. We learn more than how to follow a recipe at Lil’ Chef School. We utilize math, science, teamwork, creativity, and more. Children learn the world's cuisines and enhance their experience with fruits, vegetables, herbs & spices while gaining confidence and experience in the kitchen that will last them a lifetime. Children will make 2 recipes each week and will get a tasting of the food they made at the end of class. Recipes are provided online.

Encourage curiosity and build self-confidence in your preschooler through art, science exploration, play, and more. Teachers look to nurture key social and emotional skills, and engage in activities that require cooperation and social interaction.

Explore, Investigate & Discover the Inner Workings of Life Dive into the fascinating world of living organisms! This camp lets young scientists explore human and animal biology through hands-on observation, guided dissections, and comparative anatomy. Campers investigate how different species function and uncover the surprising connections between human organ systems and those of animals like frogs, fish, sharks, and fetal pigs. Whether they’re curious about biology, interested in animals, or excited to explore real scientific specimens, campers will build confidence as they investigate the incredible structures and systems that make life possible. All Summer Campers receive a free TCSL t-shirt!

Don’t miss this Free Family Fun Day at The Citizen Science Lab! Explore the wonders of biology, engineering, and chemistry at your own pace, while you engineer a lunar lander and extract DNA from real fruit. Then, enjoy guided experiments as you come face-to-face with microscopic monsters and uncover the surprising science behind fireworks. Whether your little one is a budding biologist or a future engineer, there's something here to spark every imagination. Come explore, experiment, and discover — no experience necessary, just curiosity!

Leapstart's Young Earth Scientists Workshop is a hands-on S.T.E.A.M camp for curious explorers ages 4.5–11, designed with age-appropriate activities and guided participation. This camp invites children to investigate how our planet works—from weather and water to soil, energy, and natural forces—through experiments, models, and creative challenges.

Welcome to Young Engineers / Mini Inventors Lab S.T.E.A.M Camp! Where budding builders and inventors unleash their creativity while mastering the art of engineering and design! Perfectly tailored for curious minds aged 4.5–11, this camp combines fun, hands-on projects with real-world problem-solving—sparking curiosity in science, motion, and mechanical engineering.

Welcome to Young Engineers / Mini Inventors Lab S.T.E.A.M Camp! Where budding builders and inventors unleash their creativity while mastering the art of engineering and design! Perfectly tailored for curious minds aged 4.5–11, this camp combines fun, hands-on projects with real-world problem-solving—sparking curiosity in science, motion, and mechanical engineering.

Fresh air, curiosity, and hands-on exploration come together in Outdoor Discovery Camp, a five-day outdoor experience for children ages 4.5–11. Designed with age-appropriate activities and guided participation, this camp encourages children to explore nature, move their bodies, and learn through real-world experiences beyond the classroom.

For more details, please follow the below link http://kidsstemstudio.com/napervilleclasses/

Give your child the gift of confidence and the joy of cooking! Our culinary program offers hands-on cooking lessons for budding young chefs. We learn more than how to follow a recipe at Lil’ Chef School. We utilize math, science, teamwork, creativity, and more. Children learn the world's cuisines and enhance their experience with fruits, vegetables, herbs & spices while gaining confidence and experience in the kitchen that will last them a lifetime. Children will make 2 recipes each week and will get a tasting of the food they made at the end of class. Recipes are provided online.

🔬✨ Spark Curiosity at GrowFit’s Science + All-Sports Camp Calling all young scientists and curious creators in grades 1–3! GrowFit’s Science + All-Sports Camp at Valle Verde Elementary is a full day of hands-on discovery, exciting experiments, and high-energy sports fun. Mornings ignite curiosity with messy, magical science—afternoons keep campers moving with our All-Sports program! It’s the perfect blend of brain power and active play. ⭐ Why Choose GrowFit’s Science + All-Sports Camp? 🔬 Exciting Daily Experiments: Campers dive into glow-in-the-dark bouncy balls, erupting volcanoes, colorful kaleidoscopes, slime reactions, and more. 🧪 Hands-On STEM Discovery: Kids explore chemistry, physics, and engineering concepts in a playful, age-appropriate way that sparks creativity and critical thinking. 🤝 Teamwork & Exploration: Campers collaborate on builds, experiments, and challenges—learning cooperation, communication, and problem-solving. 📈 Full-Week Immersion: Experiments progress throughout the week. Drop-ins are not available, ensuring campers get the full experience. 🎉 Active All-Sports Afternoons: After lunch, campers join our All-Sports Camp for games like soccer, basketball, gaga ball, bounce house tag, and more! Camp Details — Walnut Creek 🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Full-Day Program) 🔬 Morning: Science Camp (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM) 🏅 Afternoon: All-Sports Camp (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM) 📍 Location: Valle Verde Elementary School Drop-off: 8:45–9:00 AM at the GrowFit desk in front of the school Pick-up: 3:30–4:00 PM at the gymnasium What to Bring: Comfortable clothes (science gets messy!) Water bottle Two snacks Lunch Extra clothes recommended for younger campers With over a decade of experience running fun, engaging, and confidence-building camps, GrowFit’s Science + All-Sports Camp inspires kids to wonder, explore, and discover—while staying active and making new friends. ⚡ Ready to Discover Something Amazing? Spots fill quickly—register today! Refunds and Cancellations 30+ days before camp: Full refund minus a 10% fee Within 30 days: Credit for future GrowFit camps Day-of or after camp begins: Non-refundable

Encourage curiosity and build self-confidence in your preschooler through art, science exploration, play and more. Teachers also read children's books that explore and nurture key social and emotional skills, engage in activities that require cooperation.

Hilltop Creative is nestled in Bernal Heights. Our space is aesthetically beautiful and calming for our days together. We are excited to spend the week being creative, building community and long lasting friendships. Hilltop Creative provides an enriching environment for children to explore art, nature, creativity and curiosity. We strive to build community and enrich social relationships. We also believe in the power and beauty of nature. We hold value in the important benefits it brings. Being outdoors brings increased happiness and reduces cortisol levels. We see better sleep, cognitive function and overall well being in ourselves. Here is a bit about our camp days: Drop Off is from 9am-9:30 and pick up is between 2:30-3 pm. During our days together at Hilltop Creative Summer Camp we will start our mornings off with free exploration, morning greetings, snack and an indoor creative activity. We will have outdoor time on neighborhood hikes and also will visit our local playgrounds and recreational areas Bernal Heights, Holly Park and St Mary's. Towards the end of the day we will gather indoors and will have an afternoon snack provided by Hilltop Creative. Our ration is 1:6and we do not go over 12 campers. Hilltop Creative Daily Schedule 9:00-9:30 Drop off and Check in 9:30-10:00 Centers/ Free Choice 10:00-10:15 Morning Meeting 10:15-10:30 Snack 10:30-11:30 Art Activity (First Project) 11:30-12:00 Lunch 12:00-1:30 Park and Outdoor Time 1:30-2:00 Snack 2:00-2:30 Art Activity (Second Project) 2:30-3:00 Art Choice/ Free Choice and Pick -up

Hilltop Creative is nestled in Bernal Heights. Our space is aesthetically beautiful and calming for our days together. We are excited to spend the week being creative, building community and long lasting friendships. Hilltop Creative provides an enriching environment for children to explore art, nature, creativity and curiosity. We strive to build community and enrich social relationships. We also believe in the power and beauty of nature. We hold value in the important benefits it brings. Being outdoors brings increased happiness and reduces cortisol levels. We see better sleep, cognitive function and overall well being in ourselves. Here is a bit about our camp days: Drop Off is from 9am-9:30 and pick up is between 2:30-3 pm. During our days together at Hilltop Creative Summer Camp we will start our mornings off with free exploration, morning greetings, snack and an indoor creative activity. We will have outdoor time on neighborhood hikes and also will visit our local playgrounds and recreational areas Bernal Heights, Holly Park and St Mary's. Towards the end of the day we will gather indoors and will have an afternoon snack provided by Hilltop Creative. Our ration is 1:6and we do not go over 12 campers. Hilltop Creative Daily Schedule 9:00-9:30 Drop off and Check in 9:30-10:00 Centers/ Free Choice 10:00-10:15 Morning Meeting 10:15-10:30 Snack 10:30-11:30 Art Activity (First Project) 11:30-12:00 Lunch 12:00-1:30 Park and Outdoor Time 1:30-2:00 Snack 2:00-2:30 Art Activity (Second Project) 2:30-3:00 Art Choice/ Free Choice and Pick -up

Hilltop Creative is nestled in Bernal Heights. Our space is aesthetically beautiful and calming for our days together. We are excited to spend the week being creative, building community and long lasting friendships. Hilltop Creative provides an enriching environment for children to explore art, nature, creativity and curiosity. We strive to build community and enrich social relationships. We also believe in the power and beauty of nature. We hold value in the important benefits it brings. Being outdoors brings increased happiness and reduces cortisol levels. We see better sleep, cognitive function and overall well being in ourselves. Here is a bit about our camp days: Drop Off is from 9am-9:30 and pick up is between 2:30-3 pm. During our days together at Hilltop Creative Summer Camp we will start our mornings off with free exploration, morning greetings, snack and an indoor creative activity. We will have outdoor time on neighborhood hikes and also will visit our local playgrounds and recreational areas Bernal Heights, Holly Park and St Mary's. Towards the end of the day we will gather indoors and will have an afternoon snack provided by Hilltop Creative. Our ration is 1:6and we do not go over 12 campers. Hilltop Creative Daily Schedule 9:00-9:30 Drop off and Check in 9:30-10:00 Centers/ Free Choice 10:00-10:15 Morning Meeting 10:15-10:30 Snack 10:30-11:30 Art Activity (First Project) 11:30-12:00 Lunch 12:00-1:30 Park and Outdoor Time 1:30-2:00 Snack 2:00-2:30 Art Activity (Second Project) 2:30-3:00 Art Choice/ Free Choice and Pick -up

In the Applied Science Lab, students explore real-world science through fun, hands-on experiments. Each week, they build working projects like helicopters, flashlights, wind turbines, and more using everyday materials. The class encourages creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork while teaching core science and engineering concepts. No screens or kits—just engaging, interactive learning. It’s the perfect class for curious kids who love to build, explore, and discover how things work

Hilltop Creative is nestled in Bernal Heights. Our space is aesthetically beautiful and calming for our days together. We are excited to spend the week being creative, building community and long lasting friendships. Hilltop Creative provides an enriching environment for children to explore art, nature, creativity and curiosity. We strive to build community and enrich social relationships. We also believe in the power and beauty of nature. We hold value in the important benefits it brings. Being outdoors brings increased happiness and reduces cortisol levels. We see better sleep, cognitive function and overall well being in ourselves. Here is a bit about our camp days: Drop Off is from 9am-9:30 and pick up is between 2:30-3 pm. During our days together at Hilltop Creative Summer Camp we will start our mornings off with free exploration, morning greetings, snack and an indoor creative activity. We will have outdoor time on neighborhood hikes and also will visit our local playgrounds and recreational areas Bernal Heights, Holly Park and St Mary's. Towards the end of the day we will gather indoors and will have an afternoon snack provided by Hilltop Creative. Our ration is 1:6and we do not go over 12 campers. Hilltop Creative Daily Schedule 9:00-9:30 Drop off and Check in 9:30-10:00 Centers/ Free Choice 10:00-10:15 Morning Meeting 10:15-10:30 Snack 10:30-11:30 Art Activity (First Project) 11:30-12:00 Lunch 12:00-1:30 Park and Outdoor Time 1:30-2:00 Snack 2:00-2:30 Art Activity (Second Project) 2:30-3:00 Art Choice/ Free Choice and Pick -up

Join us for a special day of cooking, playing, crafting, and tasting! Kid-chefs will get to craft their own breakfast, lunch, and sweet snack throughout the day, spend time outdoors, create fun food-inspired art, and much more! General Schedule: 9:00-9:30 am - Arrivals & Activity Centers I 9:30-10:00 am - Circle Time, Story + Stretching 10:00-11:30 am - Cooking Activity 1 + Brunch 11:30-12:45 pm - STEM Activity + Cooking Activity II 12:45-1:15 pm - Lunch + Quiet Time 1:30-2:30 pm - Outdoor Play and/or Art Projects 2:30-2:45 pm - Snack 2:45 - 3:00 pm - Sharing Circle and Pick-Up Max of 26 students in this camp.

We're going to unlock all the incredible, hidden secrets of botany. You'll transform into a buddy botanist, discovering exactly how plants grow, what they 'eat,' and how they stay super healthy. Our hands-on fun includes awesome seed extractions – carefully freeing tiny seeds from tasty fruits and veggies! Then, grab your imaginary lab coats as we become soil chemists, figuring out the perfect recipe for happy, healthy soil. But the best part? You'll plant your own seeds and witness the pure magic of life as they sprout and grow! This camp includes a trip to the Children's Garden in the Golden Gate Park on Friday. Students will take the Muni to the designation.