STEM Programs Near Me

Don't toss that bottle! In this awesome session, we're transforming everyday recyclables – plastic bottles, cardboard boxes, caps, tubes, and more – into incredible inventions! Become an eco-inventor as you reimagine "junk" to build amazing robots, unique games, helpful gadgets, or anything else your imagination cooks up. Along the way, we'll explore the science behind the materials – why is cardboard strong? Why is plastic flexible or waterproof? Discover the secrets of materials science while designing cool, planet-friendly creations. Unleash your creativity and learn the power of resourcefulness!

Level 2: Public Speaking for Grades 5–8 (***Prerequisite: Completion of ANY Summer Camp 2026 Week or any of our full 5 week course within the 2025-2026 school year. Please email info@highestspeak.com to ask if not sure of which level your child should be at. ) Now that your student has built a strong foundation, it’s time to level up! Our Level 2 course helps students refine and expand their public speaking skills with more structure, deeper content, and a greater focus on delivery, persuasion, and audience engagement. In this 5-session, high-energy course, students will: - Strengthen speech organization and clarity with more complex prompts - Learn how to deliver longer speeches confidently and how to use notecards to prepare effectively instead of memorizing - Master confident delivery techniques including tone, pacing, gestures, and eye contact - Craft stronger openings, memorable closings, and smooth transitions - Explore more advanced speech types—persuasive, informative, motivational, and storytelling - Participate in challenging impromptu speaking activities - Receive in-depth instructor feedback and practical tips for growth - Present in every class, both prepared and off-the-cuff. While still playful and supportive, this course encourages students to dig deeper, speak with intention, and sharpen their presence as young communicators. Whether they’re preparing for school presentations, leadership roles, or competitions, Level 2 equips them with the tools to speak up—and stand out. All of our instructors are experienced public speaking educators and performers, so your child will be learning from experts who make public speaking fun, meaningful, and memorable. 💬 Please Note: Classes with more than 8 students will have two instructors to ensure every student receives individual feedback. Light assignments may be given between classes; outside practice is strongly encouraged.

Step right into a world of excitement as students build and code interactive carnival rides, games, and performers using LEGO® motors, sensors, and an easy drag-and-drop coding interface. From spinning rides to athletic challenges, each project combines engineering, creativity, and hands-on STEM learning in a fun-filled adventure. (Please note: IntelliBricks will provide all LEGO® and computers for the camp. Children cannot take home any of their creations or LEGO® products. LEGO® group of companies does not sponsor, authorize or endorse any of our programs.)

Our afterschool art studio program is designed to give children a creative, relaxed space to unwind after the school day. Afternoons will include art projects, creative play, outdoor exploration, snack and opportunities to connect with friends throughout our amazing SF community. This is designed for grades TK through 8th,

What is the true source of a Super Hero's strength? In Elemental Superheroes, we reveal the chemistry behind the capes. We’ll explore the microscopic world of atomic bonding and experiment with 'mercurial' substances that change in the blink of an eye. By studying the amazing properties of the elements, students will draw inspiration to design their own scientific Super Hero identities. It’s chemistry—with a heroic twist!

Where they are: Your little learner is ready to start on ABC’s and 123’s. They are showing more interest in talking and figuring out the relationship between letters and language. They are also ready to learn basic counting skills and the relationship that numbers have to objects. What to expect in class: Classes are taught by a trained teacher who will cover all 26 letters and relate each letter to real life in a fun and interactive setting. “A” represents Apple! Numbers 1-10 will also be learned and related to life -- 1 pear, 2 apples, 3 blocks. Benefits: Preschool Prep with HOMER offers highly engaging themes that create a captivating setting for children to be motivated and engaged as they explore movement and gain early learning skills in preparation for preschool, Kindergarten and life! Academic: Early learners will be working on building curiosity, expanding vocabulary, and making meaningful connections as they get “Preschool Ready” with these important life skills. Early Literacy & Math We’ve created an engaging in-person setting for children to be motivated and engaged as they explore math, SEL, and literacy. Children will learn while enjoying captivating themes that include -- All About Me and Farms & Food. Independence Our small classroom setting will help children develop life-readiness skills like communication and collaboration apart from parents and guardians. Social Skills Children will learn to share, follow directions, and take turns. They will also be participating in simple back-and-forth conversational exchanges with both teachers and other children.

The LEGO® Minecraft Class is an exciting and educational experience into the world of stop-motion animation production. Using LEGO® building sets based off of the Minecraft theme, students will stage their own scenes from a storyboard and take photos of the scene to tell a story. Then they will edit the images in the Frames 6 animation software where they will add effects, sound and more. Some of the features of the class include: Working in teams to collaborate and create animation projects for each day.A new and unique Minecraft theme for each day, including castle, cave and End worlds.Use of illustrated storyboards to plan out the narrative of the project Photography of the LEGO® sets in action to create slides for stop-motion animation Computer animation software to edit images using green screen, effects and sound Finished projects will be emailed to the parents end of the 6 weeks session. (Please note: IntelliBricks will provide all LEGO® and computers for the class. Children cannot take home any of their creations or LEGO® products. LEGO® group of companies does not sponsor, authorize or endorse any of our programs.)

Come join us for a night of Fun & Games! Play games like: Minecraft*, Roblox, Switch, VR with Oculus & other games! Use our devices or bring your own! (Appropriate games only, please.) Console Games: Mario Kart, Smash Bros & more! (You may bring your own game controllers for Nintendo Switch but not necessary.) Bring your own game device or use ours! (Please bring your own login details for Roblox or Minecraft.) $30 admission. Pizza $2.50/slice & Candy $2.00/each. MUST PAY FOR PIZZA IN ADVANCE AT REGISTRATION; MAY PURCHASE CANDY WITH CASH.

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

Calling all car lovers out there! During this session, children will build a new kind of car each week and learn the concepts surrounding it. For example one week might focus on a power car where children try different gear combinations and another week might focus on building a car with sails and learn all about wind resistance and its effect on speed. Some models will focus on programming too. (Please note: IntelliBricks will provide all LEGO® and computers for the camp. Children cannot take home any of their creations or LEGO® products. LEGO® group of companies does not sponsor, authorize or endorse any of our programs.)

Calling all car lovers out there! During this session, children will build a new kind of car each week and learn the concepts surrounding it. For example one week might focus on a power car where children try different gear combinations and another week might focus on building a car with sails and learn all about wind resistance and its effect on speed. Some models will focus on programming too. (Please note: IntelliBricks will provide all LEGO® and computers for the camp. Children cannot take home any of their creations or LEGO® products. LEGO® group of companies does not sponsor, authorize or endorse any of our programs.)

Embark on an exciting robotics adventure as students build and code imaginative creations like the Majestic Lion, Sea Turtle, and Alien Capture. Using LEGO® motors, sensors, and an easy drag-and-drop coding interface, they'll explore engineering, problem-solving, and creativity through hands-on STEM challenges in every class. (Please note: IntelliBricks will provide all LEGO® and computers for the camp. Children cannot take home any of their creations or LEGO® products. LEGO® group of companies does not sponsor, authorize or endorse any of our programs.)

Embark on an exciting robotics adventure as students build and code imaginative creations like the Majestic Lion, Sea Turtle, and Alien Capture. Using LEGO® motors, sensors, and an easy drag-and-drop coding interface, they'll explore engineering, problem-solving, and creativity through hands-on STEM challenges in every class. (Please note: IntelliBricks will provide all LEGO® and computers for the camp. Children cannot take home any of their creations or LEGO® products. LEGO® group of companies does not sponsor, authorize or endorse any of our programs.)

Embark on an exciting robotics adventure as students build and code imaginative creations like the Majestic Lion, Sea Turtle, and Alien Capture. Using LEGO® motors, sensors, and an easy drag-and-drop coding interface, they'll explore engineering, problem-solving, and creativity through hands-on STEM challenges in every class. (Please note: IntelliBricks will provide all LEGO® and computers for the camp. Children cannot take home any of their creations or LEGO® products. LEGO® group of companies does not sponsor, authorize or endorse any of our programs.)

Embark on an exciting robotics adventure as students build and code imaginative creations like the Majestic Lion, Sea Turtle, and Alien Capture. Using LEGO® motors, sensors, and an easy drag-and-drop coding interface, they'll explore engineering, problem-solving, and creativity through hands-on STEM challenges in every class. (Please note: IntelliBricks will provide all LEGO® and computers for the camp. Children cannot take home any of their creations or LEGO® products. LEGO® group of companies does not sponsor, authorize or endorse any of our programs.)

Outdoor field games in local area parks daily, swimming twice weekly, kayaking and rock climbing once weekly each. We spend the first and last hour of the day inside doing arts and crafts, STEM projects, and indoor sports such bowling and ping pong. The rest of the morning and afternoon we are outdoors doing field games and traditional activities utilizing local area parks. Swim is on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week during the morning session. Kayaking is Wednesdays during the morning session, weather permitting. Rock climbing is on Fridays. We are open rain or shine, during inclement weather and poor air quality days we spend more time inside doing crafts, indoor sports and other activities. Hot lunch and healthy snacks are included, the menu is sent out the preceding Sunday of the week. Same-day Registration costs an additional $15. Accompany unregistered children up the stairs for same day registration. Discounts do not stack with other discounts, you will receive the best discount available to you at check out.

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

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 about cuisines of the world 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.

New policy to discourage no shows: a fee will be charged when you register and refunded to you when you attend class. We know that things come up, but a simple email, call or text (571-250-7719), even right before class starts, will get your fee back if you can't attend. We just don't want people holding a spot that could have gone to someone else who really wanted to attend. **************************************** Our Play Smart Playgroups will demonstrate ways you can nurture your child's cognitive and emergent literacy skills. Emphasis will be on practicing fine motor skills, language development, and socialization. After listening to a beloved story, you and your child will work with different media to make a craft that will help make a connection to the story. Expect to spend at least an hour and a half for each Playgroup: -30 minute structured class where fine motor skills are practiced -Playtime to encourage social interaction -Snacks/Lunch eaten together as a class (please bring your own food)

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. This is a 3-hour separation class suitable for 3-5 years old.

A multi-disciplinary class designed to introduce your child to engineering, design, art and math. This S.T.E.A.M. inspired class is great for the young maker and thinker. It takes an active approach to school readiness and maintains our whole-child learning philosophy.