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Spring into STEAM: Solve It!

Spring into Steam: Solve It Logo

Explore the world of forensics and investigative techniques as you uncover clues and solve cases. Delve into the science behind mystery-solving while enhancing your problem-solving skills during our annual Spring into STEAM event. Spring into STEAM is the San Diego Public Library’s science-focused program series for 6 - 12 years old students. We are partnering with local science experts and organizations to create a truly unique educational experience. Workshops take place in-person during the months of March, April, and May.

Solve It! Brochure - English
Solve It! Brochure - Spanish

 
Participate in any of the Spring into STEAM programs and receive your own Invisible Spy Ink Pen with a built-in UV light, along with a journal to record your secret messages and hidden clues!

Bonus!

Participate in any of the Spring into STEAM programs and receive your own Invisible Spy Ink Pen with a built-in UV light, along with a journal to record your secret messages and hidden clues!

 

Kick-off Event

A yellow dog is dressed in a brown detective costume with a jacket and hat and holding up a magnifying glass on this promotional image for the Festival of Science and Engineering.

San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering
Saturday, March 1, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Petco Park

Join us as we kick off Solve It!, our ninth annual Spring into STEAM program at the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering! Stop by SDPL’s booth to explore this year’s exciting programs, register, and take part in a hands-on activity to explore the science of solving mysteries. 

This event is completely FREE and open to the public! No registration or tickets required. Come on down and join us, rain or shine, for a day filled with 100+ hands-on activities, stage performances and more! Great for all ages, pre-K to gray! Presented by the illumina Corporate Foundation. 

 

Detective Science

Scientist in White Lab Coat wears black sunglasses and holds up a yellow caution tape sign, against a yellow and green neon background.

Use science to crack a case! Learn about the science techniques used to investigate and analyze crime scene evidence. The program is for ages 6-9.

Presented by Mad Science of San Diego. Click below to register.

March 12, 2 p.m. - University Community | Register Here 
March 18, 4 p.m. - North Park | Register Here
March 22, 10:30 a.m. - Mission Valley | Register Here
March 27, 4 p.m. - Clairemont | Register Here 
April 1, 4 p.m. - Mountain View/ Beckwourth | Register Here
April 12, 11:30 a.m. - La Jolla/Riford | Register Here
April 14, 3:30 p.m. - San Carlos | Register Here
May 10, 1 p.m. - Mission Hills-Hillcrest/Knox | Register Here
May 12, 5 p.m. - Kensington–Normal Heights | Register Here
May 19, 4:15 p.m. - Otay Mesa-Nestor | Register Here

 

Solve It: Mystery Reveal Puzzle

A yellow puzzle on a white board has yellow pieces with colorful red designs such as butterflies and swiggles, there’s text that says “Solve it”. The puzzle is sitting on a fuzzy red carpet, also, paint brushes, cups of water, and baking soda and other chemicals are on the table next to the puzzle.

Participants will create a Customized Mystery puzzle, which they will solve with a bit of ingenuity and the help of science. The program is for ages 6-9.

Presented by Toshwerks. Click below to register.

March 6, 4 p.m. - Carmel Valley | Register Here
March 15, 2 p.m. - Tierrasanta | Register Here
March 19, 4 p.m. - North Clairemont | Register Here
April 2, 4 p.m. - Paradise Hills | Register Here
April 16, 4 p.m. - Mira Mesa | Register Here
April 19, 3 p.m. - University Heights | Register Here
May 7, 3:30 p.m. - Carmel Mountain | Register Here
May 9, 3 p.m. - Ocean Beach | Register Here
May 10, 11:30 a.m. - Oak Park | Register Here

  

The DNA Academy

In a laboratory two youth scientists wear white lab coats and are researching chemicals with glass beakers filled with colorful liquids.

Explore DNA mysteries through hands-on labs and challenges. Using tools like VR, electronics, and forensics, tackle topics like DNA replication, mutations, and genetic traits while honing problem-solving and teamwork skills. The program is for ages 9-12.

Presented by LKW Stem Foundation. Click below to register.

March 4, 4 p.m. - San Ysidro | Register Here
March 18, 4:30 p.m. - Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa | Register Here
April 4, 4 p.m. - Pacific Highlands Ranch | Register Here
April 7, 4:30 p.m. - Rancho Peñasquitos | Register Here
April 10, 4 p.m. - Point Loma/Hervey | Register Here
April 16, 4 p.m. - Skyline Hills | Register Here
April 28, 6 p.m. - Logan Heights | Register Here
May 8, 4 p.m. - College-Rolando | Register Here
May 22, 4 p.m. - Pacific Beach | Register Here

 

Forensic Investigators

Two youth are doing conducting a science experiment, one has a giant magnifying glass while the other holds up an object to be studied. They are in a classroom setting sitting on tables against a blue wall.

In this “mysterious” program, students use chemistry, physics and observation skills to piece together evidence and crack the case. They learn how to classify mysterious powders, calculate the pH of soils, and perform chromatography to separate pigments. For ages 9-12.

Presented by The Fleet Science Center. Click below to register.

March 13, 4:30 p.m. - Valencia Park/Malcolm X | Register Here
March 22, 3 p.m. - Scripps Miramar Ranch | Register Here
March 29, 2 p.m. - North University Community | Register Here
April 1, 2 p.m. - Central Library (first floor) | Register Here
April 17, 4 p.m. - Balboa | Register Here
April 25, 4 p.m. - City Heights/Weingart | Register Here
May 15, 2:30 p.m. - Allied Gardens/Benjamin | Register Here
May 17, 11 a.m. - Rancho Bernardo | Register Here
May 31, 2 p.m. - Linda Vista | Register Here

 

 

Colorful logos sit against a cityscape with silhouette of tall skyscraper buildings, there windows are lit up yellow against a dark blue sky.