DiscoverU’s science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) programs get students in grades 3–12 excited to learn and explore new subjects.

These hands-on workshops include computer programming, engineering, geology, and more. Past events have included pop-up planetariums, team design challenges, assembling mini-robots, and coding camps. Events update quarterly.

 

January

Ta-Da! Science of Magic 
Monday, January 13, 2025 | 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. | Register Here 
San Ysidro Library | EElementary School (Grades 3 - 5) & Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)

Prepare to be amazed! Explore how magicians use the principles of science to develop illusions, make paper disappear into thin air, create balls of water, and pull a (stuffed) rabbit out of a hat! This is an in-person program.

Project In A Box: LED Reaction Game
Saturday, January 18, 2025 | 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Register Here
Mira Mesa Library | Middle School (Grades 6 - 8) & High School (Grades 9 - 12)

Through this circuitry-focused workshop, participants will gain hands-on experience as they build their fundamental knowledge. Learn the functions of widely used components and apply it while building a functional reaction game. This is an in-person workshop.

Watercolor Painting with Spices
Thursday, January 23, 2025 |  4:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Register Here
Paradise Hills Library | All Ages

Explore how to use everyday spices to create vibrant paintings! This is a great way to unleash your creativity while having a blast with friends or making new ones! Bring your curiosity and willingness to experiment and let’s spice up our art together! This is an in-person workshop.

Food Science
Friday, January 24, 2025 |  4:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Register Here
Mountain View/Beckwourth Library | Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5) & Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)

Discover the fascinating role of science in cooking! This course combines chemistry, physics, biology, and math through exciting food experiments. Explore the science that transforms simple ingredients into delicious meals. Get ready for hands-on fun and tasty outcomes! This is an in-person program.

Space Travel
Monday, January 27, 2025 | 3:30 - 4:3 p.m. | Register Here
Rancho Penasquitos Library | Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)

Learn what it takes to be a true globetrotter! Race a balloon rocket and design your own car engine as you learn about thrust. See the principles of propulsion at work in a reach rocket launch. This is an in-person program.

Food Art
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. | Register Here
University Community Library | Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)

Join a fun-filled class where kids blend creativity and culinary skills! This course encourages young chefs to express their artistry through delicious, colorful, and imaginative dishes. This course combines cooking techniques with artistic flare to inspire confidence and a love for food. This is an in-person program.

Ta-Da! Science of Magic
Thursday, January 30, 2025 | 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. | Register Here 
Otay Mesa-Nestor Library | Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5) & Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)

Prepare to be amazed! Explore how magicians use the principles of science to develop illusions, make paper disappear into thin air, create balls of water, and pull a (stuffed) rabbit out of a hat! This is an in-person program.

February

Fire & Ice
Monday, February 3, 2025 | 6:00 - 7:00 pm. | Register Here
San Ysidro Library | Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5) & Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)

Discover how hot and cold science can be as you take a journey through the world of Fire & Ice! Experience crazy chemical reactions, explore the states of matter, and watch in amazement as we demonstrate the extraordinary and chilly properties of dry ice! This is an in-person program.

Rocket Science 
Thursday, February 6, 2025 |  3:00 - 4:00 pm. | Register Here
Carmel Mountain Ranch Library | Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)

This is your chance to be a rocket scientist! Investigate the four forces of flight with the help of a Unique Flying Object! Explore the science involved in rocket construction in this NASA approved program. This is an in-person program.

Automobile Design
Saturday, February 8, 2025 |  11:00 a.m. - 1:00 pm. | Register Here
Pacific Highlands Ranch Library | Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)

Explores what makes an automobile work! This course is designed to inform and empower aspiring engineers and designers to unleash their creativity while sharpening their technical skills. This is an in-person program.

Project In A Box: Balance Beam
Saturday, February 15, 2025 | 2:00 - 5:00 pm. | Register Here
Mission Valley | Middle School (Grades 6 - 8) & High School (Grades 9 - 12)

Ever wonder how drones can stay stable or how thermostats achieve the right temperature? Both of them have controls developed by engineers! In this project, learn the basics of controls using Arduino, sensors, and servo motors. Keeping the ball in the center of a beam is no easy feat. This is an in-person workshop.

Food Science
Thursday, February 20, 2025 | 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. | Register Here
Otay Mesa-Nestor Library | Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5) & Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)

Discover the fascinating role of science in cooking! This course combines chemistry, physics, biology, and math through exciting food experiments. Explore the science that transforms simple ingredients into delicious meals. Get ready for hands-on fun and tasty outcomes! This is an in-person program.

Sun & Stars
Saturday, February 22, 2025 | 2:00 - 3:00 pm. | Register Here
Linda Vista Library | Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)

This stellar program is your ticket to the stars! Watch star dust burn, and journey through a soapy galaxy as you investigate the life cycle of stars! Use your Cosmic Disk to explore the constellations in this NASA approved program. This is an in-person program.

Beginning Vegetable Garden
Saturday, February 22, 2025 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Register Here
Mira Mesa Library | Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5) & Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)

Dive into the essentials of starting your very own vegetable garden! Perfect for beginners or as a quick refresher, this workshop covers everything from soil selection to harvesting. Prepare to plant, nurture, and enjoy the fruits of your labor with these vital gardening insights. This is an in-person workshop.

Automobile Design
Monday, February 24, 2025 |  4:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Register Here
Rancho Bernardo Library | Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5) & Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)

Explores what makes an automobile work! This course is designed to inform and empower aspiring engineers and designers to unleash their creativity while sharpening their technical skills. This is an in-person program.

March

Scratch Programming Language
Saturdays, March 1, March 8  & March 29, 2025 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Register Here
North University Community Library | Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5) 

Dive into the world of computer programming with Scratch! This 3-day course will guide you through the essentials of moving objects, adding sounds, creating animations, and crafting simple games. Unleash your creativity with interactive projects and build a solid foundation in coding concepts while having fun! This is an in-person program.

Spin, Pop, Boom
Monday, March 3, 2025 | 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. | Register Here
 San Ysidro Library |  Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5) & Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)

Join us for this action-packed science show! Explore physical and chemical reactions using fire, foam, and music. Experience endothermic reactions that produce shivering results and exothermic reactions like elephant toothpaste. This is an in-person program.

Flower Dissection with Microscopes
Tuesday, March 11, 2025 |  5:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Register Here
North Park Library | Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5) & Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)

How do plants grow and thrive? Join us as we closely examine the different parts that make up flowers through microscopes and learn about their roles in helping the plant continue its growth for another generation. This is an in-person workshop.

Project In A Box: Virtual Wind Turbine
Saturday, March 15, 2025 | 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Register Here
 SDPL Virtual Branch | Middle School (Grades 6 - 8) & High School (Grades 9 - 12)

Learn the fundamentals of renewable energy sources by making your own wind turbine! Using modules made of laser cut wood and electronic components, participants will learn different aspects of renewable energy and climate change while practicing circuitry basics. This is a virtual workshop.

Food Science
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 | 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Register Here
Valencia Park/Malcolm X Library | Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)

Discover the fascinating role of science in cooking! This course combines chemistry, physics, biology, and math through exciting food experiments. Explore the science that transforms simple ingredients into delicious meals. Get ready for hands-on fun and tasty outcomes! This is an in-person program.

Blow Cart Beach
Saturday, March 22, 2025 | 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. | Register Here
Linda Vista Library | Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)

Using engineering skills and creative thinking, you’ll craft a beach cart with sails to harness the ocean breeze. Then, compete to see how far your car can go with just puffs of wind! Grab your friends, bring your imagination, and get ready for a fun-filled challenge packed with teamwork, laughter, and adventure. This is an in-person program.