STEAM Workshops
DiscoverU’s science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) programs get students in ages 8–18 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.
April
Squishy Circuits
Friday, April 3, 2026 | 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Otay Mesa-Nestor Library| Ages 8-12 | Register Here
Explore the basics of electrical circuits! Through hands-on activities using components such as batteries, wires, and LEDs, inquisitive participants will investigate current, voltage, resistance in closed circuits.
Little Tech Lab | Taste of Technology
Saturday, April 4, 2026 | 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Rancho Peñasquitos Library | Ages 8-12 | Register Here
Explore what makes the tech world run! In this hands-on program, participants will learn how algorithms, design thinking, and wire framing work while increasing their digital awareness and creating their own prototype in Canva.
Automotive Design
Wednesday, April 8, 2026| 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Otay Mesa-Nestor Library | Ages 8-12 | Register Here
Explore the science behind natural dyes! Learn about the cochineal, a small-scale insect that has been used for centuries to produce vibrant red and pink dyes, and other natural dyes. Participants will also gain an understanding of chemistry, specifically acid and base reactions.
Project In A Box
Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Mountain View/Beckwourth Library | Ages 11-18 | Register Here
Get hands-on as you learn fundamental engineering topics and skills while putting together a fun project with family and friends. Project to be announced.
Pinata Science
Thursday, April 23, 2026 | 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Skyline Hills Library | Ages 8-12 | Register Here
There's always fun to be had with piñatas! Join us to learn how piñatas are constructed, the different materials they're made of, and how it all affects the science of force. Participants will have the opportunity to make their own piñatas.
Pinata Science
Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Mission Hills-Hillcrest/Knox Library | Ages 8-14 | Register Here
There's always fun to be had with piñatas! Join us to learn how piñatas are constructed, the different materials they're made of, and how it all affects the science of force. Participants will have the opportunity to make their own piñatas.
May
Squishy Circuits
Saturday, May 2, 2026 | 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
North University Community Library | Ages 8-12 | Register Here
Explore the basics of electrical circuits! Through hands-on activities using components such as batteries, wires, and LEDs, inquisitive participants will investigate current, voltage, resistance in closed circuits.
Piñata Science
Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Ocean Beach Library| Ages 8-12 | Register Here
There's always fun to be had with piñatas! Join us to learn how piñatas are constructed, the different materials they're made of, and how it all affects the science of force. Participants will have the opportunity to make their own piñatas.
Learn Scratch: Flower Game | Taste of Technology
Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
San Ysidro Library| Ages 10-12 | Register Here
Try your hand at computer programming! Learn the basics of computer programming while creating your own flower catching game in Scratch.
Science of Tortillas
Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Logan Heights Library | Ages 8-14 | Register Here
Explore what goes into making a tortilla! In this hands-on program, learn about the cultural background of tortilla-making as well as the physical and chemical changes that occur as the dough is formed, pressed, and cooked.
Piñata Science
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Ocean Beach Library| Ages 8-12 | Register Here
There's always fun to be had with piñatas! Join us to learn how piñatas are constructed, the different materials they're made of, and how it all affects the science of force. Participants will have the opportunity to make their own piñatas.
Project In A Box
Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 2:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Pacific Highlands Ranch | Ages 11-18 | Register Here
Get hands-on as you learn fundamental engineering topics and skills while putting together a fun project with family and friends. Project to be announced.
Intro to Python Programming Language
Saturdays, May 16, 2026 & May 23, 2026 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Linda Vista Library | Ages 9-14 | Register Here
Learning one of the most popular computer programming languages in the world! In this 2-day program, participants will gain an understanding of programming fundamentals and practice using the Python programming language.
Squishy Circuits
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 | 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Mission Valley Library | Ages 8-12 | Register Here
Explore the basics of electrical circuits! Through hands-on activities using components such as batteries, wires, and LEDs, inquisitive participants will investigate current, voltage, resistance in closed circuits.
Tech Time Travelers
Saturday, May 30, 2026 | 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Balboa Library | Ages 12-18 | Register Here
Explore how technology changed over time -- typewriters, flip phones, and futuristic AI! This workshop blends creativity, real-world connections, discovery, and joyful career exposure to allow learners to explore future possibilities in a playful and engaging way.
Science of Tortillas
Saturday, May 30, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Ocean Beach Library| Ages 8-12 | Register Here
Explore what goes into making a tortilla! In this hands-on program, learn about the cultural background of tortilla-making as well as the physical and chemical changes that occur as the dough is formed, pressed, and cooked.
June
Game Jam 2026
Tuesday, June 2, 2026 - Saturday, June 13, 2026 | 12:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Paradise Hills Library | Ages 12-18 | Register Here
Dive into the world of video games at SDPL’s 4th annual Game Jam! Learn the basics of game development and design, then collaborate in teams to build your own game. Teams can work together remotely or in-person to complete their projects and attend optional drop-in sessions. Games will be showcased at the end of the jam.
Piñata Science
Friday, June 5, 2026| 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Otay Mesa-Nestor Library| Ages 8-12 | Register Here
There's always fun to be had with piñatas! Join us to learn how piñatas are constructed, the different materials they're made of, and how it all affects the science of force. Participants will have the opportunity to make their own piñatas.
Science of Tortillas
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 | 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
North Clairemont Library| Ages 8-14 | Register Here
Explore what goes into making a tortilla! In this hands-on program, learn about the cultural background of tortilla-making as well as the physical and chemical changes that occur as the dough is formed, pressed, and cooked.
Cochineal & Natural Dyes
Thursday, June 18, 2026 | 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Skyline Hills Library | Ages 8-12 | Register Here
Explore the science behind natural dyes! Learn about the cochineal, a small-scale insect that has been used for centuries to produce vibrant red and pink dyes, and other natural dyes. Participants will also gain an understanding of chemistry, specifically acid and base reactions.
Learn Scratch: Flower Game | Taste of Technology
Tuesday, June 23, 2026|4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Paradise Hills Library| Ages 10-12 | Register Here
Try your hand at computer programming! Learn the basics of computer programming while creating your own flower catching game in Scratch.
Automotive Design
Friday, June 26, 2026| 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Pacific Highlands Ranch Library | Ages 8-12 | Register Here
Get your imagination flowing and explore the fascinating automobile engineering and design field! Explore the many parts that go into making an automobile work. This course is designed to inform and empower aspiring engineers and designers.
Cochineal & Natural Dyes
Tuesday, June 30, 2026| 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Mountain View/Beckwourth Library | Ages 12-18 | Register Here
Explore the science behind natural dyes! Learn about the cochineal, a small-scale insect that has been used for centuries to produce vibrant red and pink dyes, and other natural dyes. Participants will also gain an understanding of chemistry, specifically acid and base reactions.