(10-14 yrs) In this Cybertek Academy class students are introduced to basic 2D and 3D animation techniques using Minecraft characters and stages. Kids expand their perception, observation, and timing skills, as well as exercise their imagination and storytelling by studying motion in reality, then apply these skills to animation. Students learn how animators work by completing a variety of short animation exercises and projects.

(6-10 yrs) In this Cybertek Academy class students are introduced to basic 2D and 3D animation techniques using Minecraft characters and stages. Kids expand their perception, observation, and timing skills, as well as exercise their imagination and storytelling by studying motion in reality, then apply these skills to animation. Students learn how animators work by completing a variety of short animation exercises and projects.

(6-10 yrs.) Celebrate April Fool’s Day with STEAM activities that will surely fool your friends and family into believing you’re a magician! Make disappearing colors, bond energy, make rainbow milk, and explode toothpaste. This program will teach you all the foolish, magic you can handle.

(8-Adult) What can you hear from space? Join the adventure to understand cosmic noise and what it tells us about the sun, the magnetic structure surrounding some of our planets and the radio signals from Jupiter. Learn how our galaxy is mapped using the faint signals from hydrogen atoms and the behavior of molecules. Listen to the sounds of pulsars, strange dense fast rotating stars. Come hear what our universe is saying. The class will be held in the roll-top observatory at Turner Farm Park. Instruction for this program is provided by volunteers of the Analemma Society.

(8-Adult) What's new in the night sky? Join park naturalists as they take you on a tour of constellations, comets and other current events happening in the heavens above. Children must be accompanied by adult also registered.

(10-14 yrs) Students learn programming concepts using a drag-and-drop platform in the MIT-developed Scratch program. Students use pre-made art or create their own, then program them to walk, talk and interact with objects while learning logic and visual programming then create a simple 2D video game in this Cybertek Academy class.

(6-10 yrs) Students learn programming concepts using a drag-and-drop platform in the MIT-developed Scratch program. Students use pre-made art or create their own, then program them to walk, talk and interact with objects while learning logic and visual programming then create a simple 2D video game in this Cybertek Academy class.

(6-8 yrs) In this Cybertek Academy class, students use a custom mod called “Computercraft” to program robots called “Turtles” inside the world of Minecraft. Students utilize problem-solving skills to program their robots to complete various tasks and objectives such as automatically building, mining, and crafting items and structures. Students are introduced to programming if-then-else statements, for-while loops, and implementing their own functions using Lua, a simple scripting language.

(8-13 yrs) In this C3ybertek Academy class, students use a custom mod called “Computercraft” to program robots called “Turtles” inside the world of Minecraft. Students utilize problem-solving skills to program their robots to complete various tasks and objectives such as automatically building, mining, and crafting items and structures. Students are introduced to programming if-then-else statements, for-while loops, and implementing their own functions using Lua, a simple scripting language.

(5-12 yrs.) Find out what’s cracking (or not) as we do various experiments with eggs and learn about their many amazing properties.

(8-14 yrs.) In this Youth Technology Network course students learn about the engineering design process. Using virtual reality system and software applications, students study, develop, and solve a real-world problem.

(5-Adult) The Colvin Run Mill is an example of early American mechanical engineering. Come see the mill in operation and discover historic and modern engineering. With hands-on activities, conversations with professionals from a variety of engineering fields and sample tools, you will learn how today's engineers are building on the work of engineers of the past to solve problems in the present and future.

(11-17 yrs.) Join our interactive gaming club! Gamers will be in a social setting where they are can learn and gain tips from others plus receive coaching on strategic game play while in a competitive atmosphere. Participants will make new friends, have fun playing games and feel safe in an inclusive environment. This session features the Nintendo Switch platform with Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros.

(8-Adult) The Moon is as old as the Earth, and its surface is marked by craters and lava flows billions of years old. Explore these lunar features through a high-powered telescope and learn about their origins. See where the Apollo lunar landings occurred and discuss what the astronauts found. Class meets rain or shine with alternate viewing sessions available for cloudy days. Advance registration required, no walk-in registration available. Instruction for this program is provided by volunteers of the Analemma Society.

(7-11 yrs.) Science is all around us! We all can be scientists every time we perform an experiment, whether it is at a laboratory or using materials you may have at home. Join us for an interactive homegrown experiment each date. Topics vary each date.

(6-12 yrs.) Join a park naturalist to learn about this branch of astronomy that studies planets, moons, asteroids and comets in our solar system. Discover what they are made of and why earth is so special. Make a model solar system to take home.

(6-12 yrs.) Discover how scientists learn about the history of human life through ground excavation and analysis of artifacts. The material objects humans left behind can tell us about their culture and how they lived. Become junior archaeologists as we examine real artifacts and participate in a mock dig. Can you solve the mystery we will uncover?

(6-12 yrs.) Join park naturalists to study the branch of biology that studies and observes mammals. Learn how mammals interact with their habitats, other wildlife, and their contributions to the ecosystem. We will also discuss anatomy and physiology. Use scientific instruments to enhance your observation skills. Examine preserved specimens followed by outdoor exploration into their natural habitat.

(6-12 yrs.) How does an animals body covering, like fur, feathers or scales, help it to survive? Learn the how mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and fish are classified. We use outdoor exploration, observation and lab skills to explore this topic.

(6-12 yrs.) Did you know that beavers are a keystone species and they created the wetland habitat at Huntley? Learn about what a keystone species is, the beavers life cycle, adaptations and impact on the environment. We use outdoor exploration, observation and lab skills to explore this topic.

(6-12 yrs.) Discover why insects and their partners, bugs, shouldn’t be overlooked. These amazing creatures help the ecosystems they live in stay healthy. Join a naturalist to explore the diverse habitats of Huntley Meadows Park to learn about insects and their usefulness using scientific instruments and observation. Examine preserved specimens followed by outdoor exploration to find and identify live insects.

(6-12 yrs.) Explore how bird adaptations allow birds to live in their chosen ecosystem. Study the parks collection of preserved specimens. Followed by outdoor observations and exploration using field tools to learn identification and classification.

(6-12 yrs.) Did you know that 100 years ago, most field scientists were accomplished artists? Without portable cameras, biologists needed a way to capture their discoveries, and art was their tool. Study the techniques used in making a field sketch page, learn some basic drawing skills, and get to know the stories of long ago explorers and scientists. A field sketch kit is included.

(10-Adult) Students learn what 3D printing is and is not, the various free software available and how to get started. Students learn how to make models in CAD software using the free and beginner friendly TinckerCAD from Autodesk and slicing software Cura from MakerBot. Instructor guides students through making CAD models, using the models to print objects and the care and feeding of 3D printers. Students may bring their own laptops or observe the instructor as he demonstrates.

(6-12 yrs.) This Stem exCEL Intro to Bitcoin STEM class introduces children to Bitcoin and its many applications. Topics include Bitcoin technology fundamentals of decentralization, mining and consensus. Python programming basics like functions, variables and loops used in Bitcoin blockchain programming also provide context for other pursuits like 3D modeling and Game Design. Using hands on learning, with Bitcoin wallet software and node and mining hardware and behind the laptop, students will learn about cryptography in American history, and its current and future technological impact.

(8-14 yrs.) In this Youth Technology Network program students learn the skills needed to operate safely in the worldwide web of cyberspace such as cyber safety, cyber hygiene and healthy online behavior. Other topics include what is dangerous to do online and proper online communication skills. Required equipment and materials are included.

(8-14 yrs.) In this Youth Technology Network “hands-on & brains-on” STEM program students build and operate a small drone while exploring physics, math, electronics, engineering, coding, teambuilding, as well as developing motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Course also covers recreational and professional uses for drones and how to operate them safely and responsibly. All materials provided.

(6-12 yrs) In this STEM exCEL class, students learn the fundamentals and concepts of game design with a real game engine. Students will design and build their game from the ground up while learning 2D game art and programming logic.