(12-14 yrs) Join Black Rocket Productions to learn coding language basics such as HTML, JavaScript and CSS through a series of web projects and design challenges. Projects will be available on a Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. Students work in pairs or teams for most of the program. Returning students can create more advanced projects.

(8-12 yrs) In this Digital Kidz adventure, aspiring coders incorporate robotics and technology with collaborative STEAM activities to learn essential programming concepts. Using drag-and-drop software, sprites and code blocks students create animations, video games and robotic programs. Students use the Sphero EDU robot to create a painting, navigate a maze or have a dance party.

(6-8 yrs) NASA is in the market for a new planetary rover to explore the recently discovered planet of Albion 3. Students construct and program a robot to explore the planet's surface, identify geological formations and detect obstacles. Combining the versatility of the LEGO building system and intuitive drag-and-drop programming software, this Digital Kidz adventure has students work in teams, making friends and creating robots from day one.

(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. Indoor discussion followed by an guided park tour. We use 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. Indoor discussion followed by a guided park tour. We use exploration, observation and lab skills to explore this topic.

(6-12 yrs.) What environmental factors need to come together to create a wetland habitat? Join us as we learn about this regionally rare habitat and discuss the importance of wetlands to wildlife and people and how we can protect them. Indoor discussion followed by a guided park tour. We use exploration, observation and lab skills to explore this topic.

(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.

(6-12 yrs) In this STEM exCEL class, students are introduced to programming and computational thinking. Through behind-the-computer projects including online and offline group and individual activities, students learn algorithms, functions, variables, conditionals, abstractions and more in a fun environment. Students experience developmental and project teamwork as they translate problems into graphical and written programs. Any supply fee payable to instructor at first class.

(6-12 yrs) In this STEM exCEL class, students learn the process of designing and building games. Students define and analyze the mechanics of player experiences in addition to designing narratives, applying art and animation, programming roles, hardware and game platforms.

(5-7 yrs) Students build engineer-designed projects such as boats, snowmobiles, catapults and merry-go-rounds in this PlayWell class, then use special pieces to create their own unique design. Students explore endless possibilities using the LEGO building system.

(8-Adult) Now that you have received a new telescope, how do you set it up and use it? Or are you considering buying a telescope? This course goes into introductory basics of astronomy, observing the sky, and what you need to know to setup and use your telescope. Will provide hands-on use of telescopes and observing objects in the sky in the Roll-Top Observatory if the weather allows. Attendees can bring their own telescope for assistance and advice. Advance registration required, no walk-in registration available.

(8-Adult) Do you wonder where our calendar and the days of the week came from? Why are days 24 hours long? This class covers these questions and others in the light of what astronomy had to do with them. We explore the basic types of astronomical objects from the smallest to the largest and their motions through the universe. The course will be held in the roll-top observatory at Turner Farm Park with an observing session weather permitting.

(8-12 yrs) Python is the world's fastest growing programming language favored by Google, NASA and Youtube. Learn how to code with Python to create engaging apps and games in this Black Rocket Productions class. Each lesson takes you step-by-step on a programming path that lets you challenge friends with fun content you create from start to finish. Students work in pairs or teams for most of the program. Returning students can create more advanced projects.

(8-12 yrs) This Digital Kidz program immerses students in the exciting world of robotics using the LEGO Mindstorms EV3. Students learn teamwork while building robots and using programming principles, such as events, loops, variables and functions to navigate a maze, rescue the science rover, compete in BattleBot competitions and defeat the zombies.

(6-12 yrs) In this Mad Science class children harness heat energy, learn the science behind heat and explore the properties of both light and color. Mad Scientists experiment with magnets, examine curious optical illusions and analyze the amazing properties of slime! while getting to know their taste buds better and witnessing a hair-raising demonstration of static electricity.

(8-12 yrs) Master your engineering skills in this PlayWell class. Students apply physics, engineering and architecture concepts to engineer-designed projects such as boats, snowmobiles, arch bridges and battletracks, then use special pieces to create their own unique design. Students explore endless possibilities using the LEGO building system.

(6-12 yrs) This Stemtree program teaches students to create and develop computer programs (games, stories, etc.) instead of playing them. Students learn computer programming concepts in a fun and interactive way by combining media elements to create and share stories, animations, games, music and more and using basic reasoning and problem solving skills. They also create their own computer programs to implement computer games and combine multiple topics (Science, Engineering, Teamwork).

(6-12 yrs) Stemtree Engineering programs use the wonder and genius of robots to inspire students to learn engineering, apply their knowledge and skills of basic science, model construction, computer programming, and problem solving to explore STEM concepts. This is both a perfect introduction to the world of robotics for younger students and an opportunity to expand the knowledge base of older students.

(8-Adult) Learning about the many kinds of sundials and make your own. Sundials are the world's oldest clocks, seen in alignments of Stonehenge and Newgrange. Ben Franklin had exploding sundials and Thomas Jefferson built a new type sundial. Today there are many new sundials. Ever see a digital sundial? As an activity, we'll help you make your own paper sundial that tells accurate time. The course will be held in the Roll-Top observatory classroom followed by telescope observing of the sun.

(8-Adult) Explore everything from space missions to planets and galaxies with a different monthly topic at the Roll-Top observatory at Turner Farm Park. Classroom discussion is followed by an observatory session with telescopes, weather permitting. Advanced registration required. Check the Analemma Society website for the monthly topics (www.analemma.org).

(6-12 yrs) In this Mad Science series classes children experiment with animal calls and take a trip to the bottom of the sea to see how marine life adapts to harsh conditions. Then pop, jump and flip into kinetic energy during Energy Burst and build your own robotic arm. Everyone gets to mix It up during our crazy chemistry class.