(13-Adults) Whether you're a curious beginner or an enthusiast eager to explore the latest technology, this hands-on course will take you on a captivating journey. Expert instructors will guide you through understanding the basics of 3D printing to creating and printing your own designs. Unleash your creativity and be amazed at the endless possibilities of this innovative and transformative technology. No prior experience required. A laptop or tablet with mouse and an email address are required. A Fairfax County library card number is recommended. There will be a $15 materials fee.

(6-12 yrs.) Designed especially for young curious minds, this course introduces children and their parent to 3D printing. Through fun and age-appropriate activities, students the basics of 3D design and witness their creations come to life as tangible objects. From custom toys to personalized backpack tags, this class is an exciting adventure of creativity and technology. No prior experience needed. A laptop or tablet, Fairfax County library card and an email address are required. There will be a $15 materials fee.

(7-12 yrs.) Learn engineering strategies for building sturdy structures using unique RoboThink bricks, and then apply that knowledge to build multiple robots for a variety of friendly competitions. You'll have a blast as you play robot soccer, compete in robot relay races, and complete dozens of other fun challenges in this RoboThink program.

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

(6-12 yrs) In this class offered by STEM exCEL, students explore electronics in a virtual world with essentially infinite resources. Using Minecraft's wire system called Redstone, students can build constructs representing real-world electrical circuits and simple computer projects. Students gain an initial understanding of circuitry, electronics and electrical theory to understand virtually how real circuits, switches, bread boards, etc. are used. Any supply fee payable to instructor at first class.

(11-17 yrs.) In this interactive gaming class gamers are in a classroom setting where they can learn and gain tips from others plus receive coaching on strategic game play. Participants will make new friends, have fun playing games and feel safe in an inclusive environment. This session features the Nintendo Switch platform with various games.

(6-11 yrs.) Use your critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities to engineer a solution for our secret seasonal challenge. Attack the design problem and work within the criteria and constraints to see if you can come up with the best solution.

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

(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.

(6-12 yrs.) In this Athena Coding class students engage in hands-on activities such as creating a lava lamp, engineering a fully functional race car and Ferris Wheel, levitating a ping pong ball, and constructing a Newton’s Cradle. Activities introduce students to a deeper understanding of the world around them as well as scientific concepts like physical and chemical reactions, potential and kinetic energy, as well as acids and bases. Students have a blast and take home their experiments after each class.

(6-12 yrs.) Get ready for a thrilling ride with Lego SPIKE Robotics: Amazing Amusement Park! In this Baroody Camps course students explore the exciting world of amusement parks as they build and code their own attractions. From Ferris wheels to spinning teacups, wild ideas come to life through hands-on projects using everyday themes. As they work on their projects, students develop computational thinking skills, including the ability to create and follow sequences, identify cause and effect, and understand simple loops, followed by testing and debugging programs to ensure that their creations are ready for the amusement park.

(8-12 yrs.) This Sci Genie class combines the exciting world of LEGO with programming. Students work in teams through a series of challenges to program and manipulate their own robots. Skills are enhanced across science, engineering, technology and coding through project-based activities. The unique combination of the LEGO brick, classroom-friendly software and inspiring, standards-based science projects results in a resource that builds students’ confidence.

(5-8 yrs.) In this Baroody Camps class students bring their favorite zoo animals to life. Each week, students build and code a different animal robot using axles, timing belts, gears, laptops and coding blocks while learning fun facts about these animals. The creations will be animated using special programming software. This program provides fun learning experiences while helping to develop skills such as confidence, creativity and collaboration.

(6-12 yrs.) In this Stem exCEL Minecraft Programming class students learn important problem-solving and design skills with Command Block and Redstone. Coding concepts are instructed for all kinds of amazing projects that include flying machines, large-scale rollercoasters, and water elevators.

(6-Adult) Explore the exciting world of science with fun hands-on experiments, activities, and challenges. Enrich your understanding of various science and engineering topics using scientific investigations, observations, and lab skills with the guidance of a park naturalist. Each outdoor class will focus on a different science theme. Check session notes for details. All supplies included. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(7-12 yrs.) Students unleash their creativity and construct a variety of animal robots in this RoboThink program. Using mainboards, DC motors, gears and axles, students gain programming skills while creating captivating pet robots.

(7-12 yrs.) In this RoboThink class students build robots inspired by different kinds of planes, trains and cars using motors, gears and batteries, then bring their creations to life.

(10-14 yrs.) Powered by the LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Education Ev3 Base Set and Software, this CyberTeck Academy class combines the world of Lego with programming to manipulate and program your own robot. Students use the simple, but powerful software to create commands with drag and-drop visual programming and configure different sensors that track motion, light, & touch to create the ultimate robot.

(6-9 yrs.) Powered by the LEGO® Education WeDo Base Set and Software, this CyberTeck Academy class combines the exciting world of Lego with programming to manipulate and program robots. This class is tailored to students who want to learn the basics of visual programming. Students create commands for their robots to follow by using an application with a drag-and-drop interface that is visually simple to use, but capable of complex instructions.

(9-12 yrs.) Students join a park naturalist to investigate the interrelationship between earth cycles, ecosystems, and plant and animal functions at the cell level. Examine human impact on ecosystem health. Includes hands-on activities, experiments, nature hikes and outdoor exploration. Topics change seasonally.

(6-10 yrs.) Discover how flight developed from birds and insects to balloons and kites, then to planes and rockets. Conduct hands-on experiments to see how lift, drag, weight and thrust make flying possible.

(6-10 yrs.) Get ready for a little deception, secret messaging and eavesdropping. Learn the science of spying and create your own secret messages and practice a few of these skills yourself.

(6-9 yrs.) In this Baroody Camps class, students create potions and exciting chemical reactions. Erupt a volcano, make indoor snow, step inside a giant bubble, grow a giant crystal or blast a rocket into the air while learning about the states of matter and how things change with mixtures, solutions, and chemical reactions.

(5-11 yrs.) Learn why skeletons aren't scary, but are essential to your everyday life. Make a glow-in-the-dark skeleton craft to take home.

(5-Adult) Discover the states of matter through dry ice science as we make bubbling concoctions, screaming spoons and Boo bubbles. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult, registered in the program.

(8-14 yrs.) Are you ready to take your game design skills to another level? With Unity, an industry-grade design software, aspiring game designers will learn level editing, 3D modeling, impactful gameplay creation, as well as how to utilize scripts and variables. Student-created games will be available on a password protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. Returning students can create more advanced projects that build on previous years. Compatible with MAC and Windows OS only and requires a 64-bit operating system.

(8-14 yrs.) Calling all future coders, programmers, & designers! Learn the basics of coding languages like HTML, JavaScript, and CSS through a series of web projects and design challenges each day and be on your way to becoming the next tech star. This Black Rocket class has the essentials you need to begin your journey. Projects will be available on a Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. Returning students can create more advanced projects that build on previous years. *Compatible with MAC, Windows, and Chrome OS.

(8-14 yrs.) In this Black Rocket classic, you will go well beyond the limitations of the traditional 2D game design classes and create an immersive 3D world. Students learn the physics behind 3D games, explore beginner event scripting, level design, controlling the flow of gameplay, and storytelling. Student projects will be available on a password protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. Projects are only compatible with Windows devices.

(8-14 yrs.) Customize your own Minecraft world and mod the classic game in this Black Rocket class. Learn scripting and logic statements as you create your first mods. Students will create a wide variety of new elements, gameplay mechanics, and world generating mods to change the way you play Minecraft. Projects will be available on a password protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. Students must have the Java version of Minecraft to take this class. Tablet, phone, and game console versions of Minecraft are not compatible. Returning students can create more advanced projects that build on previous years.

(8-14 yrs.) Take the next step beyond simply playing Minecraft and become a true Redstone engineer. Expand your Redstone knowledge by constructing your own carnival with a variety of mini-games, roller coasters and attractions. Learn how to use Command and Structure blocks to incorporate them into your builds. Activate your skills and take your Minecraft structures to the next level! Students must have the Java version of Minecraft to take this class. Tablet, phone, and game console versions of Minecraft are not compatible.

(8-14 yrs.) Want to learn the world's fastest-growing programming language favored by Google, NASA, Youtube, and the CIA? Learn how to code with Python to create engaging apps and games in this Black Rocket class. Each lesson takes you step-by-step on a programming path that will let you challenge friends with fun content you create from start to finish! Returning students can create more advanced projects that build on previous years. *Compatible with MAC, Windows, and Chrome OS.

(8-14 yrs.) Are you an avid Roblox player and creator? Join us virtually on Friday nights to collaborate and play mini-games with one of our Roblox Coaches and make new friends in a safe and fun environment.

(8-14 yrs.) Unlock the power of ROBLOX® Studio, the world creation tool used by real-world ROBLOX® developers in this Black Rocket class. Learn how to build 3D models and create an adventure in your ROBLOX® world. Bring characters to life with unique animations you design. Student-created projects will be available on a password protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. *Compatible with MAC and Windows OS only.

(8-14 yrs.) Find your voice and leave your mark on the world in this Black Rocket class. Explore the variety of content and personalities that exist on YouTube and how to find your own niche. Learn the Dos and Don’ts of the platform and how to practice good digital citizenship. Develop your on-camera presence, your own channel branding, and professional editing skills. Develop a plan for launching your own channel with the content created in class! Student projects will be available on a password protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. *Compatible with MAC and Windows OS only.

(8-14 yrs.) Teach your kids the secrets of building financial wealth and security! Whether you want to build the next great American company, become a Wall Street tycoon, or be the millionaire next door by investing wisely - this camp is for you! In this course, you will learn the basics of investing in the stock market, the difference between assets and liabilities, the importance of diversification, and how to evaluate companies. You will also develop your own business plan and present your ideas to your peers to compete for their investments in a mock Shark Tank-style activity. Students will work in pairs or teams for most of the program. This course requires access to computers with internet to complete market research.

(5-8 yrs.) In this Baroody Camps class, students use a curriculum powered by LEGO Educational group which includes fun robotics projects using LEGO bricks to build robots. Projects help students improve their math, physics and engineering skills while having a ton of fun.