(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.

(8-Adult) Join a park naturalist 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 in the program.

(8-Adult) Explore planets orbiting distant stars and learn how scientists find them using cool techniques like watching stars flicker or wobble. Dive into what these planets are made of, whether they could host life and catch up on the latest discoveries. Perfect for anyone curious about space, this course promises an eye-opening adventure into the exploration of planets beyond our own. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park.

(8-Adult) The inner planets Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars, plus Earth’s Moon, all have mostly rocky compositions compared to the outer gas giant planets. Of the inner planets, likely only Earth has the conditions to support life. Examining handheld globes of the planets, we will explore their similarities and differences and find out why life is unique to Earth. The program includes observing of planets and the night sky in telescopes, weather permitting. The program is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park.

(8-Adult) This course provides a general introduction to some fundamentals of astronomy and the universe. We will discuss the basic types of astronomical objects from the small to the large, the motions of planets and stars, and interesting phenomena in the night sky. A classroom discussion is followed by an observatory session with telescopes, weather permitting. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner.

(8-Adult) Take a tour of planets, constellations, stars, nebulas and galaxies in the night sky at Turner Farm Observatory Park using telescopes or just your eyes. In case of inclement weather, we will discuss and show images of objects that could be observed in clear skies. No knowledge of astronomy is needed. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park.

(6-Adult) This program is a tour of the planets and moons of our Solar System which are viewable in the current night sky. The classroom discussion is followed by an observatory session of planets and the stars beyond in telescopes, weather permitting. No knowledge of astronomy is needed, just an interest in learning about the universe. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park. Children must be accompanied by an adult also registered in the program.

(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.

(6-11 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.

(8-Adult) Learn what causes the Sun to shine, the Sun's life cycle, and how the Sun compares to other stars. Discuss features on the Sun and how to view the Sun safely. A classroom discussion is accompanied by an observing session of the Sun with solar telescopes, weather permitting. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park.