(13-Adult) 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.

(13-Adult) Everyone loves articulated dragons. Have you ever looked at the fun dragon designs and wanted to make your own? This workshop is for those that have taken 3D printing basics or have a working knowledge of how to use TinkerCAD. This course covers the steps needed to create your own articulated Dragon designs and print them. There will be two classes of two hours on consecutive weekends. We will print one design per person which will be available for pick up at the rec center one week after the second class. Bring a laptop and a mouse. $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.

(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 using if-then-else statements, for-while loops, and implementing their own functions using Lua, a simple scripting language.

(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.) 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.) Learn the how mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and fish are classified. We use outdoor exploration, observation and lab skills to explore this topic.

(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.

(5-8 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.

(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.

(7-Adult) Chase away Winter boredom by going on an interactive space adventure that includes an activity, puzzles, and a craft.

(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) 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.

(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.

This evening program will focus on viewing opportunities special to Observatory Park. Learn about the special sights appearing this month and enjoy solar system walks and dark sky education. Brought to you by Fairfax County Park Authority this public viewing event is free, but registration is required to secure your spot under the stars.

(8-Adult) Share the wonder of winter stars with someone special during our romantic Valentine’s stargazing adventure. This enchanting evening stroll combines astronomy education with Valentine’s Day Magic. Create lasting memories as families explore the night sky together, learning about the cosmos while enjoying quality time under the stars. This evening adventure concludes with hot cocoa and Valentine’s treats.

(5-Adult) Does Valentine’s Day make you think of electricity, chemistry, magnetism, candy? This year share the love with your family while we explore those topics and more with hands-on Valentine’s Day science.

(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.) Join kids around the country in our Creator Corps Community of Minecraft maniacs who play and create together. Each week have fun playing Minecraft and learning new tricks from our Minecraft Masters. Each Friday one of our Coaches will teach a new technique and challenge to the club and let you show off your skills.

(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.) 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.) Discover the Lua coding language while designing experiences in ROBLOX®, an online universe where you can create anything you can dream of. This class combines game design concepts, coding and fun. New developers will learn to use Roblox’s Studio software to reimagine the popular game genres with your own custom code! Student-created games 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.