(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.

(6-12 yrs.) The spring holiday season has so many great choices of 3D printing projects for decorating and gifts. Learn how to use 3D printing to make bunnies, eggs and other spring decorations and basket stuffers for a festive holiday. This class is for those that have taken 3D printing basics or have a working knowledge of TinkerCAD. 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. Adult participation is required.

(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.

(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.

(6-12 yrs.) Enter the world of espionage where students become code-breaking detectives, using critical thinking, pattern recognition and basic programming to crack secret messages. Through hands-on exploration of classic ciphers like substitution and transposition, they'll learn encryption and decryption, uncover spy secrets, and even create their own codes. This engaging, spy-themed program offered by Athena Coding builds analytical skills, curiosity, and teamwork through a thrilling journey into the science of secrecy.

(5-Adult) Find out what’s cracking (or not) as we do various experiments with eggs and learn about their many amazing properties. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult also registered in this program.

(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.

(8-14 yrs.) In this Youth Technology Network students learn what engineers do and how they create things to make our lives safer and better. If you enjoy brainstorming, being creative, inventing new things, problem-solving or are just interested in what engineers do, this activity is for you. All materials and equipment provided.

(7-Adult) Discover historic and modern engineering through demonstrations, hands-on activities and experiments. Engineers build on the work of past engineers to solve problems in the present and future

(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.

(5-8 yrs.) In this class offered by Athletes Global, students will explore chemistry, astronomy, earth science and health through fun, interactive hands-on science experiments while improving their critical, creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(8-13 yrs.) Take your child’s love of Lego® to new heights in this Athena Coding program that blends architectural design, science, and engineering. Students build moving models that demonstrate key STEM concepts, while integrated storytelling boosts creativity, problem-solving, and literacy. Whether beginner or advanced, every builder will be challenged and inspired.

(5-7 yrs.) Venture into the world of Minecraft in this unique LEGO® experience. Get ready to build your base, craft your tools, use your Minecart to harvest raw resources and battle to stop the Ender Dragon from ending the world. Explore the endless possibilities of LEGO® with a trained Play-Well instructor.

(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.

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.

(6-10 yrs.) Celebrate warmer weather with an engineering challenge with a seasonal twist. Think like an engineer to solve this fun spring themed challenge.

(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.