STEM Programs Near Me

Where they are: These mini-scientists are figuring out how the world works. They are curious and creative problem solvers who love to experiment with new ideas. What to expect in class: A multi-disciplinary class designed to introduce your child to engineering, design, art, and math. This S.T.E.A.M. inspired class is great for the young maker and thinker. It takes an active approach to school readiness and maintains our whole-child learning philosophy. Benefits: Physical: Little eyes, ears and hands are fully immersed in a sensory rich environment with curated materials selected to enhance sensory awareness and creative potential. Cognitive: Scientific thinking and experimentation provide children with the tools for creative problem solving. Social: Children build on the important social skills they’ll need for school, like peer collaboration, impulse control,independence, and confidence in a safe and nurturing environment. Adults: Parents and children work together as co-creators in invention, discovery and play.

Design it. Build it. Take it home. If your child loves creating, building, and figuring out how things work, this camp is a perfect fit. In 3D Printing & Design Lab, students step into the role of a real product designer. They’ll learn how to design objects from scratch using professional-grade CAD software (TinkerCAD by AutoCAD - the same tool used by engineers and product teams), then bring those ideas to life using actual 3D printers. This is a hands-on, project-driven camp. Students don’t just watch or follow instructions - they design, iterate, and improve their creations throughout the week. From gadgets and tools to creative models and custom parts, students experience the full design-to-production process. What students will do: Learn the fundamentals of 3D modeling and CAD design Use industry-standard software in a kid-friendly way Design multiple original projects Watch their designs become real on a 3D printer Take home their printed creations Along the way, students build confidence, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of how modern products are actually made - skills that translate directly into engineering, design, and STEM careers. Important note: Because 3D printing takes time, some projects may finish printing after camp hours. In those cases, completed prints will be available for pickup at Silicon STEM following the camp. This is one of our most popular camps for a reason - kids leave proud of what they’ve built, and parents love seeing real skills turn into real objects. If your student likes this class, they will love the Advanced 3D Printing camp (we use Onshape as the 3D CAD program) focused on more advanced design concepts, or another design-oriented camp like the Virtual Reality camp, or perhaps consider a more hands-on type camp like Battlebots with VEX Robotics.

Design it. Build it. Take it home. If your child loves creating, building, and figuring out how things work, this camp is a perfect fit. In 3D Printing & Design Lab, students step into the role of a real product designer. They’ll learn how to design objects from scratch using professional-grade CAD software (TinkerCAD by AutoCAD - the same tool used by engineers and product teams), then bring those ideas to life using actual 3D printers. This is a hands-on, project-driven camp. Students don’t just watch or follow instructions - they design, iterate, and improve their creations throughout the week. From gadgets and tools to creative models and custom parts, students experience the full design-to-production process. What students will do: Learn the fundamentals of 3D modeling and CAD design Use industry-standard software in a kid-friendly way Design multiple original projects Watch their designs become real on a 3D printer Take home their printed creations Along the way, students build confidence, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of how modern products are actually made - skills that translate directly into engineering, design, and STEM careers. Important note: Because 3D printing takes time, some projects may finish printing after camp hours. In those cases, completed prints will be available for pickup at Silicon STEM following the camp. This is one of our most popular camps for a reason - kids leave proud of what they’ve built, and parents love seeing real skills turn into real objects. If your student likes this class, they will love the Advanced 3D Printing camp (we use Onshape as the 3D CAD program) focused on more advanced design concepts, or another design-oriented camp like the Virtual Reality camp, or perhaps consider a more hands-on type camp like Battlebots with VEX Robotics.

In this hands-on engineering camp, students learn how to build their own interactive electronic devices. Using user-friendly microcontrollers, campers will build circuits, then code them to create systems that light up, buzz, react to motion & sound, and more. Students begin with the basics—how electricity flows, how devices collect data, and how coding controls hardware—then apply those skills to build smart alarms, reaction-time games, simple monitors, and interactive devices. (No coding experience required.) By the end of the week, each camper will have developed a working knowledge of physical computing, controls, sensors and more. This camp is ideal for students new to electronics as well as those ready to level up their engineering skills. Recommended for ages 11-15.

Go beyond playing Minecraft — learn how to change it. If your student loves Minecraft and is ready to take the next step, Minecraft Modding shows them how to turn their ideas into real, playable features inside the game. In this camp, students learn how to create their own Minecraft mods (short for modifications) that add new worlds, biomes, characters, and items to the game. Campers move from simply playing Minecraft to understanding how it works behind the scenes - and how to shape it themselves. Using MCreator, a powerful yet beginner-friendly drag-and-drop, Java-based modding tool, students design and build custom mods through an intuitive visual interface. Along the way, they’re introduced to core Java programming concepts, learning how code brings their creations to life. What students will do: Design custom Minecraft mods using MCreator Create new worlds, biomes, characters, and items Learn how games are structured and modified Explore introductory Java programming concepts Develop problem-solving, logic, and creative thinking skills This camp blends creativity, game design, and real-world coding foundations in a way that’s engaging and accessible. Many parents see Minecraft Modding as a natural gateway into deeper coding and software development skills—and kids love seeing their ideas come alive inside a game they already enjoy. If your student loves Minecraft Modding, they may also enjoy: Coding 101 BattleBots Game Design camps Minecraft Modding is where creativity meets code - and where players become creators.

In this hands-on engineering camp, students learn how to build their own interactive electronic devices. Using user-friendly microcontrollers, campers will build circuits, then code them to create systems that light up, buzz, react to motion & sound, and more. Students begin with the basics—how electricity flows, how devices collect data, and how coding controls hardware—then apply those skills to build smart alarms, reaction-time games, simple monitors, and interactive devices. (No coding experience required.) By the end of the week, each camper will have developed a working knowledge of physical computing, controls, sensors and more. This camp is ideal for students new to electronics as well as those ready to level up their engineering skills. Recommended for ages 11-15.

Build, Engineer & Compete. Design it. Build it. Battle it. If your student loves building, problem-solving, and friendly competition, BattleBots delivers an unforgettable hands-on engineering experience. In this camp, students work in teams to design and build their own robots using VEX IQ robotics kits, the same platform used in competitive robotics programs worldwide. Campers start from the ground up—planning, constructing, testing, and improving their robots as they learn how engineering decisions impact real-world performance. Once their robots are built, teams customize and fine-tune their designs in preparation for a series of exciting challenges. The week culminates in a BattleBots®-style tournament, where robots face off in a structured, high-energy competition that rewards strategy, teamwork, and creative problem-solving. What students will do: Design and build a robot from scratch using VEX IQ Learn mechanical design and basic engineering principles Test, troubleshoot, and improve robot performance Collaborate with teammates and follow design constraints Compete in a fun, structured robot tournament While campers do not take their robots home, they gain something even more valuable: engineering experience, teamwork skills, and confidence built through hands-on problem-solving. Ages: 10–15 Prerequisite: Ability to work collaboratively and follow building guidelines If your student enjoys BattleBots, they may also love: Rocketry 3D Printing & CAD Advanced Robotics and Engineering camps BattleBots is where creativity, strategy, and engineering collide and one of our most popular camps for students ready to level up their STEM skills.

A hands-on introduction to real-world robotics and engineering. One of Silicon STEM’s most popular camps, LEGO Robotics introduces campers to the powerful LEGO® Mindstorms robotics platform—the same system widely used in middle and high school robotics programs. Campers work in pairs to design and build different machine-style robots, then bring them to life using block-based programming in the EV3 coding environment. As they test and refine their robots, students learn how code controls movement, sensors, and decision-making. Depending on the build, robots may be programmed to: Sort objects Perform pick-and-place tasks Balance or react to sensors Complete structured engineering challenges This camp is perfect for students who love tinkering, building, and figuring out how things work. Along the way, campers develop problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and teamwork—core abilities used by engineers and roboticists. What students will do: Build robots using the LEGO Mindstorms platform Learn block-based coding and robotics logic Program robots to complete real-world style tasks Test, troubleshoot, and improve designs Collaborate with a partner on engineering challenges LEGO Robotics is an excellent “get ahead” experience for students interested in future robotics programs and competitions, and a natural next step toward BattleBots, Rocketry, and advanced engineering camps. Note: This is a collaborative camp. Students will work in pairs throughout the week.

A playful introduction to robotics and programming. In Robotics with Sphero BOLT, campers dive into the world of robotics using one of the most engaging robots around - a programmable, sensor-packed robotic ball that responds to code, creativity, and experimentation. Students learn how to code and control their Sphero BOLT as they tackle hands-on challenges that involve driving, navigating obstacles, displaying designs on the built-in LED matrix, and even communicating with other robots using infrared signals. Each activity introduces core STEM concepts in a way that feels more like play than work. This camp is designed to spark curiosity and build confidence. Campers experiment, test ideas, and immediately see the results of their code in action—helping them understand how programming controls real-world devices. What students will do: Learn the basics of robotics and block-based coding Program movement, speed, and direction Use the LED matrix to create designs, animations, and games Explore sensors and infrared communication Solve challenges through trial, error, and collaboration No prior robotics or coding experience is required. This camp is an excellent introduction for students who enjoy hands-on learning and want to explore STEM in a fun, approachable way. Robotics with Sphero BOLT often inspires campers to continue into LEGO Robotics, BattleBots, or coding and game design camps as they grow.

A hands-on introduction to real-world robotics and engineering. One of Silicon STEM’s most popular camps, LEGO Robotics introduces campers to the powerful LEGO® Mindstorms robotics platform—the same system widely used in middle and high school robotics programs. Campers work in pairs to design and build different machine-style robots, then bring them to life using block-based programming in the EV3 coding environment. As they test and refine their robots, students learn how code controls movement, sensors, and decision-making. Depending on the build, robots may be programmed to: Sort objects Perform pick-and-place tasks Balance or react to sensors Complete structured engineering challenges This camp is perfect for students who love tinkering, building, and figuring out how things work. Along the way, campers develop problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and teamwork—core abilities used by engineers and roboticists. What students will do: Build robots using the LEGO Mindstorms platform Learn block-based coding and robotics logic Program robots to complete real-world style tasks Test, troubleshoot, and improve designs Collaborate with a partner on engineering challenges LEGO Robotics is an excellent “get ahead” experience for students interested in future robotics programs and competitions, and a natural next step toward BattleBots, Rocketry, and advanced engineering camps. Note: This is a collaborative camp. Students will work in pairs throughout the week.

Turn creativity into content - and ideas into polished videos. In YouTube Creator Lab, campers learn what it really takes to create engaging video content - from planning and filming to editing and presentation. This camp focuses on creative storytelling, video production, and responsible content creation, not just posting videos online. Throughout the week, students use a professional video-editing application to transform raw footage into polished videos. They learn how thoughtful editing choices - like titles, transitions, music, and effects - can dramatically improve the quality and impact of a video. Campers also explore what makes content compelling and learn best practices around audience engagement, branding, and digital citizenship, helping them understand how creators grow channels responsibly and creatively. What students will do: Plan and storyboard video ideas Edit videos using industry-standard tools Add titles, transitions, music, and visual effects Learn the basics of storytelling and audience engagement Explore how creators grow channels and build an online presence This camp is perfect for students who enjoy video, storytelling, creativity, and media production. Whether they dream of being a creator or simply want to build valuable digital skills, campers leave with confidence and a stronger understanding of how content is made. Prerequisite: Basic computer and keyboarding skills Ages: 10–15 YouTube Creator Lab pairs well with Game Design, Pixel Art, and other creative technology camps for students who love expressing ideas through digital media.

In this all-day game development bootcamp, teens take on the role of an indie game designer and build a complete, playable video game from start to finish using the professional game engine, Godot. (Godot is open-source software, but offers comparable quality to Unity3D.) Campers learn how real games are designed, coded, and refined as they create gameplay mechanics, characters, levels, and user interfaces while working through the full development process. Throughout the week, students will write game logic using GDScript, implement physics and movement, design enemies or NPCs, and test their games through play-testing and feedback. By the end of the bootcamp, each camper should be able to complete a fully playable game and leave with a deeper understanding of real-world game development concepts. 13+ Recommended (but not required): Prior basic coding knowledge in Scratch, Coding 101, Python, or another programming language. Motivated beginners are welcome.

A playful introduction to robotics and programming. In Robotics with Sphero BOLT, campers dive into the world of robotics using one of the most engaging robots around - a programmable, sensor-packed robotic ball that responds to code, creativity, and experimentation. Students learn how to code and control their Sphero BOLT as they tackle hands-on challenges that involve driving, navigating obstacles, displaying designs on the built-in LED matrix, and even communicating with other robots using infrared signals. Each activity introduces core STEM concepts in a way that feels more like play than work. This camp is designed to spark curiosity and build confidence. Campers experiment, test ideas, and immediately see the results of their code in action—helping them understand how programming controls real-world devices. What students will do: Learn the basics of robotics and block-based coding Program movement, speed, and direction Use the LED matrix to create designs, animations, and games Explore sensors and infrared communication Solve challenges through trial, error, and collaboration No prior robotics or coding experience is required. This camp is an excellent introduction for students who enjoy hands-on learning and want to explore STEM in a fun, approachable way. Robotics with Sphero BOLT often inspires campers to continue into LEGO Robotics, BattleBots, or coding and game design camps as they grow.

A hands-on introduction to real-world robotics and engineering. One of Silicon STEM’s most popular camps, LEGO Robotics introduces campers to the powerful LEGO® Mindstorms robotics platform—the same system widely used in middle and high school robotics programs. Campers work in pairs to design and build different machine-style robots, then bring them to life using block-based programming in the EV3 coding environment. As they test and refine their robots, students learn how code controls movement, sensors, and decision-making. Depending on the build, robots may be programmed to: Sort objects Perform pick-and-place tasks Balance or react to sensors Complete structured engineering challenges This camp is perfect for students who love tinkering, building, and figuring out how things work. Along the way, campers develop problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and teamwork—core abilities used by engineers and roboticists. What students will do: Build robots using the LEGO Mindstorms platform Learn block-based coding and robotics logic Program robots to complete real-world style tasks Test, troubleshoot, and improve designs Collaborate with a partner on engineering challenges LEGO Robotics is an excellent “get ahead” experience for students interested in future robotics programs and competitions, and a natural next step toward BattleBots, Rocketry, and advanced engineering camps. Note: This is a collaborative camp. Students will work in pairs throughout the week.

Gaze at the world around you – a dazzling array of life! What's the story behind this biodiversity? Embark on a scientific journey to uncover the secrets of evolution. We'll explore how amazing adaptations help species survive, delve into the role of genetic mutations, and follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin to understand natural selection. You'll piece together evidence and see firsthand how life, including humans, has evolved over time. Get ready to think like a scientist and explore the epic tale of life on Earth!

Welcome to Messy Art Lab’s MESSY MINIS! Each week, little artists will embark on a creative adventure, freely exploring a variety of engaging stations at their own pace. From handmade play dough to colorful sensory bins and open-ended art stations, this is a space for children to follow their curiosity, experiment with materials, and engage in hands-on discovery. Messy play encouraged—squish, splash, mix, and create! A Child-Led Experience * Follow your child's lead—step back, observe, and let them take the reins! There is no "right" way to explore, only endless possibilities. The focus is on the process, not the final product. *Parents, if a nanny or grandparent will be accompanying your child, please take a moment to share the Messy Art Lab approach. Class Guidelines * Dress for mess—comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting a little (or a lot!) messy. *One adult per child to ensure a relaxed and spacious environment. What This Experience Offers Through sensory-rich, child-led exploration, your little one will naturally develop: *Creativity & Imagination * Fine & Gross Motor Skills * Language & Social Skills *Problem-Solving & Cognitive Growth Our Free-Flowing Exploration Schedule *Welcome Time! – Settle in and get ready to explore! *Discovery Time!– Move freely between stations—play, create, and investigate at your own pace. *Tidy-Up Time! – A gentle transition as we care for our creative space. * Bubbles & Boogie– Dance, pop bubbles, and enjoy rhythmic fun together. Please note, this class does not include a main activity but each week, we will aim to introduce a recipe station.

For more details, please follow the below link http://kidsstemstudio.com/napervilleclasses/

Wednesday is 1/2 off! And a bonus we will have story time from 10:00-10:30am every Wednesday!* STEMful is a space designed for parents/caregivers to play with their children. We have a wide selection of toys and structures for children up to 8 years old. Use this daily pass to purchase/register a play space pass for your children. - To register children 0 up to 5 months, enter PlaySpace0 during check out old to pay $0/play pass. - To register children 6 up to 11 months, enter in PlaySpace50 during check to pay $3/play pass. Play Space package can be applied to a daily pass purchase. Children's name and birthday must be on registration account. *NO StoryTime on the following dates: 2025: 11/26, 12/24, 12/31 (closed on these dates) 2026: 6/3-9/2 (closed on these dates)

High School Impromptu Speaking Grades 9–12 | 5-Session Series This high-energy 5-session course helps high school students think fast, speak clearly, and express themselves with confidence in any situation. Through engaging games, fast-paced speaking challenges, and real-world scenarios, students learn how to organize their thoughts on the spot and speak up without fear. Whether participating in class discussions, giving presentations, interviewing for opportunities, or communicating with peers and adults, these skills support students academically, socially, and emotionally. At Highest Speak, we focus on: WHAT to say • HOW to structure it • HOW to speak confidently—anytime, anywhere. Why This Skill Matters Strong communication skills help students: -Participate confidently in class and presentations - Perform better in interviews, leadership roles, and group work - Build social confidence and self-advocacy skills. - Reduce anxiety and develop lasting self-confidence Communication is one of the most critical skills for college, careers, relationships, and mental well-being. How Each 1-Hour Class Works • Confidence warm-ups to break the ice and lower anxiety • Skill of the day (organizing thoughts, starting strong, speaking clearly under pressure) • Small-group practice with lots of speaking and personalized feedback Every student speaks multiple times each class in a supportive, encouraging environment. All sessions are led by expert Highest Speak instructors. For classes with more than 10 students, two instructors ensure individualized attention and feedback. This upbeat, confidence-building class helps high school students find their voice, think on their feet, and speak with confidence—everywhere it matters.

Perfect for our youngest scientists, this program introduces fun, hands-on activities that make science easy and exciting to understand. Tailored just for kids, Mini Lab sparks curiosity while helping them discover the wonders of science in an engaging, playful environment.

Encourage curiosity and build self-confidence in your preschooler through art, science exploration, play, and more. Teachers look to nurture key social and emotional skills, and engage in activities that require cooperation and social interaction.