STEM Programs Near Me

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Encourage curiosity and build self-confidence in your preschooler through art, science exploration, play and more. Teachers also read children's books that explore and nurture key social and emotional skills, engage in activities that require cooperation.

Build, Explore & Launch Into Space Blast off into a week of space exploration! NASA LEGO Camp lets campers choose a NASA-themed kit and spend the week building their model while learning about the science, engineering, and missions behind it. From rockets to rovers, campers discover how real spacecrafts are designed and assembled—all while developing hands-on STEM skills. Whether they dream of exploring space, love building, or just enjoy creating intricate models, campers will gain confidence as they learn and build like real engineers—and take their completed kit home! All Summer Campers receive a free TCSL t-shirt!

Explore, Investigate & Discover the Inner Workings of Life Dive into the fascinating world of living organisms! This camp lets young scientists explore human and animal biology through hands-on observation, guided dissections, and comparative anatomy. Campers investigate how different species function and uncover the surprising connections between human organ systems and those of animals like frogs, fish, sharks, and fetal pigs. Whether they’re curious about biology, interested in animals, or excited to explore real scientific specimens, campers will build confidence as they investigate the incredible structures and systems that make life possible. All Summer Campers receive a free TCSL t-shirt!

A Week-Long, Hands-On Science + Cooking Adventure! Get ready to mix, measure, taste, and experiment! Kitchen Scientists is the perfect camp for curious kids who love to explore how science comes alive in the kitchen. Throughout this week-long, hands-on camp, young chefs become real scientists as they investigate chemical reactions, experiment with microbes and enzymes, and test their super-taster senses. Each day features a unique science theme, hands-on experiments, and delicious cooking challenges. Campers will end the week with an exciting Cook-Off Competition to show off their new culinary science skills! All Summer Campers receive a free TCSL t-shirt!

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!

For Grades 2–4 5-Session Series This super fun and high-energy 5-session class helps young speakers learn to think fast, speak boldly, and express themselves with confidence in ANY situation! Through exciting games, silly prompts, movement, and tons of speaking practice, students learn the exact tools they need to speak up without fear. At Highest Speak, we work on WHAT to say, HOW to structure it, and HOW to say anything at ANY time with confidence! ⭐ How Each 1-Hour Class Works 1. High-Energy Ice Breaker & Warm-Up We start with fun, fast, confidence-boosting games that get kids moving, laughing, and ready to speak. Instant comfort → instant participation. 2. Fun Lesson of the Day A quick, kid-friendly lesson teaches one impromptu skill—how to organize thoughts fast, how to start strong, or how to speak clearly without overthinking. Short, simple, and immediately useful. 3. Small-Group Practice + LOTS of Speaking Kids jump into pairs or small groups for fast-paced speaking rounds and silly challenges. Every child speaks multiple times each class and receives warm, supportive, personalized feedback. All sessions are led by our expert Highest Speak instructors, ensuring your child gets focused attention and guidance in a fun, supportive environment. For any more than 10 students, we always have two instructors to ensure plenty of individual attention and feedback. This lively, upbeat class helps kids find their brave voice, think on their feet, and shine—one fun, high-energy moment at a time!

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.

Sign up for each week- we have a new curriculum each week! Kids will enjoy 4 hours of Art and Art related Activities! Day Camp is a drop off program & for ages 4 and older. Each day includes a variety of Cookies & Canvas event, One Day Workshop, OR Pottery Painting & Open Studio time. Most projects will go home same day. (If they have pottery painting that day, they will need to be picked up following week) Kids enjoy stations as well as several art projects during their 4 hours of fun at the Art Studio! Groups separated by age under K-4 grades, 5-8 grades. Bring peanut free sack lunch, snack & water bottle. Please dress for the weather- as we do take a walk in the neighborhood and eat in the garden on days when we can.

In Drawing/Painting Class we will create a variety of fine art projects focusing on technique and style, composition, brushwork, and systematic practice. KVArteest will give input on our subject matter, as we together decide what we want to learn.

Come try one of our Taekwondo Classes! Your child will have the opportunity to learn all about our Dojang (Korean for "Formal Training Hall") and experience what Taekwondo has to offer. Once the trial class is over Master Lee will go over any questions you have about the program including pricing and any Special Promotions we are currently offering. As of Spring 2025 we are offering 2 months of classes which includes a uniform and practice shirt for $99.

In Drawing/Painting Class we will create a variety of fine art projects focusing on technique and style, composition, brushwork, and systematic practice. KVArteest will give input on our subject matter, as we together decide what we want to learn.

In Drawing/Painting Class we will create a variety of fine art projects focusing on technique and style, composition, brushwork, and systematic practice. KVArteest will give input on our subject matter, as we together decide what we want to learn.