Middle School

"Learn how computer programs are created and start coding
your own. Students will learn basic computer programming
and gain understanding of how our modern world works in
this fun and exciting workshop. Thanks to ThoughtSTEM for
presenting this workshop."

During this Library NExT game design course, students will learn how to make zombies walk and magic carpets fly. This course teaches animation basics as well as character and storyboard design. Each participant creates their own video game design project using MIT’s online programming platform, Scratch, from the MIT Media Lab. Scratch is an easy to use interface that incorporates fundamental logical concepts of computer programming, serving as a launch into all aspects of game design. No prior computer coding experience required.

The many wonders of chocolate, from the biochemical effects on humans to how and why it changes state, are probed in this Library NExT course. We look at the history of the cocoa tree, including how it is processed and which chemicals contribute to the unique chocolate taste. Budding bakers will run an edible experiment and make chocolate cookies.

Library NExT’s Messy Science class offers hands-on learning activities, including the opportunity to design structures and test their resiliency. Students explore concepts such as tsunamis, landslides, permafrost, glaciers, and sea level rise. Learn why and how things ooze, what makes an explosion and the hidden reason why some things can spin and others cannot. Come prepared to make a mess.

During this Library NExT game design course, students will learn how to make zombies walk and magic carpets fly. This course teaches animation basics as well as character and storyboard design. Each participant creates their own video game design project using MIT’s online programming platform, Scratch, from the MIT Media Lab. Scratch is an easy to use interface that incorporates fundamental logical concepts of computer programming, serving as a launch into all aspects of game design. No prior computer coding experience required.

Library NExT’s Messy Science class offers hands-on learning activities, including the opportunity to design structures and test their resiliency. Students explore concepts such as tsunamis, landslides, permafrost, glaciers, and sea level rise. Learn why and how things ooze, what makes an explosion and the hidden reason why some things can spin and others cannot. Come prepared to make a mess.

STEM in Your Backyard brings pocket-sized versions of the popular San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering EXPO Day to neighborhoods all over the county throughout the year. STEM In Your Backyard provides access to free, meaningful STEM experiences by bringing the spark of science directly to communities throughout San Diego.

STEM in Your Backyard brings pocket-sized versions of the popular San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering EXPO Day to neighborhoods all over the county throughout the year. STEM In Your Backyard provides access to free, meaningful STEM experiences by bringing the spark of science directly to communities throughout San Diego.

STEM in Your Backyard brings pocket-sized versions of the popular San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering EXPO Day to neighborhoods all over the county throughout the year. STEM In Your Backyard provides access to free, meaningful STEM experiences by bringing the spark of science directly to communities throughout San Diego.

STEM in Your Backyard brings pocket-sized versions of the popular San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering EXPO Day to neighborhoods all over the county throughout the year. STEM In Your Backyard provides access to free, meaningful STEM experiences by bringing the spark of science directly to communities throughout San Diego.