Explore the STEAM Workshops
Session 1
11:15AM - 12:15PM
Science of Tortillas
MRH 102
STEAM
Discover the cultural traditions and science behind tortilla-making through hands-on exploration. Investigate how heat transforms simple ingredients while learning about chemistry, physics, genetics, and food science in every tortilla.
The STEMporium: Magical Adventures and Illusions
MRH 201
STEAM
Experience STEM through interactive stations where science feels like magic. Explore hands-on activities that spark curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving while discovering science, technology, engineering, and math in fun and engaging ways.
African Drumming
West Plaza-Rose Garden
Music
Experience the rhythms and traditions of West African drumming and song in this interactive, hands-on workshop. Learn foundational drumming techniques while exploring music, culture, and community through a shared musical experience.
Engineering Local Environmental Solutions
MRH 145
Engineering
Discover how hands-on research can bring environmental and climate solutions to life for middle and high school students. Explore strategies, resources, and real-world examples that empower educators to engage the next generation of environmental problem-solvers.
Bringing Math to Life with VisMO
MRH 211
Math, Art
Explore how paper folding can inspire mathematical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. Through hands-on VisMO activities, discover practical strategies for building visuospatial reasoning, confidence, and meaningful STEAM learning in the classroom.
Media Explorers
MRH 214
Media
Can you solve the mystery behind what makes some pictures and videos so hard to ignore? Through a creative hands-on activity, kids will explore how media capture our attention and learn to look beyond first impressions.
Spike Prime Robotics
MRH 131
Engineering, Robotics
Learn the fundamentals of robotics and programming using LEGO SPIKE Prime robots. Build, code, and test robots with motors and sensors while solving hands-on engineering challenges through block or Python programming.
Programming Music with Mflow
MRH 133
Music, Physics
Create, transform, and share music while exploring the basics of programming with Mflow. Discover how coding and creativity come together to make interactive sound and music experiences.
Game of Thrones: Level Up
and Launch
MRH 127
Engineering
Design, build, and test towers, bridges, and catapults using everyday materials. Join Young Echelon high school students in a hands-on engineering challenge that encourages creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving through the engineering design process.
Plankton Races: Engineering for Survival
MRH 139
Ocean Sciences
Join us to learn about what it takes to survive as a plankton — an organism too small to swim against the current! In this hands-on engineering challenge, participants become marine biologists and explore why staying near (but not at) the ocean's surface is a matter of life and death for plankton! Participants design, build, and test their own model plankton — competing not for speed, but for the slowest sink rate, mirroring the real adaptations plankton use to stay suspended in the water column. Finally, participants race their plankton in head-to-head elimination brackets with the “slowest” plankton taking the crown!
The Art of Sewing: Machine Sewing for Beginners
MRH 141
Art
Ever wanted to learn how to sew but didn't know where to start? In this hands-on workshop, you'll get comfortable behind the needle, learning to thread, stitch, and troubleshoot like a pro while creating your own small project to take home. No experience necessary, just bring your curiosity and leave with a new skill (and maybe a new hobby)!
Session 2
1:00PM - 2:00PM
Math Meet AI: Community Guide to Learning thru Discovery
MRH 201
Technology, Math, AI
Discover how generative AI can support mathematical thinking for students, families, and educators. Through interactive activities, explore practical ways AI can foster curiosity, build confidence, and deepen conceptual understanding of mathematics.
Caring for Your Organs
MRH 127
Biology
Explore the science of the human body and the importance of preventative health through an interactive learning experience. Examine real human organs, gain insights into anatomy and disease prevention, and discover how everyday choices can support lifelong health.
African Drumming
West Plaza-Rose Garden
Music
Experience the rhythms and traditions of West African drumming and song in this interactive, hands-on workshop. Learn foundational drumming techniques while exploring music, culture, and community through a shared musical experience.
Sensing Nature: A Journey Beyond Sight
MRH 135
STEAM
Experience nature from a new perspective in this immersive workshop led by USD AnchorSTEM scholars. Navigate a guided sensory path and discover how sound, touch, smell, and other senses can deepen your understanding and appreciation of the natural world.
ImPact Made Manageable: from Idea to Launch
*Educators Track*
MRH 211
Design Thinking
Learn practical strategies for designing meaningful project-based learning experiences. Collaborate with fellow educators to map out a classroom-ready project and leave with a clear plan and tools you can implement right away.
Spider Plants & Succulents:
A Healthy Way to Live
MRH 133
Biology
Learn how plants contribute to healthier indoor environments in this hands-on make-and-take workshop. Create your own succulent planter to take home while exploring the science behind plants, air quality, and everyday well-being.
Origami Exploration
MRH 102
Math, Art
Discover the art of origami in this hands-on workshop led by the Greater San Diego Origami Group and VisMo. Learn classic and creative paper-folding models while exploring creativity, problem-solving, and the joy of folding—no experience required.
Camera Traps: Field Monitoring Workshop
MRH 214
Biology
Discover how scientists use technology to monitor ecosystems and study wildlife when they are away. Explore real-world scientific tools and try hands-on activities that reveal how technology supports environmental research.
Robot Building and Programming
MRH 131
Engineering, Robotics
Learn the fundamentals of robotics, engineering, and programming with Team Inspiration. Build and code LEGO racing and sumo robots while exploring mechanical, electrical, and software systems through hands-on challenges.
Ever turned a banana into a game controller? In this hands-on session, a simple idea grows into a real invention: students start with block-based coding, design their own game, then build the physical controller that brings it to life with Makey Makey. It's where software, hardware, and art collide, becoming a class project you can pick up and play. All ages welcome.
MRH 139
Coding
From Blocks to Bananas: Where Code, Circuits & Creativity Collide
The Art of Sewing: Machine Sewing for Beginners
MRH 141
Art
Ever wanted to learn how to sew but didn't know where to start? In this hands-on workshop, you'll get comfortable behind the needle, learning to thread, stitch, and troubleshoot like a pro while creating your own small project to take home. No experience necessary, just bring your curiosity and leave with a new skill (and maybe a new hobby)!
Session 3
2:15PM - 3:15PM
Mathart Boxart
MRH 214
Math, Art
Discover the creative side of math using MathArt. It's a free app that allows you to transform simple shapes and mathematical transformations into stunning work.
Caring for Your Organs
MRH 127
Biology
Explore the science of the human body and the importance of preventative health through an interactive learning experience. Examine real human organs, gain insights into anatomy and disease prevention, and discover how everyday choices can support lifelong health.
How AI Learns: A Hands-On
Intro to Machine Learning
MRH 133
Technology, AI
Explore the basics of artificial intelligence and machine learning through interactive activities and live demonstrations. Discover how computers recognize patterns, learn from data, and power everyday technologies—no coding experience required.
Bicycle Basics: Riding, Safety
& Maintenance
MRH Fountain, South Entrance
Engineering
Learn the fundamentals of bicycle safety, handling, and basic maintenance in this hands-on workshop. Gain practical skills to ride with confidence and keep your bike in great condition.
Making Space for Nature, Making Space for Literature
*Educators Track*
MRH 211
Global Education
In this session, teachers will be introduced to the California Global Education Framework and how they can integrate it into an engaging outdoor learning experience with connections to other California content area frameworks and standards.
Finding the Way: Indoor Navigation for Blind and Low-Vision Travelers
MRH 145
STEAM
Explore Step Navigation, an emerging app designed to help people who are blind or have low vision navigate buildings more independently. Dr. Ron Peterson will demonstrate how STEAM, assistive technology, and community collaboration can address real-world wayfinding needs. Participants are invited to try the technology, share feedback, and help guide its continued development.
Origami Exploration
MRH 102
Math, Art
Discover the art of origami in this hands-on workshop led by the Greater San Diego Origami Group. Learn classic and creative paper-folding models while exploring creativity, problem-solving, and the joy of folding—no experience required.
Drawing Plants and Animals
MRH 201
Biology, Art
Create colorful drawings of plants and animals while exploring art inspired by nature. Experiment with pencils, colored pencils, and crayons to layer colors and bring your bio-inspired artwork to life.
Robot Building and Programming
MRH 131
Engineering, Robotics
Learn the fundamentals of robotics, engineering, and programming with Team Inspiration. Build and code LEGO racing and sumo robots while exploring mechanical, electrical, and software systems through hands-on challenges.
MRH 139
Global Education
Think With AI, Not Just From It: AI for Teachers, Students & Everyone
*Educators Track*
AI can do more than hand you answers: used well, it makes you a sharper thinker. Drawing on HOTE's AI 250 and AI 260 curricula, this session shows how to treat AI as a thinking partner through three lenses: teacher, student, and individual. You'll see how strong AI users pair divergent thinking (generating bold, creative ideas) with convergent thinking (questioning, constraining, and refining them), and leave with practical moves for the classroom, home, or anywhere.
