Video STEAM Workshops for Kids and Teens

Live and Pre-Recorded Workshops using Everyday Stuff

For schools, libraries, afterschool programs, or at home — no special supplies needed!

For Kids:

For Teens:

  • Paper Circuitry:

    • Light-Up Paper Creatures

    • Build a Buzzing Board Game

    • Light-Up Action Origami

    • Light-Up Infinity Mirror Magic Box

Online workshops featuring make-along projects

All you need for most workshops is everyday household stuff like scrap paper and old t-shirts or simple, low-cost electronics (shopping lists and/or kits available).

Workshops include printable instructions and links to additional resources to explore afterwards.

Projects are adapted from my books — make sure to have them in your collection!

Build BOTS!

Discover how robots work, from soft stretchy crawlers to mechanical walkers to programmable robots! In this workshop, you’ll get a look at some simple prototypes you can make from everyday stuff like old electronics and recycled materials. Then try a real working project using just paper, scissors, and tape. Or, start coding with inexpensive microcontrollers and free online software.

Step-by-step video and written instructions help you follow along. It’s never been easier to get started with robotics, in the classroom or at home!

Projects include:

  • Walking Robot Dog

  • Motorized ArtBot

  • Robot Fin Gripper

  • Light-Up Pressure Sensor

  • Programmable DrawBot

Paper Inventions: Amazing Math Models!

Create paper designs that make math fun! Explore the mysterious behavior of math models like the Mobius strip, the hexaflexagon, and the dragon curve fractal using just paper, scissors, tape, and markers.

Edible Inventions: Kitchen Chemistry

Explore the science behind familiar foods and exotic recipes. It’s a little bit messy, extremely tasty, and a lot of fun! The recipes use easy-to-find ingredients and standard kitchen tools. They include:

  • Super Speedy Butter, made with heavy cream and a disposable water bottle

  • Aquafaba Meringue Chocolate Ice Cream, a frozen dairy treat (with a vegan option)

  • Fizzy Lemonade — think volcano in a cup!

Musical Inventions

Kids will learn the science behind sound and music by making their own! Find out how musical instruments work, and see how to make instruments out of drinking straws (or rolled up paper), string and paper cups, and other common materials.

Click here or on the image of the straw oboe girl above to watch quick videos demonstrating more than a dozen projects, along with some of the real-life musician/inventors who inspired them!

Fabric and Fiber Inventions: Make a T-Shirt Tote!

Learn how fabrics are made, and what makes t-shirt fabric a great material to work with! Then follow along as I show you how to upcycle an old t-shirt into a handy carry-all — no sewing needed! Kids will make a tote bag, and teens will make a drawstring backpack or macrame water bottle carrier.

Paper Circuitry for Teens

Choose from projects that demonstrate how electric circuits, switches, and components work with some fun light-up paper models. Projects include:

  • Light-Up Origami Jumping Frog: Learn to fold a tranditional action origami design, then add LED eyes that light up when you get the frog ready to hop!

  • Light-Up Creatures: The electrical circuit becomes part of the design as you create a Light-Up Kitty, Dino, or creature from your own imagination!

  • Infinity Mirror Box (with hidden compartment): The lid of this box contains an optical illusion — a tunnel of lights that appears to go on forever. Makes a great gift box for hiding special treasures. Option of cut-and-fold template or advanced origami box.

Electronics needed (individual or group kits available): LEDs, 3V disk batteries, and copper tape.

Details and Fees

Fees for my online workshops are negotiable. Reduced rates are available for multiple programs at the same location and for group bookings for several locations, including through library systems.

Materials

Unless otherwise noted, workshops require only everyday stuff like school supplies, kitchen basics, old t-shirts, or recycled cardboard boxes.

My Build BOTS and Tech and Coding workshops require only inexpensive, easy-to-find electronic components. Some can be salvaged from dollar store devices (instructions available). Ask about adding kits to your class!

Look for My Upcoming Public Workshops and Appearances!