All ages/families. Allow 15-20 minutes. Drop-in during branch hours.
Ages 9 & up. Drop in.
Families, all ages. Allow 15-20 minutes. Drop-in.
Learn how to use Blender, an open-source, 3D design program. Create virtual spaces that, when rendered properly, give the illusion of photographic representation.
Have fun learning about the difference between aeronautics and aerodynamics. Learn basic engineering principles applied to both in a fun way. See how they apply to everyday life and make your invention take flight.
Learn the mechanics and engineer a pinball game for the HiTech Carnival and build functional a table-top pinball machine. The HiTech Carnival happens at the East Columbia Branch on Saturday, August 6th.
Learn a new fun way to code and create awesome graphics.
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between you and a microorganism? Were you ever curious about the difference between cellular respiration and photosynthesis?
Learn to draw or sketch on a tablet using the latest technologies just like the professionals.
Taught by a HiTech instructor.
Register once for all five sessions, Mon-Fri.
Registration required. Grades 6-12.
Begin to program in a fun and creative way! Intro to Robotics shows how to program in an artistic and fun way- great for students just learning about programming and interested in making robots move.
Solve different types of mind-bending problems and puzzles that require logic and critical thinking, then participate in a mini-math competition!
Taught by a HiTech instructor.
Apply the skills of an Audio Engineer in music production in the digital realm. Produce your own creations in the HiTech sound booth and music studio.
Taught by a HiTech instructor.
Learn the basics of programming in Python! Create games, interactive programs, and anything else you want. Absolutely no experience required -- you'll learn how to program a basic game in the first class!
Taught by a HiTech instructor.
Science has never been cooler or smoother. Explore the digestive tract and the science behind actual smoothies. Permission slip will be emailed to registrants and required for participation.
Taught by a HiTech Instructor.
This is a class for adult English language learners. Practice conversational skills and discuss topics ranging from small talk and common interests to life, work and current events. If you're new to this class, you'll receive an email invit
Speaking & Listening For English Language Learners - Adult (In-person)
This class is designed for adult English language learners. Practice speaking skills in a supportive environment. Students read one short story each week and discuss it in class.
ALL TOGETHER NOW
All ages with adult; 30 min. Ticket required.
Children build skills in singing, talking, listening, reading, and getting along with others through stories, music, rhymes, and activities.
Tickets will be available at the children's desk 15 minutes before class.
Ticket required. Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.
Ages 3-5 with adult; 30 min. Ticket required.
Fun stories, songs, and activities for preschoolers that spark curiosity and support learning.
PLAY PARTNERS
Ages newborns-23 months with adult; 20-30 min. Ticket required.
Newborns and toddlers learn to express feelings, language, and movement through stories, baby games, musical activities, and playtime.
Tickets will be available at the children's desk 15 minutes before class.
Ages 2-5 with adult; 30 min.
Fun stories, songs, and activities for preschoolers that spark curiosity and support learning.
Tickets required. Tickets issued 15 minutes before the beginning of class.
Work side by side with the gardener and help our Enchanted Garden grow. Learn the joys of gardening and help us with basic garden tasks. Dress for outdoor activity.
Learn how to use Blender, an open-source, 3D design program. Create virtual spaces that, when rendered properly, give the illusion of photographic representation.
Create a stellar Science game or experience for the HiTech Carnival! No experience necessary. The HiTech Carnival happens at the East Columbia Branch on Saturday, August 6th.
In this class, students will learn about Drones, how they fly, and how to race them.
Taught by a HiTech instructor.
Register once for all five sessions,
Engineer a life size Skee Ball Game for the carnival! Build this classic carnival game from scratch and compete against others. Highest score wins! Taught by a HiTech instructor.
Begin to program in a fun and creative way! Intro to Robotics shows how to program in an artistic and fun way- great for students just learning about programming and interested in making robots move.
The brain is a powerful yet mysterious organ that is waiting to tell you its secrets.
Learn how the digital single lens reflex camera is engineered to utilize part of the electromagnetic spectrum we call visible light.
Obtain hands on experience using a DSLR camera and learn numerous picture -taking techniques.
From photos to movie posters, what does it take to create print advertisements for Hollywood movies?
Focus on the Adobe Photoshop tools needed to create a movie poster.
Learn to use layers, layer effects, and filters.
Deflategate and the ideal gas law? Bend it like Beckham? What is a knuckle ball? Learn about the physics behind your favorite sports with hands-on experiments
Taught by a HiTech instructor.
Register once for all five sessions,
Learn about the fashion industry from concept to delivery, the role of science, and how to use technology to create selected outfits and original fashion design ideas.
Taught by a HiTech instructor.
PLAY PARTNERS
Ages newborns-23 months with adult; 20-30 min. Ticket required.
Newborns and toddlers learn to express feelings, language, and movement through stories, baby games, musical activities, and playtime.
Tickets will be available at the children's desk 15 minutes before class.
ALL TOGETHER NOW
All ages with adult; 30 min. Ticket required.
Children build skills in singing, talking, listening, reading, and getting along with others through stories, music, rhymes, and activities.
Tickets will be available at the children's desk 15 minutes before class.
Ticket required. Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.
Ages 3-5 with adult; 30 min. Ticket required.
Fun stories, songs, and activities for preschoolers that spark curiosity and support learning.
The Howard County Public School System is pleased to announce its participation in the 2022 Summer Food Service Program. Summer meals will be provided to all children ages 18 years and under without charge.
Learn the mechanics and engineer a pinball game for the HiTech Carnival and build functional a table - top pinball machine.
Do you like to make crafts? Looking to step up your crafting a bit this summer? This class is for tweens, ages 9-13 who like to make things!
Discover the basics of Java, a class-based, object-oriented language used to design applications. Learn data and expressions, using classes and objects, conditionals, and loops. Create programming projects each day based on the topics covered.
Feeling crabby? Come explore the amazing scientific concepts that make the Chesapeake Bay unique.
Learn about the forces that cause hurricanes and tornados, and how we can use them to power cities. Build instruments that measure wind speed, direction, and design a fully-functioning wind turbine that can power a light bulb.
Get hands-on experience working in Adobe Illustrator, Gain an understanding of vector illustrations and how they are used in digital media in this HiTech class.
Taught by a HiTech instructor.
Explore chemistry in a fun environment! Conduct experiments that range from the physical and chemical properties of matter, to Thermodynamics and Thermochemistry, and even Acid-Base Chemistry.
Taught By a HiTech instructor.
Explore chemistry in a fun environment! Conduct experiments that range from the physical and chemical properties of matter, to Thermodynamics and Thermochemistry, and even Acid-Base Chemistry.
Taught By a HiTech instructor.
JUST FOR ME
Ages 3-6; 30 min.
For children who are ready for an independent class that includes creative expression, listening comprehension, and early reading skills.
Ticket required.
Family Fun Days: Something Fishy! Wind-catcher Craft (all ages/families, TK)
Families, all ages. Allow 30. Ticketed, tickets available 15 minutes prior to class.
Enjoy fun activities for the whole family.
A hang out for teens to connect, play games and create.
Student will learn Arduino in order to create and code a carnival "catch the light" game where a player throws a light to either side of the gameboard and the other player has to try and catch it by moving their joystick to towards the light befor
Do you watch The Big Bang Theory, but want to know more about the Big Bang? Study the origin and development of the universe, learn how to look at the night skyand know where everything is.
Taught by a HiTech instructor.
It is almost time for the Carnival! Learn about how to make sure the Carnival games are ready to play through final testing, making adjustments, and putting on the finishing touches.
Taught by a HiTech instructor.
Science rules both inside and outdoors! Join us for some awesome, messy, and WEIRD fun in the sun.
Deflategate and the ideal gas law? Bend it like Beckham? What is a knuckle ball? Learn about the physics behind your favorite sports withhands-on experiments.
Register once for all four sessions, Mon-Thurs.
Compete in the ultimate racing challenge! Working in teams, learn how mechanical systems operate by using a 1:10 scale electric radio-controlled car that can be set up in 4 million ways.
Taught by a HiTech instructor.
Ages 11-18, allow 30 min.
Join an exploratory papermaking workshop to learn the basics of crafting homemade paper.
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Monday: Learn the Basics
Have you ever wanted to become a mad scientist? Explore in fun and exciting chemistry experiments using basic household chemicals. Engineer an assortment of mind-blowing matter to take home and spook your friends and family.
Kindergarten Here We Come! (children entering kindergarten, with parent, RG)
For children entering Kindergarten this fall, 30-45 minutes, registration required.
Stories and activities to help mark that all important first day. Cosponsored by Friends & Foundation of HCLS.
How do films shape and connect us? Join our film discussion series. Please watch monthly films prior to their actual discussion dates
Ages 5-7; 30 min.
For emerging readers. After reading the title, join us for fun activities that include reading comprehension exercises and games.
Kindergarten- 2nd grade. 45 minutes - 1 hour. Registration required.
Join Claire and Ronan, two young podcast hosts and producers, in this class to learn about the world of podcasting.
FOR GRADES 6th-12th. CREATE, SOCIALIZE & HAVE FUN
Cuentos en Pijamas (all ages/todas las edades) TK
Families; 30 minutes.
Bilingual stories and music just before bedtime. Pajamas, teddy bears, and blankets welcome.
Cuentos bilingües y música antes de ir a dormir. Pijamas, ositos de peluche y cobijas son bienvenidos.
PLAY PARTNERS
Ages newborns-23 months with adult; 20-30 min. Ticket required.
Newborns and toddlers learn to express feelings, language, and movement through stories, baby games, musical activities, and playtime.
Tickets will be available at the children's desk 15 minutes before class.
Ticket required. Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.
This is a class for English language learners. It focuses on essential English grammar and on the basics of writing for work and personal communication. This is an in-person class that meets in the Tapestry Room in HCLS Central Branch.
PAJAMA TIME
All ages with adult; 30 min. Ticket required.
A class before bedtime. Children build skills in singing, talking, listening, reading, and getting along with others through stories, music, rhymes, and activities. Children may wear their pajamas and bring their loveys and blankets.
Tickets will be available at the children's desk 15 minutes before class.
Ticket required. Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.
Kindergarten Here We Come! (children entering kindergarten, with parent, RG)
For children entering Kindergarten this fall, 30-45 minutes, registration required.
Stories and activities to help mark that all important first day. Cosponsored by Friends & Foundation of HCLS.
Read and discuss a wide range of fiction and non-fiction books on different cultures around the world as well as immigrant fiction.
1st Mondays; 7- 8 pm.
Join for a discussion of the following title:
Find the answers to gardening questions by talking with a University of Maryland Extension Master Gardener. Drop in; no registration required.
English As A Second Language Levels 1, 2 or 3 - Adult (Online)
This is a class for adult English language learners. Improve your English language skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. It is suitable for English language learners in low beginning to low intermediate levels. The