Join us for access to the sound booth and other HiTech equipment to record and mix music or create movies.

Registration required. Grades 6-12. 

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

Explore the intricacies and design processes of model LEGO car engines using a mechanical engineering mindset.

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

Register once for all sessions.

Have you ever wondered what kinds of arrocks make up our planet? Are you interested in learning about beautiful gems and minerals or fascinating fossils? Join us for a look into the Earth’s most amazing geological artifacts!

Explore the fascinating world of sports through a scientific lens.

Visualize your future in a STEM career! During the first week, develop education goals, and plan for college and beyond.

Walking is a great way to get some activity into your routine.  Lets get up and walk together. Come and walk around East Columbia Library. Please wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle.

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!

Using the principles of engineering, help us keep our carnival cool this year by building the water mister arch! 

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

Engineer Carnival Games for the HiTech Carnival!  Use your creativity and engineering skills to design and build games such as Ring Toss, Spin the Wheel, and Plinko--or come up with your own idea!

How did engineers build the Hoover Dam, Eiffel Tower, and Chesapeake Bay Bridge? Explore the principles of engineering used to build the largest structures in the world!

Registration required. Grades 6-12. 

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?

Lights On, Lights Off!  Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes when you flip a light switch on the wall or press the ON button of a battery-powered fan in the summer?  Why do some toys need AAA batteries to operate while other toys n

What are neurons and how do they communicate? How does the brain comprehend light, sound, taste, touch, and smell? Why can concussions be so dangerous? Join us in Neuroscience to explore what’s in your noggin! 

This course is an introduction to paleontology. Learn about a variety of fascinating fossils, how they are formed, and how they inform us about the Earth’s past. 

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

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.

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!

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. Teams race their engines at the HiTech Carnival!

For children entering Kindergarten this fall; 60 minutes. Registration required.

Stories and activities to help mark that all important first day.

Cosponsored by Friends & Foundation of HCLS.

Learn about the process behind designing your own characters and using illustration software.  Create the look of your character, its costumes, and props, and give it a unique personality!

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Computational thinking and design is a dynamic course that introduces students to the fundamental concepts of computational thinking and design thinking through a blend of interactive lessons, hands-on projects, and collaborative activities.

Have you ever wondered about the basics behind how humans tell computers what to do? Do you like awesome robots? If your answer was yes to one or both of those questions, this is the class for you!

Students will create their own spaces using Planner 5D, a web-based program.  They will learn about creating mood boards, design concepts, and using Planner 5D to bring their ideas to life! 

What does it take to create print and digital advertisements? Use Adobe Photoshop tools needed to create digital compositions. Learn to use layers, layer effects, and filters.

Registration preferred. Grades 6-12. 

Students will have the opportunity to experiment with a robot that uses artificial intelligence to accomplish various functions.

Come and design your own rocket that soars well beyond the roof of the library. Learn about how engineers generate and manipulate forces that propel projectiles thousands of feet into the air. 

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Using a variety of software and techniques, design your own keepsakes that you can print using the Glowforge™ laser cutter and engraver in the East Columbia Makerspace! 

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

You don't need a green thumb to understand the science, engineering, and math behind growing a garden. In this hands-on, project-based class, you will create your own garden and plant things that you can eat!

To continue meeting the growing need to feed hungry children and families and fill the nutritional gap over the summer months, the Howard County Public School System -HCPSS- continues its free summer meal program

Learn how to use TinkerCAD, the basics of 3D Modeling and 3D printing. 

Use 3D printing pens to create your designed 3D model. 

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

In this class, students will learn about circuits and C++ programming.  They will complete tasks in which they will be required to wire a breadboard and program an Arduino microcomputer.   

Explore physics in a new light! Discover various principles and laws of physics and test your knowledge through a variety of challenges and experiments.

Registration required. Grades 6-12. 

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

This course will cover an overview of the topics in zoology, including cell biology, taxonomy, major vertebrate groups, physiology, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Activities related to the course material will be completed each day.

Ages 4-10.  30 min.  Ticket required.

In celebration of the Summer Olympics, try exercising your brain and your muscles.  Work cooperatively to solve memory puzzles and get a workout with the parachute.

Engineering is for everyone! Join us to explore a variety of building games at Central!

Drop in for hands-on, interactive activities for family members of all ages.

All Ages/Families, allow 30 minutes. Ticket required.

Great family fun playing board games with family and friends. 

Tickets available at the desk 15 minutes prior to class. 

Help us prepare for the HiTech Carnival! In this class, assemble and test your fellow students' structures and gadgets to make sure they are carnival-ready. 

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Dive into underwater robotics.  This summer stop by and participate in the 3-week Seaperch submersibles and marine science classes. SeaPerch is a remotely operated vehicle built by students to accomplish underwater competitions.

Explore the world of engineering, marketing, and packaging, individually and in teams, while getting to use a true vacuum form machine.

Ever wonder how meteorologists predict storms and detect weather patterns? Launch a weather balloon to collect high-altitude video footage and weather data.

Registration required. Grades 6-12.

Taught by a HiTech instructor.

Ages 4-10.  30 min.  Ticket required.

In celebration of the Summer Olympics, try exercising your brain and your muscles.  Work cooperatively to solve memory puzzles and get a workout with the parachute.

Ticket required. Free tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.

Ages 9-12. Registration required.

Calling all LEGO™ bricks fans! Receive your challenges for the day and work individually or in groups to create and engineer designs with LEGO™ blocks.

Geared toward high school juniors, and the grownups who love them, but all are welcome.  |  Must register for Zoom link  

Find the answers to gardening questions by talking with a University of Maryland Extension Master Gardener. Drop in; no registration required. 

Join us for a casual D&D game, open to all experience levels, beginners welcome! Missed the first meeting? No problem--this D&D club is designed for flexibility! Ages 12+.