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.
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.
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?
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!
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!
This is an in-person class for adult English Language Learners. Practice English conversational skills and discuss topics ranging from small talk and common interests to life, work and current events. Please email prolit@hclibrary.org for mo
Ages 2-3 years with adult; 30 min. Ticket required.
Preschoolers get ready for school by doing things like talking, singing songs and rhymes, doing finger plays, and listening to stories.
Tickets will be available at the children's desk 15 minutes before class.
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 3-5 with adult; 30 min. Ticket Required.
Join the fun as we create, discover, and explore the world around us! We will do activities together to earn your Summer Reading completion prize.
Summer themed stories, songs, and activities for children and adults to enjoy. Ticketed.
Ages 18 mos - 3 years with adult; 20 - 30 minutes.
Stories, songs and play time.
Ticket required. Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.
Want to learn how to use the library’s e-book resources? We will show you how to use Libby, Cloud Library and Hoopla with a Q&A time. Bring your device and we will get you started using our e-book resources
Ages 3-5 with adult; 30 min. Ticket Required.
Join the fun as we create, discover, and explore the world around us! We will do activities together to earn your Summer Reading completion prize.
Ages 2-3 years with adult; 30 min. Ticket required.
Preschoolers get ready for school by doing things like talking, singing songs and rhymes, doing finger plays, and listening to stories.
Tickets will be available at the children's desk 15 minutes before class.
Infants birth-6 months with adult. 45 minutes. Registration required, one per household.
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.
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.
Join a lively, literary conversation in person!
Jun 18 (special date): Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging by Sebastian Junger
Jul 30: Hello, Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
Aug 27: Varina by Charles Frazier
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 4-6; 30 min. Ticket required.
Preschoolers go to class on their own. They will learn to follow rules and routines, understand feelings, and talk about stories. They may also learn about shapes and numbers, use scissors, draw and write, make guesses about what is going to happen, learn about the world, and be creative.
Tickets are available at the children's desk 15 minutes before class.
Ages 6-10; 45 min. Ticket Required.
Join the fun as we create, discover, and explore the world around us! We will do activities together to earn your Summer Reading completion prize.
*Tuesdays throughout the summer.
For children entering Kindergarten in the fall. 45-60 mins. Registration required.
Children entering kindergarten in the fall will have fun with stories and activities. They even get to board a real school bus! This class is cosponsored by Friends & Foundation of HCLS and Howard County Public School System.
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.
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 4-6; 30 min. Ticket required.
Preschoolers go to class on their own. They will learn to follow rules and routines, understand feelings, and talk about stories. They may also learn about shapes and numbers, use scissors, draw and write, make guesses about what is going to happen, learn about the world, and be creative.
Tickets are available at the children's desk 15 minutes before class.
Families; allow 30 minutes. Ticket required.
Explore and engage in various STEM activities through self-guided stations.
ONLINE CLASS | Registration required to receive the Zoom link.
Ages 7-10. 45 min. Registration required.
Work together in small groups investigating hands on STEAM activities.
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.
For children entering Kindergarten in the fall. 45-60 mins. Registration required.
Children entering kindergarten in the fall will have fun with stories and activities. They even get to board a real school bus! This class is cosponsored by Friends & Foundation of HCLS and Howard County Public School System.
Enjoy lifelong birder Marty Brazeau's entertaining and informative high-definition film showing the ecology of Maryland birds, such as scarlet tanagers, orioles, and warblers. Mr.
Enjoy a relaxing evening of crafting and learn how to create new beads from old magazine pages.