Splash Lab: A Summer STEAM Series
This summer series every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. invites school-aged kids to dive into hands-on STEAM activities that spark curiosity and creativity. Through building, experimenting, and designing, participants explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math while gaining confidence and discovering how these skills shape the world around them.
Upcoming Sessions
June 2: Birds & Their Habitats: Birdhouses
Kids will build and decorate their own birdhouses while learning how birds live and thrive in their natural habitats. Along the way, they’ll use simple tools, measure and assemble materials, and add their own creative touch with paint and design. With a little luck, special feathered guests from Black Hills Raptor Center may even make an appearance to bring the lesson to life.
June 9: World Oceans Day: Sensory Tubes
Celebrate World Oceans Day by creating ocean-inspired sensory tubes filled with swirling colors, waves, and sea life. Kids will measure and pour materials using simple tools while exploring basic science and math concepts, then design their own vibrant ocean scenes that spark creativity and curiosity.
June 16: Summer Solstice: Sun Catchers
Celebrate the longest day of the year by creating bright, colorful sun catchers. As they design and build their projects, kids will learn about the sun and the science behind the Summer Solstice while exploring patterns, shapes, and color. Using simple tools and hands-on materials, they’ll combine creativity, problem-solving, and a little sunshine-inspired wonder.
June 23: Plant Life Cycle: Decorating Mini Pots
Kids will decorate their own mini pots before planting seeds and discovering how plants grow from seed to sprout. Along the way, they’ll measure soil and water, use simple planting tools, and add colorful designs to their pots, blending creativity with hands-on science and a little garden magic.
June 30: Fourth of July: Homemade Play Dough
Celebrate Independence Day with a hands-on activity that’s equal parts fun and creative. Kids will measure and mix ingredients to make their own homemade play dough, then use simple kitchen tools to sculpt shapes and designs that spark imagination and problem-solving.
July 7: National Chocolate Day: Homemade Rice Krispie Bars
Sweeten the day by making homemade Rice Krispie bars. Kids will measure and mix ingredients using simple kitchen tools, then shape and decorate their treats with a little creativity and a lot of fun.
July 14: Geology Exploration: Rock Painting
Rocks tell stories, and kids will bring their own to life through colorful designs. While learning how rocks come in many shapes, sizes, and types, they’ll compare patterns and textures and use brushes and art tools to turn simple stones into bright works of art.
July 21: Apollo 11 Moon Landing Anniversary: Solar System Models
In honor of the historic moon landing, kids will build their own solar system models while learning about the planets, the moon, and the wonders of space exploration. As they measure spacing, assemble their models, and paint each planet, they’ll discover the science and creativity behind one of history’s greatest journeys to the stars.
July 28: End of Series Party
