STEM Programs for Grades 3 – 8
One Saturday STEM Remaining for this School Year!
STEAMworks Studio: Using Both Sides of the Brain
April 18, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Leonardo da Vinci once said, “To develop a complete mind: study the science of art; study the art of science.” This session invites students to explore how creativity and logic work hand in hand. By combining scientific concepts with artistic design, they’ll discover the math, physics, and engineering principles that artists often use to bring ideas to life—and how STEM can inspire their own creative masterpieces.
3rd & 4th Grade- Seeing STEAM: Art That Pops, Secrets That Hide
Jump into a STEAM adventure where art comes alive and secrets hide in plain sight! Students will explore anaglyphs, build their own red-and-cyan 3D glasses, and create artwork that pops right off the page. Then they’ll dive into steganography, discovering clever ways to hide messages inside drawings, patterns, and designs for classmates to find. With eye-popping 3D illusions and sneaky secret codes, this event lets students explore two amazing sides of art and science - the ones you can see, and those waiting to be uncovered!
5th & 6th Grade- The Lost Map of the Inklands: Art, Science, and Secret Stories
Step into the Inklands, where creativity and discovery go hand in hand! In this hands-on STEAM experience, students become mapmakers as they mix their own inks, test different papers, and learn simple calligraphy techniques to design symbols and titles. Using geometry and mapmaking skills, they’ll build their own illustrated maps—complete with hidden clues revealed through science. Blending art, chemistry, and problem-solving, this adventure invites students to uncover the secrets of the Inklands while creating a map that tells a story of its own.
7th & 8th Grade- STEAM Creators: Engineering the Art of Airbrushing
In this engaging STEM program, students will discover how engineering and creativity intersect by exploring the mechanical tools artists use to bring designs to life. Through hands-on activities, students will examine the inner workings of an airbrush machine, learning how pressure, airflow, and mechanical components work together to produce smooth, controlled artwork. By experimenting with the airbrush system, students will gain a deeper understanding of engineering principles while expressing their creativity through a unique art-making experience.
*Applying and qualifying for a scholarship does not guarantee an award or registration into the program. To qualify for a scholarship, the student’s family is required to submit proof of financial eligibility: if you qualify for SNAP or Free/Reduced lunch, you qualify, but we need you to submit proof of eligibility. If you do not have a form in your possession or have difficulty getting it from your school or IDHS, you may submit a screenshot showing eligibility. Please contact us at studentenrichment@imsa.edu if you have difficulty with this requirement. Alternatively, a 2023 or 2024 federal tax return showing proof of family income may be submitted.
- Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis, so it is to your benefit to submit all supplemental forms as soon as possible.
- WATCH YOUR EMAIL and CHECK YOUR SPAM FOLDER! Award recipients will be notified via email and must reply to the scholarship offers within the time period indicated in the email.
- NOTE: You may choose to either pay for program registration OR apply for a scholarship and await award notification. Your scholarship application will not be considered if you also complete a paid registration.
No requests for a registration cancellation/refund will be accepted for all in-person Saturday STEM programming.