Maryland STEM Festival

Plastic Pollution Sollution
2025-10-18 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Eastport Annapolis Branch, 269 Hillsmere Dr, Annapolis, MD, 21403, United States
Plastic pollution is a major problem for our waterways. This lesson provides information on how plastics are made and raises awareness about the issues created by plastic pollution on the ecosystem and the Chesapeake Bay. Through a hands-on activity, participants will learn more about microplastics. In addition, students will be challenged to sort a variety of items into a timeline of “How Long Until It’s Gone?” The program engages the students to brainstorm conservation behaviors that they can implement to help protect and preserve the environment and Maryland’s waterways.
Partnership with CoreShark H2O

Student Discovery Series: Discovery Table
2025-10-18 11:00 - 12:00 | Accident Branch, 106 S. North Street, Accident, MD, 21520, United States
Come and see skulls, skins, and shells of the wildlife that call Garrett County home. Live critters will also be visiting the program for attendants to see and touch. Everything is a challenge by choice. Presented by Herrington Manor park rangers.

Kids Discover: Pumpkin Sensory Bottles
2025-10-18 11:00 - 12:00 | Hagerstown Branch, 100 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown, MD, 21740, United States
Join us for Kids Discover/Little Explorers STEM and create your own Pumpkin Patch Sensory Bottle. We’ll be exploring with orbeez (water beads) also. This event takes place on Saturday October 18th from 11am-12pm. Storytime and instruction begin promptly at 11am, but the room is open to complete activities until 12pm. Registration required. Ages 3-10. Hope to see you there!

It's Rocket Science
2025-10-18 11:30 - 15:30 | The Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum, Hangar 5, Martin State Airport 701 Wilson Point Rd, Middle River, MD, 21220, United States
Rocket Workshops will be held 11:30 am and 1:30 pm. This STEM Family Fun Day invites families to work together to discover rocket history and parts of a rocket, to create paper rockets, launching them across the room with the Rocket Blaster and then tweak them for optimum flight. Children soar into space on imagination space flights when they play in the Museum’s kid sized space capsule. Touring the exhibits and outdoor flightline is included with admission.

Solar Science and Engineering Celebration
2025-10-18 12:00 - 16:00 | Glenelg Country School Upper School Building, 12793 Folly Quarter Rd, Ellicott City, MD, 21042-1271, United States
The Solar Science and Engineering Celebration is an opportunity for families to immerse themselves in a day of discovery! Learn about solar science through special opportunities to safely view the Sun through multiple wavelengths. Engage in hands-on engineering challenges to learn more about current space missions and technology. Do you want to control a robot? Our local robotics teams will have a station available for families to see robots in action. A food truck, outdoor games, and other activities are also available throughout the day.

Intro to Laser Cutting
2025-10-18 13:30 - 16:30 | Carroll County Public Library, Exploration Commons, 50 East Main Street, Westminster, MD, 21157, United States
This beginner-level laser cutter class will walk you through design basics, machine use, and safety procedures. At the instructor’s discretion, customers who successfully complete this program will be certified to use the Exploration Commons’ Fusion Pro and Fusion Edge laser cutters.

Hocus-Pocus Slime Science (Ages 6+ w/adult)
2025-10-18 14:00 - 15:00 | Elkridge Branch Library, 6540 Washington Blvd,, Elkridge, MD, 21075, United States
Come explore the science of chemistry as we brew up some fiendishly fun slime for Halloween.
Tickets will be available at the children’s desk 15 minutes before class.
This class is part of the 2025 Maryland STEM Festival.

Chemistry in the Library: The Hidden Life of Spices (grades 2 and up)
2025-10-18 14:00 - 15:00 | Miller Branch Library, 9421 Frederick Rd, Ellicott City, MD, 21042, United States
Grades 2 & up (Students aged 7-8 must be accompanied by an adult.). 60 min. Registration required.
Join a chemist from the American Chemical Society for a hands-on program on the chemistry of the hidden life of spices.
This class is part of the 2025 Maryland STEM Festival.

Guess Who? STEM Game for Young People Ages 12-18
2025-10-18 14:00 - 15:00 | Long Branch Library, 8800 Garland Ave, Silver Spring, 20901, United States
Join us for the Guess Who? STEM game! This group activity will highlight pictures of famous people in the STEM profession. After the game, you will create a zine and feature people from the game.

Chess Club
2025-10-18 14:00 - 15:00 | Charles County Public Library, 10405 O'Donnell Place, Waldorf, MD, 20603, United States
Practice and sharpen your chess skills. Compete with others and have a great time. Open to all levels, but a firm grasp of chess is expected from all players as there will be no formal chess instruction. Players will initially randomly sit and rotate every 15 minutes with winners moving up and non-winners moving down. Registration is not required. Recommended for ages 10 and up. If you have questions, please contact the Waldorf West Branch at 301-645-1395 or email westref@ccplonline.org.

LEGO Challenge
2025-10-18 14:00 - 15:00 | Broadneck Branch, 1275 Green Holly Dr, Annapolis, MD, 21409, United States
LEGO creations will be displayed after program.

LEGO Club
2025-10-18 14:00 - 15:00 | Hagerstown Branch, 100 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown, MD, 21740, United States
Children ages 4 and older, come build with LEGO. A new LEGO building idea every month. Materials must stay at the library. No registration necessary. This month’s theme: Pumpkins

Electric Moving Head Fan: Makerspace Maryland STEM Festival
2025-10-18 14:00 - 15:30 | Elkridge Branch Library, 6540 Washington Blvd,, Elkridge, MD, 21075, United States
Engineer a standing, electric fan while learning motor assembly, basic circuitry, and the principles of convection and evaporation.
This class is part of the 2025 Maryland STEM Festival.

3D Print Keychains
2025-10-18 14:00 - 15:30 | Wicomico Public Library-Paul S Sarbanes Branch, 122 South Division Street, Salisbury, MD, 21801, United States
great way to decorate your backpack or lanyard! Open to children 6-18. Space is limited and registration is required.

Animate the Stars: Where Science Meets Art
2025-10-18 16:00 - 17:30 | White Oak Library, 11701 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, 209043, United States
Animation professor Laurence Arcadias and NASA astronomer Robin Corbet team up to show us how to use state of the art animation techniques to illustrate the movements of the stars and planets!
The program begins with a short presentation on an astronomical phenomenon — past examples include Pluto, Sunspots, or The Solar Eclipse.
Participants then receive printed sheets of stills from an existing film that relates to the theme Robin introduced. Using markers, crayons, stickers, stamps, etc., we will creatively transform these frames into works of art! Scientists and artists CAN be friends!

MD STEM Fest Reading Challenge
2025-10-19 00:00 - 23:30 | Online
Discover the fun of STEM through stories and hands-on challenges! Complete STEM-themed activities and read books to fill your bingo board. This is a virtual event

Toddlergarten: Making Observations
2025-10-19 08:00 - 10:00 | Maryland Science Center, 601 Light Street, Baltimore, MD, 21230, United States
Join museum educators, toddlers, and their families as we learn about and play with science process skills for early learners. Explore how to support toddlers as they work to understand their world. This is an event for caregivers and their children ages 1-3. We will have a snack, circle time, and activities led by early childhood educators.

Open Explore
2025-10-19 10:00 - 16:00 | Kid Museum, 3 Bethesda Metro Center, Bethesda, MD, 20814-5329, United States
During Open Explore, there are many activities for families to enjoy. We encourage families to participate together in order to foster creativity, curiosity, and collaboration.
Here are some of the Museum’s activity areas:
Maker Playground: Open ended, self-guided and exploratory interactives
Central Makerspace: Big Build, Tech Arena, Materials Bar, and Mini Makers
Maker Studios: Electronics, Textiles, Cardboard, Woodshop, Tech Lab (coding/robotics)

Power Up with Choptank Electric Cooperative
2025-10-19 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-10-20 10:00 - 17:00 | Wicomico Public Library-Paul S Sarbanes Branch, 122 South Division Street, Salisbury, MD, 21801, United States
Celebrate the Maryland STEM Festival with Wicomico Public Library and Choptank Electric Cooperative! Throughout the month, children of all ages are invited to explore the exciting world of electricity through fun, self-guided activities. Discover how energy is generated, how it travels to your home, and why it matters. Stop by anytime during open hours to learn, play, and get inspired by the power of STEM!

Make Your Own Marble Roller Coaster
2025-10-19 11:00 - 12:30 | Kensington Park Library, 4201 Knowles Avenue, Kensington, 20895, United States
Design your own roller coaster. Using cardboard tubing, tape, and ingenuity, you will create a “roller coaster” for marbles. See what kind of engineering feat you can accomplish. You may be inspired to create other engineering wonders. All supplies will be provided.
This program is for middle and high school students, ages 10 – 17 (tweens and teens).

STEM at The Y
2025-10-19 11:00 - 13:00 | Orokawa Y in Towson, 600 W Chesapeake Ave, Towson, MD, 21204, United States
Join us for a fun day of discovery and innovation at this free event is open to all ages. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through a variety of hands-on activities and engaging exhibits. Among the expected participants are Mathnasium, Future City, Technikids and the Baltimore County Library

Whether you’re a student eager to learn, a parent looking to inspire your child, or simply a STEM enthusiast, there’s something for everyone at the Y From robotics to astronomy to aviation. Our goal is to ignite curiosity and foster a love for STEM in a fun and interactive environment. Participants include
Future City
Balitmore County Library
Game4Good
Bryn Mawr
Snapology
Robo-Lions
Mathnasium
Bioeyes
TechnikKids
STEAM Your Dreams
USI-Drones
Baby Scientists
Arjun Meenashi Sundar-Space Photography
5StarEnterprise
Baltimore Underground Science Space

Cardboard Cat Cabins & Castles
2025-10-19 13:00 - 15:00 | Lexington Park Libary, 21677 FDR Blvd, Lexington Park, MD, 20653, United States
Use cardboard to make adorable and impressive castles or cabins for your feline friends to enjoy!
Using the Library’s ChompSaw, a novice-safe specialized saw for cutting cardboard, and some other safe cutting tools, participants will be given a starter design and then be encouraged to improve and experiment with designs of their own.
Through trial-and-error testing, learn what goes into engineering to create more effective supports, and work together to share and implement ideas.

Family Nature Program: Mysterious World of Bats
2025-10-19 15:00 - 16:00 | Middletown Branch Library, 31 East Green St, Middletown, MD, 21769, United States
Ever wonder what it is like to be a bat? Come explore the magical and mysterious world of bats through hands-on activities and crafts with Naturalist Timothy Olson. Sponsored by the Middletown Sustainability Committee. (families, all ages)

Take N Make: Pantograph Art Machine
2025-10-20 09:00 - 17:00 | Hagerstown Branch, 100 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown, MD, 21740, United States
Register to pick up your Take N Make kit at the library branch of your choice between October 20 and 24. For ages 6 to 12. Registration required. This month’s Take N Make project: Make a Pantograph!

MD STEM Fest Reading Challenge
2025-10-20 09:00 - 23:30 | Online
Discover the fun of STEM through stories and hands-on challenges! Complete STEM-themed activities and read books to fill your bingo board.

Little Adventurers
2025-10-20 11:00 - 11:30 | Emmitsburg Library, 300 South Seton Ave, Emmitsburg, MD, 21727, United States
Children learn and explore through hands on activities using science, technology, engineering, art, and math concepts at the library. Caregivers are encouraged to connect with children and participate in the activities!

Adult Computer Class: Ancestry and Heritage Quest
2025-10-20 14:00 - 15:00 | PD Brown Memorial Branch, 50 Village Street, Waldorf, MD, 20602, United States
Join staff for an introductory lesson in using Ancestry (library use only) and Heritage Quest (use anywhere with your library card) and take knowledge of these free-to-you databases with you through your journey of discovery. No experience needed. Laptops will be provided for use during the program.
Registration is required. Recommended for ages 18+.
If you have questions, please contact the P.D. Brown Branch at 301-645-2864 or email pdbrownref@ccplonline.org

Spooky STEM Activities
2025-10-20 15:00 - 16:00 | Brooklyn Park Branch Library, 1 East 11th Ave, Baltimore, MD, 21225, United States
Build a “haunted” house, weave your very own spider web, or both!

Luminous Lantern Tea Light Holder Making
2025-10-20 16:00 - 18:00 | Because Science, 1759 columbia rd nw, washington, DC, 20009, United States
Create Your Own Halloween-Themed Tea Light Holder!
We’ll provide all the materials, guide you through the creation process, and you’ll have an adorable, handmade Halloween decoration to take home!
Why This Activity is Perfect for Everyone:
Hands-On Fun: Enjoy a creative and engaging crafting experience.
Family-Friendly: Adults and kids are welcome to join in the excitement.
Take-Home Project: Leave with a unique tea light holder that you can showcase at home!
Details:
Includes All Materials: We provide everything you need to make your tea light holder.
Who Can Join: Open to everyone—adults and kids alike! Kids under 10 will need parental assistance.
Registration: Advance registration is STRONGLY encouraged: We have a limited amount of kits, so secure yours by registering! A few walks-ins may be accommodated depending on availability.
Payment: You can pay at the register or in the CL with exact cash or Venmo.
