ESQ Library Programs

ESQ is bringing exciting, hands-on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programming to libraries all across your communities this winter, march break and spring! From coding to engineering and everything in between, we’re making STEM fun and accessible for all ages. Be sure to check back on this website regularly - new programs and dates are being added all the time, and you won’t want to miss out! All library programs are free of cost, you just have to register!

STEM Explorers Club

Dive into the exciting world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) with the Waterloo Engineering Outreach ESQ Team in this 4-week hands-on program! Blast off into the world of STEM and play with cool tech, solve creative challenges, and team up with awesome minds who love science and innovation as much as you do! This club will be hosted at WPL!

Registration is done through WPL's online events calendar.

Cost: Free, registration required!

Waterloo Public Library (WPL)

Location: Eastside Branch

Junior Club: Ages 6-9

Dates: Mondays, January 19 to February 9 (program complete)

Time: 7:00 – 8:00 pm

Senior Club: Ages 10-13 (3 weeks)

Dates: Mondays, February 23 to March 9

Time: 7:00 – 8:00 pm

Old Post Office Workshops

ESQ will be in Cambridge @ Cambridge Public Library, Old Post Office location, delivering STEM workshops this winter and spring! Registration is required to participate in each workshop. See below for insight into the specific workshop content!

Ages: 8 - 12

Program Price: Free, registration required!

Location: Old Post Office, Cambridge Public Library

When:

Tuesday, February 17 | 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Wednesday, April 8 | 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Wednesday, May 20 | 6:00 - 7:30 pm

Workshop Content:

My Robot Helper (February 17): Let’s build a robotic hand with Lego Spike Prime and dive into the world where robotics and AI are revolutionizing health care! We will first explore how these technologies assist health care workers, help patients, and even provide personalized care. Then, we will build and code robotic hands that mimic human movements!
AI Activity Buddy (April 8): Get ready to move, code, and create! Dive into the exciting world of artificial intelligence (AI) and discover how it can recognize movement. In this workshop, we will train our own machine learning models us a BBC micro:bit. Teaching it to spot different movement patterns. Then, we will bring their ideas to life by coding in MakeCode to identify healthy actions like stretching, jumping, and even taking a well-deserved rest!
Mini Maker Mayhem (May 20): Get ready to build, launch, and soar! Dive into the world of engineering as we explore structures, mechanisms, and the science of flight. In this workshop, we’ll use the engineering design cycle to design, build, test, and improve small-scale models of gliders and catapults.

Region of Waterloo Library Workshops

Dates/Times & Locations:

Wednesday, February 11 | 4:00 - 5:00 pm: Baden Branch
Monday, March 16 | 10:00 - 11:30 am: New Hamburg Branch
Thursday, March 19 | 10:00 - 11:30 am: Linwood Branch
Monday, April 20 | 4:00 - 5:00 pm: Baden Branch
Wednesday, April 22 | 4:30 - 5:30 pm: Ayr Branch

Grades: 4-7 (Feb 4, 11, April 20 & 22)

Grades: 1-7 (March 16 & 19)

Program Price: Free, registration required

Workshop Descriptions:

My Robot Helper (February 11): Let’s build a robotic hand with Lego Spike Prime and dive into the world where robotics and AI are revolutionizing health care! We will first explore how these technologies assist health care workers, help patients, and even provide personalized care. Then, we will build and code robotic hands that mimic human movements!

Curious Celestial Cartographers (March 16): Participants will become space explorers as they discover stars, constellations, and how people navigate by the night sky. Using LEGO SPIKE Prime cars and block coding, they’ll build and program their own interactive star charts!

Operation Autopilot! (March 19): Participants will use LEGO SPIKE Prime kits to design and build autonomous rovers inspired by NASA’s Perseverance rover. They will learn about NASA’s mission and its quest to explore the past habitability of Mars, how rovers help scientists in this exploration, and how artificial intelligence plays a role in space discovery.

ESQ STEM Pop-Ups: WPL & KPL

Drop in with ESQ at one of four library locations this March Break and try out fun, hands‑on STEM activities designed for curious kids and families. For each offering there will be two activity options, and each takes about 5-15 minutes, so you can pop in, play, and continue on with your day!