ESQ is bringing exciting, hands-on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programming to libraries all across your communities this spring and summer! 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: Harper Branch
Ages: 6-9
Dates: Mondays, May 25 to June 15
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Registration opens on Monday, May 4 2026 at 7:00pm
Old Post Office Workshops
ESQ will be in Cambridge @ Cambridge Public Library, Old Post Office location, delivering a fun STEM workshop this summer! 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, July 20 | 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Workshop Content:
AquaMind Garden: Build a Smart Watering AI
Design and program your own intelligent watering system using LEGO SPIKE Prime! In this hands-on challenge, participants will create a “thinking” garden robot that uses live forecast data to determine when plants need water and respond automatically. Explore how AI and sensors can help conserve water and keep plants healthy in a fun, interactive way.
Region of Waterloo Library Workshops
Dates/Times & Locations:
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Thursday, July 9 at 10:30 - 11:30 am – Elmira Branch
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Thursday, July 16 at 10:30 - 11:30 am – Ayr Branch
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Thursday, July 23 at 10:30 - 11:30 am – New Hamburg Branch
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Tuesday, July 28 at 10:30 am - 12:00 pm – Bloomingdale Branch
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Tuesday, July 28 at 2:00 - 3:30 pm – Baden Branch
Grades: 4-7
Program Price: Free, registration required
Workshop Descriptions:
AI Dragon's Den (July 9, 16, 23) : Participants will explore how AI-generated text can sound convincing even when it is not reliable through generating a clearly fictional/fake research paper on a specific science topic, design a made-up company and product that uses the fake science as “proof”, then pitch it in a Dragons’ Den-style presentation.
My Robot Helper (July 28, 10:30 - 12 pm): 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!
AquaMind Garden (July 28, 2-3:30 pm): Design and program your own intelligent watering system using LEGO SPIKE Prime! In this hands-on challenge, participants will create a “thinking” garden robot that uses live forecast data to determine when plants need water and respond automatically. Explore how AI and sensors can help conserve water and keep plants healthy in a fun, interactive way.
Caledon Public Library Workshops
Ages: 6-12
Dates/Times & Locations:
Tuesday, July 7 – My Robot Helper
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Alton Branch at 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
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Inglewood Branch at 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 21 – Data Defender Dash
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Alton Branch at 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
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Inglewood Branch at 2:00 - 3:30 p.m
Program Price: Free, registration required
Workshop Descriptions:
My Robot Helper - 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!
Data Defender Dash - Data Defender Dash: Using LEGO Spike Prime kits, participants will build and program a drivable robot using block coding in this fun, cyber‑safety‑themed workshop. They’ll apply their new knowledge of cyber‑attacks and online safety to answer trivia questions that guide their robot through an obstacle course. Get ready for an exciting night of learning, collaborating, and having fun!