ESQ Library Programs

ESQ is bringing exciting, hands-on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programming to libraries all across your communities this winter! From coding to chemistry 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!

Winter 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, crack 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 and KPL'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

  • Time: 7:00 – 8:00 pm 

Senior Club: Ages 10-13 (3 weeks) 

  • Dates: Mondays, Febrary 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 two STEM workshops this winter! 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 6:00 - 7:30 pm 

  • Tuesday, January 27 | 6:00 - 7:30 pm 

  • Tuesday, February 17 | 6:00 - 7:30 pm 

Workshop Content:

  • Agribot Adventures (January 27): Program an Ozobot to manage a digital farm by planting crops, watering fields, checking soil, and using sustainable practices! You will navigate it through a field that you draw with codes using Ozoblockly! 

  • 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! 

Region of Waterloo Library Workshops

Dates/Times & Locations:   

  • Monday, November 24 | 4:00 - 5:o0 pm: Baden Branch (Program finished)

  • Monday, December 1 | 4:30 - 5:30 pm: Elmira Branch (Program cancelled)

  • Wednesday, December 3 | 4:00 - 5:00 pm: Breslau Branch

  • Monday, December 8 | 4:00 - 5:00 pm: New Hamburg Branch

Ages: 9-12  

Program Price: Free, registration required

Workshop Description:

Matata Artists: In this creative coding workshop, participants will become artists and engineers as they use the Matata Studio Coding Set - a screen-free, hands-on block coding toolkit - to design geometric masterpieces! In groups, they will be programming MatataBot to create geometric shapes and patterns. They’ll learn how angles, sequences, loops, and functions can be combined to transform mathematical concepts into creative robot-made artwork.

Region of Waterloo Library Workshops: Winter

Dates/Times & Locations:   

  • Wednesday, January 28 | 4:00 - 5:00 pm: Wellesley Branch
  • Wednesday, February 4 | 4:30 - 5:30 pm: Ayr Branch

  • Wednesday, February 11 | 4:00 - 5:00 pm: Baden Branch

Grades: 4-7

Program Price: Free, registration required

Workshop Descriptions:

Micro:bit Messengers (January 28): In this hands-on workshop, we’ll use block coding to turn Micro:bits into message-sending gadgets! Learn how radio signals work while trading secret notes with your friends. Along the way, uncover the basics of cybersecurity and why your digital footprint matters. Code, connect, and crack the code!!

Mini Maker Mayhem (February 4): Get ready for a maker showdown! Build a glider that soars the farthest and a catapult that launches objects to new heights - all with limited materials. It’s a race against time and a test of your creativity. Who will engineer the ultimate flying machine and the most powerful launcher? Come ready to invent, compete, and have a blast! 

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!