Toledo Area Stem Roundup

*With contributions by Sneha Kamath

STEM — Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics — are fields that are important for future generations to engage in. Fortunately for the children (and adults) of Toledo, there are awesome opportunities to learn more and get involved in these fields right in our area. For some great options to engage in the fun of learning about the STEM fields, we rounded up these opportunities Northwest Ohio has to offer.

Sylvania Stem Center
3315 Centennial Road,
Unit H., Sylvania
419-283-3084
sylvaniastem.org

Sylvania STEM Center is a non-profit organization that focuses on education and exploration in the STEM fields. The Center serves as a meeting hub for primary and secondary STEM teams. The teams are focused on competitive robotics where which children of all ages can get involved. Additionally, the center offers summer camps for students in first to eighth grades. Camps range from Exploratory LEGO Engineering to Stop Motion to Underwater ROV Exploration. There are opportunities for any young learner interested in science, math, engineering and technology. To enroll in camps for 2022 or to join a competitive robotics team, please visit the Sylvania STEM Center website.

Imagination Station
1 Discovery Way
419244-2674
imaginationstationtoledo.org

A staple in downtown Toledo, Imagination Station is a science center where everyone can fall in love with learning. The nonprofit Center works to serve the Northwest Ohio community with informal science education and fun in the hopes of sparking a passion for the sciences. Visitors can enjoy interactive, hands-on exhibits for the whole family. Along with exciting exhibits, they also hosts science demonstrations, workshops, summer
camps and more. Imagination Station works hard to continue growing and
improving, often adding temporary exhibits as well as permanent ones. The
latter includes the popular Simulator Theater Experience, IDEA Lab with a
spotlight on improving health-focused learning areas. So even if you’ve visited before, Imagination Station likely has something new to offer you.

Code Ninjas
4024 N. Holland Sylvania Rd.,
Ste. 10 and 11
419-605-0970
codeninjas.com/oh-sylvania

Code Ninjas is a coding franchise where kids can learn how to code while
also building their own video games. Code Ninja Create is one of their pro-
grams that allows kids to develop coding skills through gaming. A path from white to black belt shows mastery of the skill. The program is for 7-14 year olds, and kids can learn to code at their own pace year-round. Convenient weeknight and weekend hours are available with a low-pressure drop-in system to accommodate anyone’s schedule.

Code Ninja camps are also an option where kids can learn coding and game
building, all while making new friends. Camps are offered in the summer and throughout the year. Additionally the after-school program in which (depending on the school location) has Code Ninjas staff who will pick up your child after school for an afternoon of hands-on STEM activities. Parents’ Night Out is another fun service where parents can take an evening off for a date night, or to just relax, and drop their kids off for
an educational and fun evening.

Ritter Planetarium
2855 W Bancroft St.
419-530-2650
utoledo.edu/nsm/rpbo/

Ritter Planetarium is located at the University of Toledo, and it is a chance
for you to explore the fascinating world of stars and planets. The state-of-the-art digital projector and surround sound transports viewers into space to view the wonders of our Universe. The Planetarium offers programs on the week-ends, hosts school field trips and Scout troops and can be rented out for private parties by reservation. So for kids and adults interested in learning what is beyond Earth, this is an awesome place to visit.

Liberty Aviation Museum
3515 East State Rd. Port Clinton
419-732-0234
libertyaviationmuseum.org/

For the aviation enthusiast, The Liberty Aviation Museum is a very close drive that is well worth the journey. The Museum has been around for over 30 years and features a display of historic aircrafts and vehicles, with two hangar facilities, galleries, a motorpool where military vehicles are shown and boat restoration takes place, a gift shop and the Tin Goose Diner for a great lunch. Tickets for children six and older are only $8. Children five and under can visit for free.

Snapology
5243 Airport Hwy.
Inside Urban Air
419-962-3257
snapology.com/location/toledowest

Snapology is an organization that serves Sylvania, Ottawa Hills, Monclova, Maumee, Perrysburg, Holland and West Toledo, offering classes that help enrich STEAM skills (STEM + Art). Programs vary from robotics and coding to technology, and even the youngest students, preschool-aged, have an opportunity to learn with Snapology and their preschool programs. Along with classes, Snapology offers LEGO themed programs, birthday parties and summer camps, all of which allow students to learn with hands-on play so that their creativity can flourish.

Grove Patterson — Camp Invention: Wonder
3020 Marvin Ave.
330-361-1606
invent.org/programs/camp-invention

Camp Invention’s 2023 Program “Wonder” brings exciting opportunities for children who are entering grades K-6, and have an interest in developing their problem solving skills, creativity, persistence, and entrepreneurship. The camp will develop these areas by hosting various activities ranging from creative projects that explore physics to launching pop-up businesses based on an original plan. The camp runs from June 12-16 (9am-3pm). 

Registration costs $260, and a limited number of need-based scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration can be completed online. For information about scholarships, contact Kara Houser at toledocampinvention@gmail.com. Leader in training opportunities may be available for students in Grades 7-9. 

Penta Summer Camps
9301 Buck Rd., Perrysburg
419-666-1120
pentacareercenter.org

Penta Summer Camps come in three varieties for STEM-enthusiasts of different ages! See below for options and descriptions. Register for the programs on their website. 

STEM Camp 2023 – Grades 3-5 

This is a five-day camp for students who were in grades 3-5 during the 2022-2023 school year. As a part of the program, students will engage in hands-on activities that will help them understand how STEM skills are used in different career fields. This camp is offered during two different weeks (sessions are identical): week of June 5-9, week of June 12-16.

STEM Camp 2023 – Grades 6-9 

Designed for students who were in grades 6-9 during the 2022-2023 school year, this is a five-day camp that will take place from June 5-9, from 10 am-3 pm. The camp’s focus will be on teaching students how STEM skills are used in different career fields through hands-on activities. 

STEM Advanced Camp 2023 – Grades 6-9

This camp offers more advanced STEM learning opportunities for students who were in grades 6-9 during the 2022-2023 school year. Camp attendees will have the chance to study construction, welding, culinary, or ecology/physics labs to deepen their understanding of their topic of choice. Registration options include a three-day (Monday-Wednesday) and two-day (Thursday-Friday) program. Students can sign up for one or both sessions.