Two after-school programs for elementary kids: Tinker Toy Lab (art and playful engineering, Grades 1–5) and Maker Invention Studio (electronics and coding, Grades 3–5). Piloted at Beach Elementary and expanding to more PUSD elementary schools.
Grades 1–5
Kids build instruments, giant cardboard costumes, flying contraptions, and other inventions. Designed to be accessible and engaging for kids who might not normally gravitate toward STEAM but love to create.
Grades 3–5
Students experiment with mechanics, electronics, and coding using the micro:bit platform. The focus is on problem-solving, expanding maker skills, and learning to collaborate through hands-on engineering challenges.
Both pilot sessions at Beach Elementary filled within minutes of registration opening, so we're working with PUSD to expand. If you're a school administrator or PTA member interested in hosting a program, email hello@piedmontmakers.org.
Registration windows and waitlist signups land in the newsletter. Last time, both sessions sold out within minutes, so subscribing is the only way to catch the opening.