Plainfield STEM Drop-In Workshop

  • Computers, General STEM, Computer programming, Coding, Stem
Plainfield Performing Arts Center: 724 Park Ave, Plainfield, NJ 07060, USA
Jan 12 2026
Dec 31 2026
STEM Program
Free Program
  1. Thu3:30 - 6:30 pm (EST)
  2. Fri3:30 - 6:30 pm (EST)

Description

The Union County Community Drop In Center is featuing our2026 STEM Program which is dedicated to fostering technical excellence and community resilience across Roselle, Hillside, Rahway, and Plainfield through a dynamic, year-long rotating curriculum. Our mission is to transform students into versatile innovators by bridging the gap between digital theory and physical execution, beginning with AI foundations and "vibe coding" to solve real-world problems before transitioning into hardware mastery through Arduino-based physical computing. As the seasons change, we empower participants to tackle environmental and engineering challenges—ranging from building renewable energy models and flood safety systems to mastering aerodynamics and coding autonomous vehicles. By concluding the year with high-stakes drone challenges and professional career preparation, we ensure our students don't just learn the mechanics of 3D printing or LEGO robotics but fundamentally understand how to turn these high-demand skills into a sustainable future.

Monthly Objectives

January - February: Ideation & Vibe Coding Participants establish a foundation in AI and experience design, focusing on using digital tools to solve real-world problems. The session concludes with a community showcase where students present their refined AI-driven concepts.


March - April: Arduino & Physical Computing The focus shifts to hardware, where students learn how electronics "think" by mastering circuits, power safety, and board coding. Students gain hands-on experience with sensors and automation, culminating in a test and showcase of their physical builds.


May - June: Earth, Weather & Energy This outdoor-focused module explores how electricity is created and transferred through simple generator builds. Students also learn to read weather patterns and practice vital safety protocols for floods, thunderstorms, and tornadoes.


July - August: Aerodynamics & Simple Flight Summer sessions dive into the physics of flight, moving from paper plane engineering to assembling and testing RC planes. The curriculum also introduces LEGO Spike robotics and experimental chemistry labs to round out the summer.


September - October: Applied Science & Problem-Solving Students apply engineering principles to modern challenges, such as building renewable energy models and simulating drone search and rescue missions. Advanced topics include 3D printing custom tools and programming RC vehicles for autonomous driving.


November - December: Projects & Presentations The year ends with high-level coding challenges and specialty "Final Project" builds in areas like drones or 3D printing. Finally, students receive career preparation on how to monetize their skills before presenting their work to parents and the community.

 

Restrictions

Participants must currently be 9 years and 11 months to 18 years old.

Registration period

Registration starts on 01/12/2026 and ends on 12/31/2026.

In-person location

Plainfield Performing Arts Center: 724 Park Ave, Plainfield, NJ 07060, USA
Express Registration