Registration for spring 2026 workshops will open Saturday, December 20 @ 10am.
The Fab Lab is excited to launch a pilot series of homeschool drop-off workshops. These project-focused sessions are designed to enrich your curriculum and build skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM). Workshops include all materials and prioritize active learning and peer collaboration. Student leaders and Fab Lab educators will be on hand to support your child. This is just the beginning; we hope to expand to additional projects and ages as the pilot develops.
Fridays, 2:00-3:30pm | Ages 7-11
$30/workshop, includes all materials
Space is limited- check the registration portal for latest information on available spots. Join in the fun and help shape future classes. Sign up for a single workshop or multiple adventures! Ages are separated in our registration system for organization. In the workshop, kids usually work together, though some activities may be grouped by age.
Want to pay using your Education Market Assistant (EMA) account/Step Up For Students scholarship?
Enter coupon code STEPUP when registering. You must then reserve the funds in EMA within 24 hours of registering. If the funds are not reserved within 24 hours of registration, the student will be moved to the program's waitlist. Scroll down to Homeschool Workshops Policies & Expectations for more information.
JANUARY 2026
Ice Explorers
January 23, 2026 | 2:00-3:30pm | Ages 7-11
Children will investigate the mysteries of ice through hands-on experiments. They'll test how ice melts in different conditions, create colorful frozen sculptures, and discover how salt, heat, and movement change ice’s shape and texture. Kids also freeze small objects in clear ice blocks and use tools or warm water to “excavate” them like little winter archaeologists. This workshop blends sensory play, simple science, and creative exploration in a frosty, magical atmosphere.
February 2026
Chocolate Curiosity Lab
February 27, 2026 | 2:00-3:30pm | Ages 7-11
In Chocolate Curiosity Lab, kids explore the sweet science behind chocolate by melting, molding, and cooling it to see how temperature changes texture and consistency. Through safe, hands-on experiments, they practice careful timing and observation while creating simple chocolate treats. Participants leave with edible creations and a tasty understanding of the science and artistry behind chocolate-making.
MARCH 2026
March Makers
March 27, 2026 | 2:00-3:30pm | Ages 7-11
In this festive session, students will design and build St. Patrick’s Day–themed projects using real Fab Lab tools and machines. From digital design to fabrication, kids will experiment with materials, learn how ideas turn into finished products, and build confidence using maker equipment in a fun, supportive environment. Expect creativity, problem-solving, and a little bit of March magic along the way!
APRIL 2026
Bloom & Build
April 24, 2026 | 2:00-3:30pm | Ages 7-11
In Bloom & Build, children will use Fab Lab tools to design and create a custom planter, then bring it to life by planting a flower of their own. Along the way, kids will explore how maker tools work and practice problem-solving as they turn an idea into a functional, take-home project. This workshop celebrates growth, creativity, and learning by doing!
New to the Fab Lab? Click the yellow button above, then Create Account. Follow the instructions in the email to verify your account. Once logged in, click Get Started to add your child(ren) as Members. Select Enroll in a Program from Youth Memberships, choose Homeschool Workshops, pick your session(s) and check out. For waitlists, follow the same steps—you will not be charged for joining the waitlist.
Homeschool Workshops Policies & Expectations
Drop-Off and Pick-Up
Homeschool Workshops are a drop-off program. Drop off will take place at 2:00pm inside the main entrance located near the rear of the building. A volunteer or staff member will help you check in your child. If someone other than you will be picking up your child, please notify lab staff at this time.
You are also required to sign your child out when picking them up at 3:30pm. Again, this will be done inside the building and a volunteer will retrieve your child from the lab.
General Health and Safety
The lab and its machines and equipment are regularly professionally cleaned and sanitized with EPA-approved products.
Antibacterial hand soap is available in restrooms and antibacterial hand sanitizer is available throughout the lab for easy access and use.
Dress Code
Students should wear comfortable, fitted, casual clothing and CLOSED TOE and CLOSED HEEL shoes. Gym or tennis shoes – NO SANDALS, CROCS or FLIP FLOPS permitted. Loose clothing and jewelry are not permitted for safety purposes and long hair must be secured.
Snacks
Snacks WILL NOT be provided during these workshops. Please make sure your child brings a water bottle that can be refilled at the lab.
Release Forms
FES Step Up For Students Scholarships
Programs that qualify for direct pay include Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) or Personalized Education Program (PEP) scholarships. Families who intend to pay for Homeschool Workshop(s) through their Education Market Assistant (EMA) account/Step Up For Students scholarship must enter the coupon code STEPUP when registering in the Fab Lab portal. They must then reserve the funds in EMA within 24 hours of registering. If the funds are not reserved within 24 hours of registration, the student will be moved to the program's waitlist. After the program is complete, the reserved funds will be pulled from EMA. If the student has insufficient funds in their EMA account at that time, then the family will be required to pay out-of-pocket upon receipt of invoice.
Waitlists
The registration portal has the most current information regarding open spots and waitlists. You will NOT be charged when adding yourself to a class waitlist. Students on the waitlist will be notified in the order they were added to the waitlist if a spot becomes available. We will notify you as early as possible by phone or email if there is an opportunity to move off the waitlist and include instructions on how to make payment.
Cancellations & Refund Policy
Cancellations must be made at least 10 days in advance of your enrolled workshop session to qualify for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 10 days from the workshop will qualify for a 50% refund. Cancellations made the same day of the workshop do NOT qualify for a refund. All refunds are subject to a 2% processing fee. Cancellations must be made in writing to info@suncoastscience.org or by calling 941-840-4394. Cancellations by voicemail will not be accepted. No-shows do not qualify for a refund. If your child has to be picked up early, there is no refund for time missed.
We reserve the right to cancel a workshop if 8 or fewer students are enrolled. In the case of a cancellation due to low enrollment, a full refund will be provided.
Student Expectations
For each student to have a positive, safe experience in Homeschool Workshops, we have established the following expectations.
- Walking is our preferred mode of transportation while working in the lab! Please refrain from running.
- No food or drink (including candy and gum) is allowed in classroom or machine areas unless agreed upon with staff or volunteers.
- The Golden Rule… Treat others as you would like to be treated! This means raising your hand to speak, respecting others’ personal space and keeping your hands to yourself, being considerate and helpful, using appropriate language, etc.
- Treat our machines and tools respectfully... like they are your own!
- There may be other programs or events running concurrently with the workshops. Please be sure to stay with your group at all times.
Three Strikes Policy
To reinforce these rules and encourage an appropriate and safe learning environment, we employ the “Three Strikes and You’re Out” policy in relation to the above expectations.
- Strike 1 (Reminder): A reminder of our expectations will be given to the student.
- Strike 2 (Warning): The student will be removed from class activities for a short period of time.
- Strike 3 (Action): We will contact you to immediately pick up your child from the lab. Depending on the severity of the behavior, future participation in lab activities may be impacted.
