registration will open friday, september 19 @ 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. 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.
October 2025
Frankencode
October 10 | 2:00-3:30pm | Ages 7-11
Learn what powers the world-wide spider web at Frankencode! We'll cater to your child's level of programming: Younger kids will explore coding with Scratch, while older students dive into Python—so whether they’re a pro or just getting started, everyone will learn something new. Get in the Halloween spirit with some spooky computer science fun!
Pumpkins & Projects
October 31 | 2:00-3:30pm | Ages 7-11
Happy Halloween! What better way to (pumpkin) spice up your costume than with a crafty workshop at the Fab Lab?! Spend a hauntingly fun afternoon creating your own custom vinyl trick-or-treat bag and laser-engraved pumpkin using our high-tech machines! Costumes are encouraged but not required—come as you are and join the fun.
November 2025
Autumn Architects
November 14 | 2:00-3:30pm | Ages 7-11
Build, launch, and create! Get creative this fall season with a plethora of hands-on engineering and design challenges. Test tin foil boats with pennies, catapult Shrinky Dink cannonballs, and design your own pendant with the Fab Lab's laser cutter, 3D printer, or leather stamper. Perfect for curious makers ready to explore, experiment, and craft!
December 2025
Snow Lab
December 12 | 2:00-3:30pm | Ages 7-11
Join us for a magical Winter Wonderland Workshop! In this festive, hands-on workshop, participants will create a variety of winter-themed projects, including sparkling snow globes, cozy holiday decorations, and light-up cards—all designed to spark creativity and challenge their engineering skills. Perfect for making gifts or just enjoying the spirit of the season, this workshop is sure to leave everyone feeling merry and inspired.
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.
