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Science Experiment Sessions
The Palos Verdes Youth STEAM Association's science experiment sessions are hands-on, interactive activities where students explore scientific concepts through fun experiments at the Peninsula Library. Taught by high school student volunteers of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, these one hour classes encourage curiosity and critical thinking to both elementary and middle students while introducing topics in physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering.
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Sunday, June 22
DIY Lava Lamp: Chemical Reactions & Polarity
Using water, vegetable oil, food coloring, and Alka-Seltzer tablets, students will make their own lava lamps in a clear bottle. This fun, bubbly display teaches concepts such as liquid polarity, density, and chemical reactions in a way that's engaging and visually stimulating. It also opens discussion on immiscible liquids and gas formation.
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Sunday, July 20
Popsicle Stick Catapult Competition
Students will design and build their own catapults using popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and ping pong balls. After learning about basic catapult mechanics, they'll test their creations in a fun competition to see whose can launch the farthest. A small prize adds excitement to this hands-on engineering challenge!
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Sunday, August 3
Paper Roller Coaster Physics
In this interactive STEM activity, students will build their own paper roller coasters and explore how gravity, potential energy, and kinetic energy work together to move a marble down the track. Working in teams, they’ll plan, build, and test their designs—then improve them through creative problem-solving and experimentation. It’s a fun, hands-on way to bring physics to life!
04
Sunday, August 17
Walking Water: Exploring How Water Moves and Colors Mix
In this fun and hands-on activity, students will watch as water travels along paper towels from one cup to another, carrying vibrant colors with it. This experiment helps students understand capillary action—the natural process that allows plants to draw water up their stems. As the colored water moves and mixes, kids get to see science and art come together in a simple, fascinating way that sparks curiosity and encourages teamwork.
ABOUT US
The Palos Verdes Youth STEAM Association is a student-led nonprofit dedicated to inspiring the next generation of innovators through Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM). Founded by passionate high school students from the Palos Verdes Peninsula, our organization is committed to providing free, hands-on educational opportunities to youth in our community—especially those who may not otherwise have access to enriching STEAM experiences.
Our team hosts interactive science experiment workshops that spark curiosity and creativity in young minds. We partner with local schools, libraries, and organizations to create inclusive spaces where learning is fun, collaborative, and empowering.
This site offers a look into our current projects, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support our mission. Whether you're a parent, student, educator, or supporter of youth empowerment, we invite you to explore what we do and join us in building a brighter, more innovative future.
Why us?
Your child's access to quality education is our priority.
01
Peer-Led Mentorship by Dedicated High School Students
Our program is facilitated by motivated high school students who provide supportive, relatable guidance. This peer-to-peer model fosters a positive learning environment where younger students receive personalized attention and encouragement, helping to build both academic skills and confidence
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Engaging Hands-On Learning in a Creative Environment
Participants engage in interactive, project-based activities that promote curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The lab encourages exploration across science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) in a setting designed to inspire creativity beyond the traditional classroom.
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Convenient, Community-Based Location with No Cost to Families
Sessions are held at the Peninsula Library's Purcell Room, providing accessible, high-quality STEAM education within the local community. With no fees involved, the classes remove financial barriers and offers an excellent opportunity for children to grow their skills close to home.
