Girls in STEAM
Join us for workshops designed for girls in 3rd – 8th grade who will participate in activities that connect with real-world applications of STEAM through design, programming, coding, engineering, and more. Participants will be able to explore all aspects of STEAM — Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math — to see what interests them.
Any questions or concerns can be directed to education@whitakercenter.org.
Please Note: Science Center exploration before your workshop is NOT included in the price of your workshop. You can purchase a discounted Science Center and/or Digital Cinema ticket(s) for the day of the workshop at checkout.
Plan Ahead & Secure Your Spot! We’re thrilled to offer engaging programs at the Science Center — and we want to make sure you don’t miss out! To help us prepare and ensure the best experience for everyone, we kindly ask that tickets be purchased in advance.
Please note: Programs require a minimum number of participants. If minimum enrollment is not met, we will notify participants two days before the scheduled date that the program is canceled. Early registration helps us keep these opportunities available! Consider adding a ticket for a friend or sibling!
Dates and Times
Girls in STEAM Workshops run from October to May, on 2nd and 4th Saturdays, from 1-3:00 PM.
Registration
Tickets are $8 per member or $12 per non-member – per student, per workshop!
Visit the Box Office the day of the workshop to add on a ticket to the UPMC Science Center. Attendees may purchase a discounted ticket to the UPMC Science Center or the Select Medical Digital Cinema for the day of their workshop at our box office.
Discounted tickets for UPMC Science Center are $10.
Discounted tickets for Select Medical Digital Cinema are $6.
Bundle Program
This year we’re also rolling out a bundle program — if you purchase all 12 Girls in STEAM workshops by October 11, 2025, you get one workshop free.
Please Note: UPMC Science Center exploration before your workshop is NOT included in the price of your workshop. UPMC Science Center hours are 10 AM – 5 PM and tickets can be purchased at the Box Office the day of your workshop.
2025 – 2026 Workshop Schedule
Jurassic Mechanics
Oct. 11, 2025
Dinosaurs ruled the Earth millions of years ago—but what if they could walk among us again? Girls will explore the fascinating world of dinosaurs and learn how paleontologists uncover secrets of the past. After excavating a fossil and designing a dinosaur, girls will use Sphero robots to traverse “Jurassic Park.”
Edible Experiments
Oct. 25, 2025
Discover the delicious science behind your favorite foods! From fluffy pancakes to gooey cookies, every delicious bite starts with a scientific reaction. Through fun experiments and tasty treats, girls will explore how Chemistry plays a role in making the foods we eat.
Feeling Artsy
Nov. 8, 2025
Think Math and Art don’t mix? Think again! Girls will explore the surprising ways that mathematics and art connect— revealing patterns, shapes, and structures that fuel both creativity and logic. You’ll leave this workshop with artwork that demonstrates artistic expression and mathematical thinking.
“Bling” In the Holidays
Dec. 13, 2025
Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Create your own unique piece of this jewelry in this activity where geology meets art. Girls will practice using a rock hammer to crack open and reveal geodes like a geologist and then transform them into a beautiful piece of jewelry!
Breaking News
Jan. 10, 2026
Lights, camera, ACTION! Girls will use green screen effects to create dynamic and engaging news segments. We will write, report, and produce our own stories, ready for TV. With assistance from an industry professional, girls will learn tech tricks that make TV magic happen.
Cosmetic Chemistry
Feb. 14, 2026
Ever wondered what’s really inside your favorite lip balm, lotion, or makeup? This fun and interactive workshop is designed especially for girls who love makeup, skincare, and all things creative! Girls will explore the scientific method and get hands-on making their own natural cosmetics.
Pixel Perfect
Feb. 28, 2026
You’ll be amazed at what you create by the end of the workshop! From branding, to logos, and visual identities—graphic design encompasses so much of what we see online today! Girls will be guided through the creative process of designing for both fun and function.
Life Under the Microscope
March 14, 2026
Through hands-on activities, microscope investigations, and interactive discussions, girls will learn about cell structure, function, and specialization. We will explore the hidden world of cells, the building blocks of all living things, and investigate how microscopic science is used by healthcare professionals every day.
Sketch to Screen
April 11, 2026
We love watching cartoons… but have you ever tried making them? We will create our own stop motion animations and learn about the Technology & Art that goes into making our favorite cartoons. We will even watch our creations on the big screen!
The Final Frontier
April 25, 2026
Explore our Solar System in this out-of-this-world program! Girls will step into the role of aerospace engineers, designing and building model rocks for space travel. Using the Universe Sandbox application, we will explore our Solar System and beyond as we uncover the wonders of space.
Day at the Amusement Park
May 9, 2026
Let’s take a trip to the amusement park or… Whitaker Center’s Innovation Zone? Girls will learn about the physics of popular rides, like roller coasters, while designing their own theme park using the computer application Roller Coaster Tycoon.
Beneath the Leaves
May 30, 2026
Dig into the world of Ecology! Girls will explore different types of plants and how to care for them using water, nutrients, and sunlight. We will design decorative pots to keep our plants in to take home. Along the way, we will discuss the diversity in plant life we see here in PA!
Girls in STEAM programs are supported by:
The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation
