Hands-On Learning.
Lifelong Curiosity.
The JFS STEAM Program brings free, enrichment workshops in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math to every student at James Franklin Smith Elementary.
Get Involved →Why STEAM at JFS?
We believe every child deserves the chance to tinker, experiment, create and problem-solve — not just in the classroom, but in engaging, hands-on workshops led by passionate student volunteers from local high schools and colleges.
Our Mission
To engage every student and family with high-quality, hands-on learning experiences that raise awareness of how Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math shape our everyday lives — and prepare students for future careers in STEAM fields.
Our Vision
A dedicated STEAM Lab where students explore cross-curricular activities in a setting that goes beyond the traditional classroom — a place to experiment, collaborate, and discover in ways that spark a lifelong love of learning.
2025–26 Workshop Lineup
Each semester we run a fresh set of workshops spanning all five STEAM pillars — all offered free of charge, after school, for students in grades K–6.
Life in Motion
A 6-week biology workshop for grades 1–3, led by the Blood Cancer Association. Students explore living systems through hands-on experiments.
Science · Grades 1–6Coding in Motion
A 4-week introductory coding workshop for grades 1–3 using Scratch Jr and Code.org, led by Girls Who Code.
Technology · Grades 1–63D Printing
A 5-week engineering design workshop for grades 4–6. Students ideate, sketch and print their own 3D creations using Tinkercad.
Engineering · Grades 4–6Jaguar Bee
A school-wide spelling bee open to all K–6 students. Top finishers advance to an on-stage Finals — with the school’s three champions earning the right to represent JFS at the regional and national Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Literacy · Grades K–6Math in Motion
A 5-week math enrichment workshop for all grades, designed to build skills and confidence ahead of the Math Kangaroo competition.
Math · Grades K–6Career Choices
A cross-pillar workshop where students explore future STEAM careers through hands-on experiments and presentations from community volunteers.
STEAM · Grades K–6Robots in Motion
A 6-week robotics workshop using EV3 and Botley robots — a stepping stone toward the First Lego League competition.
Engineering · Grades 4–6Financial Literacy
A 5-week personal finance workshop helping students understand budgeting, saving, and making smart money decisions from an early age.
Finance · Grades 1–6You in Motion
A self-care and mental wellness workshop for grades 4–6 that explores mindfulness, resilience and emotional well-being through STEAM activities.
Wellness · Grades 1–6Arts & Craft Education
Monthly hands-on art projects tied to seasons and cultural themes — from solar oven design to Ancient Egypt death masks and Chinese kite-making.
Arts · All GradesMath Olympiad
A multi-round math competition for grades 1–6, running across 5 test dates from November through March. Builds problem-solving skills and competitive spirit.
Math · Grades 1–6Business in Motion
A 5-week entrepreneurship and business fundamentals workshop for grades 4–6, led by SJSU student volunteers. Students explore real-world business concepts.
Business · Grades 4–6Our Volunteer Partners
Our workshops are designed and taught by talented high school and college student volunteers from local organizations — mentored and coached by our STEAM team.
Explore Foundation
Leads 3D Printing, Math in Motion, and Coding in Motion workshops.
Blood Cancer Association
Leads Life in Motion biology and You in Motion wellness workshops, and raises community awareness about blood cancer.
Voiceopedia
Co-leads Career Choices and Robots in Motion workshops, empowering students to express ideas through writing, speech, and engineering.
Girls Who Code
Co-leads Coding in Motion, Robots in Motion, and Career Choices workshops to inspire future technologists.
From Idea to Certificate
Every JFS STEAM workshop goes through a thoughtful process — from volunteer recruitment to a Principal-signed Certificate of Achievement for every student who completes it.
Volunteers Ideate
High school & college volunteers pitch workshop ideas, then craft the curriculum and lesson plans with our STEAM Chair’s guidance.
PTA & Principal Approve
Workshops are reviewed and approved by the PTA Board and school Principal before being announced to families.
Students Register Free
Parents receive an announcement and sign their children up at no cost. Spots fill fast!
Workshops Run After School
Weekly sessions run for 4–6 weeks, after school, supported by parent volunteers and a certified teacher on-site.
Students Are Recognized
Every student who completes a workshop receives a Certificate of Achievement signed by Principal O’Flaherty.
Instructors Are Commended
Volunteer instructors receive a Certificate of Commendation — valuable recognition for college applications.
Join the STEAM Community
Whether you’re a parent who wants to volunteer, a student who wants to teach, or a family ready to register — we’d love to have you.
