SBCUSD Summer STEAM Series

Afternoons at the Norman F. Feldheym Library in downtown San Bernardino become a hands on science lab for families each summer. The Summer STEAM Series meets at 555 W 6th St, San Bernardino, CA 92410, USA and offers one hour sessions that pair short stories with tactile activities designed for kindergarten through sixth grade children.

Free and open to the public, sessions require a parent or guardian to attend with their child and emphasize doing science together rather than watching from the sidelines. The program focuses on three neighborhood sized themes: rocks, space, and ocean life. For geology days instructors bring rock samples that reflect the local landscape shaped by the San Bernardino Mountains and nearby fault systems, so kids can handle granite and examine grains under a magnifier.

Space sessions map simple orbital mechanics and point out constellations visible over the valley on summer nights. Ocean sessions bring the coast inland with buoyancy experiments and demonstrations of tide and current effects on marine animals. Each one hour meeting follows a clear rhythm: a short story that frames the topic, a guided hands on activity that invites hypothesis and testing, and a wrap up that encourages questions and exploration at home.

Materials are intentionally low tech and durable—magnifiers, recycled containers, colored sand, simple motors and small fossil replicas—so families can repeat experiments using common household items. The result is playful science that builds observation skills and curiosity without costly supplies. Part of what makes this series a local standout is its accessibility.

The series takes place in a civic building that serves many neighborhoods across the Inland Empire, and the free format removes barriers for families who want enriching summer options. It also links classroom ideas to the regional landscape: the nearby mountains, clear desert skies, and coastal ecosystems that define Southern California make the lessons feel personally relevant. If you are visiting San Bernardino with children, the Summer STEAM Series is an easy, low cost way to spend a morning.

Pair a session with a walk through the downtown park, a visit to a local museum, or a short drive up to a foothill trail to see geological features in person. Bring comfortable clothes, curiosity, and a willingness to get a little messy; the focus here is on learning by doing and leaving with an experiment you can try again at home. Sessions are inclusive and suitable for a range of abilities, and staff welcome questions about accommodations.

Parking is available nearby and public transit stops are within walking distance of the library. Expect light noise and active groups; bringing a water bottle and a small backpack helps keep hands free while supervising experiments and exploring nearby downtown spots.