East Peoria Campus - June   

Uncover the science behind the weather right in your own backyard! From creating a “cloud in a bottle” to building a working barometer, students will investigate how air pressure, temperature, and the water cycle shape the world around us.

Race evaporating puddles, model the power of a tornado, and explore how a tiny drop of water connects to massive storm systems. Through hands-on experiments and interactive challenges, participants will learn to observe, measure, and predict weather like real meteorologists.

Perfect for curious learners who love science that flips, spins, swirls, and sometimes even storms!

Step into the world of weather science and live reporting. In this hands-on, project-based course, students will explore foundational weather concepts while learning how meteorologists study, predict, and communicate forecasts to the public.

Investigate cloud formation through a cloud lab, examine severe weather events, and construct simple weather instruments to better understand how data is collected and analyzed. Explore the technology behind forecasting, including radar and weather models, while building skills in interpretation and prediction.

Students will also learn the fundamentals of broadcast communication and may collaborate to produce a complete weather segment, combining scientific knowledge with clear, confident delivery. Along the way, strengthen problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking skills in a dynamic STEM environment.

Perfect for students interested in science, technology, or media.

Take Minecraft to the next level by designing and building your own custom mods. In this hands-on coding course, students will learn the basics of scripting and logic statements while modifying the classic game in creative new ways.

Create new gameplay elements, design custom features, and experiment with world-building mechanics that change how Minecraft is played. Along the way, strengthen problem-solving, collaboration, and computational thinking skills in a project-based environment.

Completed projects will be shared through a secure platform for families to view. This course requires the Java version of Minecraft. Tablet, phone, and console editions are not compatible.

Take center stage and explore the many sides of live performance in this high-energy introduction to theater. Theater Mania is a beginner-friendly acting class that gives students the chance to try a wide variety of theatrical styles while building confidence, creativity, and stage presence.

Explore skits, duets, short scenes, improvisation, pantomime, and monologues while learning how actors use voice, movement, and expression to tell a story. Practice audition-style activities and performance techniques that support school plays and other performance opportunities. The class wraps up with a live performance on a real stage for friends and family, bringing everything together in a fun and memorable way.

Take your game design skills to the next level using Unity, a professional game development platform used by real-world developers. In this hands-on course, students will explore the fundamentals of 3D game creation, including level design, basic 3D modeling concepts, gameplay mechanics, and introductory scripting.

Learn how to use scripts and variables to control player actions, design immersive environments, and build interactive experiences from the ground up. Strengthen problem-solving, logical thinking, and creative design skills while working in a collaborative, project-based setting.

Student-created games will be shared through a secure platform for families to view.

History lives where we live. In this course, explore African American history through the stories, people, and places of Peoria and the state of Illinois.

Examine how African American communities helped shape local neighborhoods, schools, businesses, cultural centers, and social movements. Learn about local activists and everyday leaders whose work created change close to home, and connect those stories to broader regional and national history.

Students will take an active role in discovering history by researching and mapping important community landmarks, helping bring overlooked stories into clearer view. This class encourages curiosity, civic awareness, and a deeper understanding of how local history shapes the present.

It’s a hard rock life! Discover how rocks are part of a massive, ever-changing story beneath our feet. In this hands-on class, students will explore the rock cycle, plate tectonics, and the forces that shape our planet.

Create models to see how mountains rise, volcanoes form, and canyons are carved over time. Hunt for “fossils” to uncover clues about Earth’s past and build stream tables to witness the powerful effects of erosion. Through interactive experiments and creative modeling, participants will see how slow geological processes create dramatic landscapes.

Perfect for learners who love digging, building, and discovering how Earth is constantly on the move.

If you love to sing, dance, act, and perform, this class is your time to shine. Broadway Bound introduces students to the fundamentals of musical theater in a fun, supportive environment where creativity and confidence take center stage.

Through theater games, improvisation, pantomime, stage movement, and introductory vocal work, students will build performance skills while learning how to move, project, and express themselves on stage. Each day blends skill-building with high-energy activities designed to grow confidence and teamwork.

No experience is necessary, just a willingness to try something new and have fun. Whether preparing for a future audition or simply wanting to explore the world of musical theater, this two-week experience helps young performers take their first steps toward the spotlight.

Who knows? You might just be Broadway-bound.

Dive into the world of engineering and physics through hands-on investigation and design. This interactive course introduces core concepts in mechanical design, Newtonian mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and quantum optics.

Design and model mechanical systems using 3D solid modeling and 3D printing technology. Explore Newton’s laws, conservation of momentum and energy, vibrations, and the speed of sound through real-world experiments. Build and test circuits while investigating Ohm’s law, magnetism, induction, motors, and generators. Examine the behavior of light using mirrors, lenses, diffraction, and basic spectroscopy to uncover the principles behind optics and quantum mechanics.

Each day combines theory with experimentation, giving students the opportunity to think like engineers and physicists, test ideas, and solve problems. This course is ideal for students who enjoy math, science, technology, and hands-on challenges.

Ever wonder why people think, feel, and act the way they do? Dive into the fascinating world of psychology and explore how the mind influences behavior, decisions, and everyday choices.

Discover what happens inside the brain—and how the world around us shapes the way we learn, interact, and choose our paths. Explore topics like emotions, habits, and decision-making, and try simple research activities to uncover patterns in human behavior. This class encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and others.

What is the Internet, really? Is the World Wide Web the same thing? Can you break the Internet by typing “Google” into Google?

Join the ICC librarians for an activity-filled exploration of how the Internet works and how people use it every day. Learn the difference between the Internet and the Web, discover how information travels across the globe, try writing your name in binary, and explore how people create content and even earn money online.

Students will also build essential digital literacy skills, including how to recognize scams, protect personal information, and make smart choices online. Through a mix of hands-on and discussion-based activities, students will gain the tools they need to navigate the digital world with curiosity and confidence.

Some activities may use ICC computers, while others will be unplugged and interactive.

Get ready to explore the outdoors through hands-on discovery and real-world science. Nature Adventures invites students to step outside and investigate the living and non-living parts of our environment, from plants and animals to water, soil, and air.

Each day brings a new outdoor adventure across the ICC campus as we explore grasslands, woodlands, prairies, and wetlands. Use hand lenses to examine prairie flowers up close, bug catchers to observe insects, dip nets to discover wetland creatures, and trowels to dig into the soil beneath our feet. Expect to get a little wet, a little dirty, and a lot curious.

This class is perfect for students who love being outside, asking questions, and learning through exploration.

What would your life be like if you had been born in another country? What language would you speak? What foods would you eat? What games would you play? In Around the World, students will “travel” to a different country each day to explore cultures, traditions, geography, and daily life. Through interactive activities, discussions, and hands-on projects, students will discover how people around the world live, learn, celebrate, and connect.

Compare traditions, explore global cuisines, learn simple phrases in new languages, and examine how geography shapes culture. Along the way, build curiosity, cultural awareness, and a broader understanding of our global community.

Perfect for students who enjoy learning about different cultures and seeing the world from new perspectives.

Step into the magical world of Wicked and discover what makes each character unique, powerful, and unforgettable. This two-week performance-based class invites students to explore storytelling through theatre, singing, and movement, all inspired by the beloved musical.

Bring characters to life through creative acting exercises, vocal exploration, and expressive movement while building confidence and collaboration skills. Explore themes of friendship, identity, and finding your voice in a fun, supportive environment that celebrates creativity and self-expression. Perfect for students who love musical theatre or are ready to discover just how wicked-ly talented they can be.

Discover the joy of making music in this group introduction to piano class. Designed for beginners, this course teaches the foundational skills needed to start playing with confidence.

Students will learn proper piano posture and hand position, identify notes on the keyboard, and begin reading music on the staff. Through guided practice and simple songs, participants will build coordination, rhythm, and basic music literacy in a supportive, encouraging environment.

No prior experience is required. By the end of the class, students will be able to play beginner-level songs and gain the skills needed to continue their musical journey.

Bring your game ideas to life while learning the fundamentals of coding. In this hands-on course, students will explore the Lua programming language as they design interactive experiences using Roblox Studio.

Learn key game design concepts while building custom features, scripting gameplay mechanics, and modifying popular game styles with original code. Strengthen logical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills in a collaborative, project-based environment.

Student-created games will be shared through a secure platform for families to view.

Speaking German is fun! Dive into a new language through interactive activities that make learning feel natural and exciting. Explore everyday words and phrases using numbers, colors, food, days, months, school objects, and travel-friendly expressions.

Practice listening and speaking skills through games, songs, and role-playing activities that build confidence and help bring the language to life. Whether learning German for the first time or just curious about a new way to communicate, this class offers a fun and supportive introduction.

The Grow Period is a relaxed, screen-free afternoon experience designed to give students time to unwind, connect, and explore their interests in a supportive, supervised environment. Open to all grade levels, this mixed-age time encourages creativity, cooperation, and independent play while being guided by Curiosity Lab facilitators and staff.

Each day offers a rotating mix of optional activities so students can choose how they want to spend their time. Activities may include art and crafts, games, building challenges, reading corners, outdoor play, or quiet creative projects. Some days can be active, others can be calm, giving students space to recharge after a full day of learning.

Parents can feel confident knowing students are safely supervised, engaged in meaningful activities, and enjoying a screen-free transition at the end of the day. Students will enjoy the freedom to try new things, spend time with friends, and grow independence in a fun, low-pressure setting.

Get ready to take your balloon game to the stratosphere! Join our advanced balloon twisting class and unleash your inner artist! If you're ready to level up from the basics, this class is your ticket to creating mind-blowing, multi-balloon masterpieces. Learn pro techniques, tackle complex designs, and push your creativity to new heights. It's time to 'pop' your limits and create something truly epic.

Beginning class experience is encouraged.

Grow curiosity and grow something real. In this interactive ecology course, explore how Earth’s major systems work together to support life. Investigate the water, carbon, and rock cycles and discover how these processes shape the world around us.

Apply new knowledge by designing and building a living terrarium, a self-sustaining ecosystem that you can observe over time. Dive into hands-on experiments that explore the role of plants and oceans in regulating Earth’s climate and learn how small changes can have a big impact.

Along the way, connect science to real-world questions about environmental responsibility and sustainability, and explore practical ways people can care for our shared planet.

Middle school brings new routines, new expectations, and new social situations, and being prepared can make all the difference. This class helps students build the skills and confidence needed to navigate middle school with less stress and more success.

Practice handling tricky situations through role-playing activities that focus on communication, managing emotions, and responding to challenges like conflict or peer pressure. Explore strategies for making and keeping friends, staying organized, managing responsibilities, and balancing schoolwork. Learn how responsibility connects to independence, discuss online safety, and begin thinking about involvement in school activities and leadership opportunities. This class offers practical tools students can use at school and beyond.

Explore the stories of African American leaders and innovators who have shaped history and continue to influence the world today. From the 1700s to the present, examine changemakers across a wide range of fields, including education, politics, science, athletics, literature, and invention.

Learn how these individuals challenged barriers, introduced new ideas, and created lasting impact in their communities and beyond. Through discussion, research, and creative projects, connect historical events to modern issues and discover how leadership takes many different forms.

Bring learning to life by creating a “Hall of Fame” style poster or a mini documentary highlighting a figure whose story deserves to be shared. This class encourages thoughtful discussion, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of American history through influential voices.

Step into the role of a biologist and uncover the invisible webs that connect all living things. From tiny backyard ants to the lush Amazon rainforest, students will explore how plants, animals, and environments work together in powerful ecosystems.

Build a self-sustaining terrarium to model how energy and matter move through a system. Investigate predator-prey relationships through an owl pellet dissection and discover how organisms survive in vastly different biomes — from icy tundras to humid rainforests. Along the way, students will see how every living thing plays an important role in Earth’s interconnected systems.

Perfect for curious naturalists who love animals, habitats, and discovering how nature fits together.

Get creative with color, pattern, and personal style in this hands-on bracelet-making class inspired by the fun meaning behind friendship bracelets. Design and create your own beaded bracelets while exploring patterns, symbols, and creative expression.

Learn basic jewelry-making techniques, experiment with colors and textures, and trade bracelets with classmates as part of the experience. This class encourages creativity, fine motor skills, and connection. Perfect for anyone who loves crafting, music-inspired fun, and making something meaningful to share.

Slow down, tune in, and experience nature through creativity and the senses. Nature Flow invites students to connect with the natural world through touch, sound, sight, and movement while exploring how nature can inspire art, reflection, and mindfulness.

Across the ICC campus, students will practice forest bathing to mindfully experience the woods, use nature journaling to record observations and reflections, experiment with flower pounding and natural dyes, and create nature mandalas using found materials. These hands-on activities encourage careful observation, creative expression, and a deeper awareness of the environment.

Nature Flow is ideal for students who enjoy creativity, reflection, and exploring the outdoors in a calm, thoughtful way.

Not all careers look the same, and many of the most interesting ones aren’t always talked about. Explore a wide range of career paths, including jobs you may have never heard of, and discover how interests, strengths, and skills can connect to future possibilities.

Explore personal strengths and interests through interactive activities and career discovery tools, and learn what education, skills, and experiences different careers may require. Begin mapping a step-by-step path toward a career goal while building self-awareness and confidence, without the pressure of having everything figured out yet. This class encourages curiosity, reflection, and big-picture thinking about what the future could hold.

Step into a world of magic, mystery, and imagination inspired by the Harry Potter series. Explore wizarding traditions through hands-on activities that blend creativity, problem-solving, and friendly competition.

Dive into themed challenges like herbology-inspired projects, trivia battles, creative crafts, and mystery-solving activities. Discover which house the Sorting Hat assigns, test your knowledge of the wizarding world, and take on imaginative quests to earn bragging rights as a tournament champion. This class celebrates storytelling, teamwork, and creativity. Perfect for longtime fans and curious newcomers alike.

The Grow Period is a relaxed, screen-free afternoon experience designed to give students time to unwind, connect, and explore their interests in a supportive, supervised environment. Open to all grade levels, this mixed-age time encourages creativity, cooperation, and independent play while being guided by Curiosity Lab facilitators and staff.

Each day offers a rotating mix of optional activities so students can choose how they want to spend their time. Activities may include art and crafts, games, building challenges, reading corners, outdoor play, or quiet creative projects. Some days can be active, others can be calm, giving students space to recharge after a full day of learning.

Parents can feel confident knowing students are safely supervised, engaged in meaningful activities, and enjoying a screen-free transition at the end of the day. Students will enjoy the freedom to try new things, spend time with friends, and grow independence in a fun, low-pressure setting.