Current classes

We are  offering on coding and technology for  girls in grades 5-10. Classes are free unless a materials fee is listed. Please note, all times are in Eastern Time.  Take note of our no-show and repeat class policies

Difficulty rating: ⭐- no experience needed, ⭐⭐ - some coding experience helpful , ⭐⭐⭐ - some coding experience needed

You can find our ORCSGirls Junior events here

December 2024

December 21 - Artistic Math⭐⭐

Virtual class

10am to Noon- Eastern Time.

Come join us! Learn to use math to its fullest potential to make beautiful patterns. We will use Python to display interesting shapes to create captivating artwork. We can not wait to see what patterns you come up with. If you can add, subtract, multiply, and divide, this class is for you.

January 2025

January 11 - Photo Editing

Virtual class

10am to Noon- Eastern Time.

Learn how to create awesome pictures and cool art projects using photo editing software. Curious about what you can do with colors, layers, contrast, saturation, smart selection tools and much more to create that perfect picture. Unleash your creativity, we cannot wait to see what you create.

February 2025

February 1 - Quantum Magic ⭐⭐

Virtual class

10am to Noon- Eastern Time.

With things like Quantum Computing coming into the publics view, the question comes up what actually is "quantum". In this class we will explore fundamental concepts, play quantum games and even do a quantum demonstration.

February 8 - Internet of Things ⭐⭐

Roane State Community College, Oak Ridge, TN

9am to Noon- Eastern Time.

From color changing lights to garage door openers to smart refrigerators, more and more devices are connected via the Internet. So how does it work? Learn all about the Internet of Things and what it takes to control a light emitting diode (LED) through the Internet. You will build a circuit, program firmware and create a webpage to control the LED. Sounds hard? Join the workshop and you will be an Internet of Things expert in no time.

February 22 - Computer Vision with the HuskyLens

Blount County Public Library, Maryville, TN

10am to 3pm - Eastern Time.

Computer Vision and AI is all around us. Get hands-on experience with the HuskyLens and the Microbit and explore the world of computer vision from facial recognition to open a door to object tracking. No prior experience required. Lunch will be provided.

March 2025

March 15 - Game Theory ⭐⭐

Virtual class

10am to Noon- Eastern Time.

Have you heard about Game Theory? It is about the mathematical study of strategic behavior. In this class the girls will learn about the Prisoners dilemma problem and get some hands-on experience with game theory. 

March 29 - Electronics with the Raspberry Pico

Blount County Public Library, Maryville, TN

10am to 3pm - Eastern Time.

Learn about electronics and the Raspberry Pico microcontroller. The girls will build a project using the Pico and external electronics. Some experience is helpful but not required. This class has a materials fee of $30 and the girls can keep their Pico and electronmics kit. Lunch will be provided.

April 2025

April 5 - Introduction to Chaos ⭐⭐⭐

Roane State Community College, Oak Ridge, TN

9am to Noon- Eastern Time.

In this case not the chaos that might exist in your room, but chaotic systems that are very sensitive to initial conditions. We will explore the concept using the logistical map as an example and explore it using Python code. Some condig experience is helpful.  

April 19 - Cyber Physical Securiy ⭐⭐

Blount County Public Library, Maryville, TN

10am to 3pm - Eastern Time.

Ever wondered how hackers could affect physical systems in the real world? In this workshop, you will dive into the world of cyber-physical systems and learn how attacks on digital infrastructure can impact machines like liquid pumps. After a fun and engaging presentation, you will get hands-on by building a working liquid pump demo, exploring how these systems work and discovering ways to protect them from cyber threats. Lunch will be provided.

April 26 - Materials! Solving the Puzzle from the Bottom Up

Roane State Community College, Oak Ridge, TN

9am to Noon- Eastern Time.

Have you ever wondered why today’s screens are bigger and brighter, why your new backpack is water resistant, or why certain materials are better for the environment? Have you ever thought about how new materials come to be? This two hour Techshop will introduce you to the subject of materials, how truly tiny (and yet important) atoms are, and how scientists go about solving the puzzle of why and how a material does what it does. We’ll tour materials through history, interactive computer simulations, and hands-on building.  In collaboration with the University of Tennessee Knoxville.

May 2025

May 10 - Exploring the Microscopic World

Oak Ridge Public Library, Oak Ridge, TN

1pm to 4pm- Eastern Time.

Explore tiny things with Foldscope (www.foldscope.com), a paper microscope you build yourself. See things like bacteria and microorganisms as well as larger samples like insects, plants, fabrics, and tissues. Best of all you can take it home.

May 24 - Building a Remote Speaker ⭐⭐

Blount County Public Library, Maryville, TN

10am to 3pm - Eastern Time.

In this class we will use the Google AIY voice kist and turn it into a remote speaker than can be controlled over the Internet. This class has a materials fee of $30 and the girls can keep their AIY Voice kitLunch will be provided.

May 31 - What is Blockchain and how does it work?

Virtual class

10am to Noon- Eastern Time.

Blockchain technology can be a game-changer in many fields from crypto currency to digital health records. You probably heard the term, but what is it? In this class the girls will learn about the concept and put it into action by being part of a blockchain.