Summer sunshine is here and Groundwork Center is teaming up again with the Traverse Area District Library to bring three FREE hands-on solar workshops to kids this August. These free sessions are designed for K-Middle students and provide a mix of art, science, and solar-powered fun!
Thursday, August 6, 2026, 2-4pm
Cook with a Solar Pizza Oven
Together, kids will learn how to turn a simple pizza box into a sun-powered oven! Students will build their own solar cookers, discover how solar energy works for heating, and make delicious s’mores using nothing but the power of the sun. Tasty, educational, and lots of fun! FREE.
Thursday, August 13, 2026, 2-4pm
Solar Art Extravaganza
Students will unpack the science and power of sunlight in this creative hands-on workshop. Kids will use special light-sensitive paper to create stunning nature-inspired prints with natural materials like leaves, flowers, and other found objects. They also can make jewelry with beads that change color in the sunlight! It’s a magical mix of art and science that is sure to help their creativity shine! FREE.
Thursday, August 20, 2026, 2-4pm
Cook with a Solar Pizza Oven
Back by popular demand! This session was so popular last year, we decided to offer it twice! Join us for the second round of solar pizza box oven building, complete with tasty sun-powered s’mores. FREE.
All workshops are hosted outside at the Traverse Area District Library and led by Groundwork Center. Space may be limited, so we encourage you to register early and help to spread the word with any budding scientists in your life. Fingers crossed for sunshine in the forecast!
Photo below by Ally Licht
