Science Saturdays

Where Culture Meets Climate and Curiosity

Hands-on climate, culture, and STEM Lab for youth

Science Saturdays is a hands-on youth program powered by Feed the Second Line in partnership with Innovative STEM Solutions. Designed for kids ages 8–14, this weekly lab brings science to life through real-world experiments in solar energy, water quality, plant growth, composting, and bug exploration—all rooted in New Orleans culture and community resilience.

From building solar-powered devices to testing soil in local community gardens, youth become climate-conscious leaders while learning from culture bearers and STEM experts. Every session connects the environment to everyday life, blending tradition, innovation, and creativity.

Join us every Saturday as we grow, build, test, and explore the future—one experiment at a time.

Led by real culture bearers. Rooted in legacy.

  • Science

    Our Science STEM program sparks curiosity and excitement in New Orleans youth through hands-on experiments, creative challenges, and real-world problem solving. From building simple circuits to exploring chemistry with safe, interactive projects, kids engage with science in a way that’s fun, accessible, and rooted in everyday life.

  • Culture

    Our STEM Culture program bridges science, technology, engineering, and math with the rich cultural heritage of New Orleans, showing youth how innovation and tradition go hand in hand. Through projects that connect local music, architecture, food, and environmental issues with STEM concepts, kids explore how science lives all around them.

  • Climate

    Through hands-on activities, experiments, and local field studies, participants learn about rising sea levels, wetlands, weather patterns, and sustainable solutions. By connecting STEM learning with real-world challenges facing their city, the program inspires young people to become environmental stewards and future leaders in the fight for a healthier, more resilient New Orleans.

science saturdays

  • To spark curiosity, build skills, and empower young people as climate-conscious leaders—through real-world experiments, cultural knowledge, and community-based science.

    This isn’t about reading textbooks. It’s about getting your hands dirty, experimenting with nature, and discovering how science, culture, and climate are connected—right here in New Orleans.

    Day: Saturdays

    Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

    Location: Feed the Second Line HQ + field trips to local community gardens

    Ages:
    8–14

    Snacks + All Materials Provided

    • Create solar fans, lights, and mini chargers using real panels

    • Measure energy output and explore the science of staying lit during blackouts

    • Collect water samples from around the neighborhood

    • Use test kits to check pH, cloudiness, and pollutants

    • Create a “Water Watch” wall with community findings

    • Germinate seeds, decorate planters, and track plant growth

    • Compare composted soil to untreated soil

    • Partner with local community gardens to grow food and learn about food justice

    • Catch and observe pollinators, decomposers, and plant-loving bugs

    • Build bug hotels and mini worm bins

    • Track life cycles and learn how bugs protect our ecosystems

    • Use basic air monitoring tools to test for pollution indoors and outdoors

    • Record, map, and report findings in science journals

    • Connect air quality to health in New Orleans neighborhoods

    • Test temperatures on concrete, grass, rooftops, and shade

    • Build flood-resistant model homes and test with mini storms

    • Explore how trees, rain gardens, and community green spaces fight climate impacts

    • Build mini storm kits

    • Learn how to map out neighborhood safe zones

    • Visit Get Lit Stay Lit solar hub locations and hear how they help during emergencies

    • Objective: Present the final performance to parents and community members.

    • Activities:

      • Final preparations.

      • Performance of the Masking Indian roles.

      • Community celebration with music and food.

      • Presentation of journals and patches.

      • Journal Entry: "Reflecting on my Masking Indian experience."

    • Real science through real experiments

    • Youth-led learning tied to New Orleans culture and climate realities

    • Community connections with local gardens and climate hubs

    • Job creation for STEM educators, culture bearers, and mentors

Support science saturday Program

Science Saturdays is a hands-on youth program powered by Feed the Second Line in partnership with Innovative STEM Solutions. Designed for kids ages 8–14, this weekly lab brings science to life through real-world experiments in solar energy, water quality, plant growth, composting, and bug exploration—all rooted in New Orleans culture and community resilience.

From building solar-powered devices to testing soil in local community gardens, youth become climate-conscious leaders while learning from culture bearers and STEM experts. Every session connects the environment to everyday life, blending tradition, innovation, and creativity.