WHERE IMAGINATION
MEETS EDUCATION.

The Guiding Light STEM program is an exciting and educational journey tailored for children ages 8 through 12. Through captivating lesson plans, we entertain and inspire young minds to explore the fascinating realms of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Enroll in our 2024 program!

Fueling curiosity.

Where imagination meets science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The Guiding Light STEM Program was created by The Lighthouse, a preschool & afterschool program in Philadelphia founded in 1893.

Rooted in uplifting local communities, this program was designed for children to develop critical-thinking skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing digital world. Guiding Light is now being offered in the Kensington community.

Enroll your child in this exciting and fruitful education program today or become a supporter!

Enroll in our 2024 program! Volunteer

Fostering a love for learning in young generations.

Guiding Light will introduce students to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) concepts in fun, practical, and interactive ways, encouraging them to collaborate and problem-solve with their peers and mentors.

To help us continue nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and resilience, support our program today!

Volunteer

2023 Class Schedule

Week 1: Blast Off to Space.

OBJECTIVE:

To explore the wonders of space and learn about the solar system.

ACTIVITIES:

Building a model rocket

Week 2: Exploring Plant Life.

OBJECTIVE:

To immerse students in the rich biodiversity of Lighthouse Fields, enhancing their understanding of different plant species, their adaptations, and their role in the ecosystem.

ACTIVITIES:

Field trip to the Lighthouse Fields to conduct a scavenger hunt for plants which includes documenting, sketching or photographing the plant life.

Week 3: Amazing Architecture.

OBJECTIVE:

To delve into the world of architecture and structural engineering, using hands-on activities to understand the principles and creativity behind building structures.

ACTIVITIES:

Brainstorm, design, and test bridge architecture through small scale scenarios.

Week 4: Civics 101.

OBJECTIVE:

The two STEM and civic engagement classes covered the judicial system, environmental issues, and creative problem solving, with an assignment to develop an action plan to address a school or community environmental concern.

ACTIVITIES:

Mock trials, elections, city budget division exercises, and storybook creation.

Week 5: Motion & Aerodynamics

OBJECTIVE:

To introduce students to fundamental physics concepts related to motion, gravity, and aerodynamics through hands-on experiments and challenges.

ACTIVITIES:

Pendulum experiment, paper airplane challenge.

Week 6: Physics of Soccer

OBJECTIVE:

To teach students the basic principles of physics by examining the mechanics of soccer, including the movement of the ball, forces involved, and energy transfers.

ACTIVITIES:

Review force and inertia with passing drills, explore gravity and air resistance through throw-in drills, and learn about various principles within physics like energy, friction, and parabolas through soccer.

Enroll in our 2024 program!