From March 1 through May, the City of San Diego Public Library (SDPL) encourages young people to become detectives and “Solve It!” by exploring the world of forensic science and uncovering clues to decode cases.  

For the ninth consecutive year, Spring into STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) creates a unique educational space for children to learn the exciting ways science can be applied to problem-solving. This year, STEAM workshops are funded by Friends of the Library and are a collaboration between SDPL and local science experts and organizations, including Mad Science, Toshwerks, LKW Stem Foundation and Fleet Science Center.   

The program is offered in afternoons and on weekends, to encourage STEAM learning opportunities for young San Diegans. This year, Spring into STEAM invites kids to use their detective and mystery-solving skills during four workshops: 

• Ages 6-9: Detective Science – Use science to crack a case. Learn about the science techniques used to investigate and analyze crime scene evidence. 
• Ages 6-9: Solve It: Mystery Reveal Puzzle – Create and solve a Customized Mystery puzzle with a bit of ingenuity and the help of science.
• Ages 9-12: The DNA Academy – Explore DNA mysteries through hands-on labs and challenges with tools like VR, electronics and forensics.
• Ages 9-12: Forensic Investigators – Use chemistry, physics and observation skills to piece together evidence and crack the case.   

Workshops run after school and on weekends from Tuesday, March 4, through May 31, and are free to youth ages 6-12 with advanced registration required. All participants will receive an Invisible Spy ink pen with a built-in UV light and a journal to record secret messages and hidden clues. For more information and to register, visit sandiego.gov/steam or any of the City’s 37 SDPL locations.   

The 2025 Spring into STEAM program kicks off at the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering at Petco Park on Saturday, March 1 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The festival is free for all ages and open to the public with no registration required. Stop by the SDPL booth to explore and register for this year’s “Solve It!” workshops and participate in a hands-on mystery-solving activity.  

About the San Diego Public Library

With a vision of being the place for opportunity, discovery and inspiration, the San Diego Public Library is a hub for knowledge and lifelong learning. As the largest library system in the region, it serves a population of more than 1.4 million people. Learn about events at the San Diego Central Library @ Joan Λ Irwin Jacobs Common and 35 community branch libraries, find links to programs and resources or search for materials in the online catalog at sandiegolibrary.org.