Check Currents or the Calendar of Events site for more events.
Makers Gonna Make! Gift-Making Day for Kids
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 2, 2023 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 8 - 15
Registration and more information
This program is for KIDS ONLY, ages 8 - 15. Attendees will be able to choose one item from a litany of customizable gifts. Staff will help them design their project to customize a holiday gift for a family member or friend. We will have volunteers available to help participants wrap their gifts so the surprise isn't spoiled when parents come to pick them up. Each registration is for one child and one item.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 2, 2023 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 8 - 15
Registration and more information
This program is for KIDS ONLY, ages 8 - 15. Attendees will be able to choose one item from a litany of customizable gifts. Staff will help them design their project to customize a holiday gift for a family member or friend. We will have volunteers available to help participants wrap their gifts so the surprise isn't spoiled when parents come to pick them up. Each registration is for one child and one item.
Makers Gonna Make! Gift-Making Day for Kids
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 2, 2023 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 8 - 15
Registration and more information
This program is for KIDS ONLY, ages 8 - 15. Attendees will be able to choose one item from a litany of customizable gifts. Staff will help them design their project to customize a holiday gift for a family member or friend. We will have volunteers available to help participants wrap their gifts so the surprise isn't spoiled when parents come to pick them up. Each registration is for one child and one item.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 2, 2023 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 8 - 15
Registration and more information
This program is for KIDS ONLY, ages 8 - 15. Attendees will be able to choose one item from a litany of customizable gifts. Staff will help them design their project to customize a holiday gift for a family member or friend. We will have volunteers available to help participants wrap their gifts so the surprise isn't spoiled when parents come to pick them up. Each registration is for one child and one item.
Cooking for Wellness: Healthy Holiday Charcuterie
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 4, 2023 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
The holidays are often stressful, heightening our thoughts and concerns around food. Learn how to assemble a plate of healthy and tasty treats while discussing ways to manage stressors. This class is provided through The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County and Carroll Hospital.
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 4, 2023 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
The holidays are often stressful, heightening our thoughts and concerns around food. Learn how to assemble a plate of healthy and tasty treats while discussing ways to manage stressors. This class is provided through The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County and Carroll Hospital.
Zero-Proof Cocktails
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 4, 2023 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Spend an evening in our teaching kitchen with guest presenter Brooke Hagerty to learn how to make tasty alternatives to alcoholic cocktails! Taste test to find a new favorite, and celebrate the holidays with zero-proof drinks on the menu.
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 4, 2023 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Spend an evening in our teaching kitchen with guest presenter Brooke Hagerty to learn how to make tasty alternatives to alcoholic cocktails! Taste test to find a new favorite, and celebrate the holidays with zero-proof drinks on the menu.
Drinks we'll be making:
Nojito
Blackberry Lemon Fizz
Thyme Apple Cider Spritz
Cucumber Sparkle
Aperol Spritz
Build a Retro Arcade Game with MakeCode
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 4, 2023 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Have you ever wondered how basic video games are created? In this hands-on class, we'll use Microsoft MakeCode, a block-based coding program, to build a retro video game you can share with friends and family.
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 4, 2023 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Have you ever wondered how basic video games are created? In this hands-on class, we'll use Microsoft MakeCode, a block-based coding program, to build a retro video game you can share with friends and family.
Intro to Laser Cutting
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This beginner-level laser cutter class will walk you through design basics, machine use, and safety procedures. At the instructor's discretion, customers who successfully complete this program will be certified for using Exploration Commons' Fusion Pro and Fusion Edge laser cutters.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This beginner-level laser cutter class will walk you through design basics, machine use, and safety procedures. At the instructor's discretion, customers who successfully complete this program will be certified for using Exploration Commons' Fusion Pro and Fusion Edge laser cutters.
Customers aged 12 to 15 who complete their certification are required to have a certified adult with them to use the laser independently.
Kids Intro to Basic Sewing Skills
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 10 - 16
Registration and more information
Learn the necessary basics to feel comfortable using a sewing machine. This is a beginner-level class; you will leave feeling confident about the next steps to take toward sewing your projects.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 10 - 16
Registration and more information
Learn the necessary basics to feel comfortable using a sewing machine. This is a beginner-level class; you will leave feeling confident about the next steps to take toward sewing your projects.
Intro to 3D Printing and Design with Tinkercad
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 6, 2023 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basics of using Tinkercad to design for 3D printing! We'll walk through basic 3D design using Tinkercad software and create a simple project to be 3D printed. No previous design experience is necessary!
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 6, 2023 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basics of using Tinkercad to design for 3D printing! We'll walk through basic 3D design using Tinkercad software and create a simple project to be 3D printed. No previous design experience is necessary!
3D Printed Presents!
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 7, 2023 - 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
'Tis the season of making! And what better way to celebrate than hopping into an introductory 3D printing and design class where you will model your very own 3D printed present box!
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 7, 2023 - 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
'Tis the season of making! And what better way to celebrate than hopping into an introductory 3D printing and design class where you will model your very own 3D printed present box!
Create a Personalized Wood Holiday Ornament
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 7, 2023 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Create a simple, personalized wood ornament on our Epilog Fusion Pro laser. We'll learn the basics of using Adobe Illustrator to design for the laser, and then you'll watch your ornament being made. Previous laser design experience is helpful but not required. This class does not result in independent laser cutter use certification.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 7, 2023 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Create a simple, personalized wood ornament on our Epilog Fusion Pro laser. We'll learn the basics of using Adobe Illustrator to design for the laser, and then you'll watch your ornament being made. Previous laser design experience is helpful but not required. This class does not result in independent laser cutter use certification.
Learn to Solder
Exploration Commons
Friday, December 8, 2023 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Soldering is fun and fundamental to various maker electronic projects and modern technology. From simple light-up LEDs to complex robots, solder is the glue that holds the technological world together. Join us for a hands-on project where you will assemble and solder your very own electronic dice circuit.
Exploration Commons
Friday, December 8, 2023 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Soldering is fun and fundamental to various maker electronic projects and modern technology. From simple light-up LEDs to complex robots, solder is the glue that holds the technological world together. Join us for a hands-on project where you will assemble and solder your very own electronic dice circuit.
Holiday Cookie Series: Family Creations
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 9, 2023 - 11:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: 6 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
During this family baking class, attendees will make three recipes from our 12-recipe Holiday Cookie Series. Attendees for this program will make Chocolate Chip Snowballs, Candy Cane Cookies, and Stained Glass Cookies.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 9, 2023 - 11:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: 6 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
During this family baking class, attendees will make three recipes from our 12-recipe Holiday Cookie Series. Attendees for this program will make Chocolate Chip Snowballs, Candy Cane Cookies, and Stained Glass Cookies.
Registration is for families (at least one adult and one child, up to four attendees). Please indicate the names and ages of the children attending.
Latinx Nutrition Program - English & Spanish
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 11, 2023 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join Maria Cruz from the Maryland Extension office for a program focused on healthy eating and nutrition for the Latinx community. The program will focus on nutrition education, food demonstration and tasting, and moderate physical activity. Course will be taught in English & Spanish.
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 11, 2023 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join Maria Cruz from the Maryland Extension office for a program focused on healthy eating and nutrition for the Latinx community. The program will focus on nutrition education, food demonstration and tasting, and moderate physical activity. Course will be taught in English & Spanish.
Únase a María Cruz de la oficina de Extensión de Maryland para un programa centrado en la alimentación saludable y la nutrición para la comunidad Latinx. El programa se centrará en la educación nutricional, demostración y degustación de alimentos, y la actividad física moderada. El curso se impartirá en inglés y español.
Designing and 3D Printing a Holiday Ornament with Onshape
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 11, 2023 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to 3D model using Onshape, a powerful cloud-based computer-aided design (CAD) software, and begin leveraging powerful design techniques to model and 3D print a holiday ornament!
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 11, 2023 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to 3D model using Onshape, a powerful cloud-based computer-aided design (CAD) software, and begin leveraging powerful design techniques to model and 3D print a holiday ornament!
Making for Seniors: Create a Simple Rotary Laser Cutter Project
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learning new technology should be fun, not intimidating! Join us for a basic hands-on session where we'll create a simple laser cutter project designed to utilize our laser's rotary attachment. Then, watch your project being made on our Fusion Pro laser cutter. Previous basic computer experience is required. No previous experience with laser cutting or design software is needed. This class does not result in independent laser use certification.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learning new technology should be fun, not intimidating! Join us for a basic hands-on session where we'll create a simple laser cutter project designed to utilize our laser's rotary attachment. Then, watch your project being made on our Fusion Pro laser cutter. Previous basic computer experience is required. No previous experience with laser cutting or design software is needed. This class does not result in independent laser use certification.
VCarve: Create a Puzzle Ball
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a hands-on session where we create and cut out a wood puzzle ball on Exploration Commons' Iconic CNC router. Previous basic computer experience is required. No experience with the CNC router or design software is needed. This class does not result in independent CNC use certification.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a hands-on session where we create and cut out a wood puzzle ball on Exploration Commons' Iconic CNC router. Previous basic computer experience is required. No experience with the CNC router or design software is needed. This class does not result in independent CNC use certification.
Holiday Cookie Series: The Classics
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 13, 2023 - 11:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
During this class, attendees will make three recipes from our 12-recipe Holiday Cookie Series. Attendees for this program will make German Pfeffernüsse, Italian Anise Cookies, and Old Fashioned Spritz.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 13, 2023 - 11:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
During this class, attendees will make three recipes from our 12-recipe Holiday Cookie Series. Attendees for this program will make German Pfeffernüsse, Italian Anise Cookies, and Old Fashioned Spritz.
Plant-Based Dishes for the Holidays
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 13, 2023 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, we will prepare plant-based dishes for the holiday season.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 13, 2023 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, we will prepare plant-based dishes for the holiday season.
Arduino Workshop
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 14, 2023 - 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Microcontrollers are everywhere and are often the unseen heroes of our modern world. Microcontrollers can be programmed to fulfill various simple tasks, from coffee makers to elevators and even the television remote control. The Arduino platform makes working with microcontrollers easy, fun and offers a way to get started in electronics. Join us for a workshop to explore various beginner Arduino projects using components from the Arduino education kits available in the makerspace.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 14, 2023 - 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Microcontrollers are everywhere and are often the unseen heroes of our modern world. Microcontrollers can be programmed to fulfill various simple tasks, from coffee makers to elevators and even the television remote control. The Arduino platform makes working with microcontrollers easy, fun and offers a way to get started in electronics. Join us for a workshop to explore various beginner Arduino projects using components from the Arduino education kits available in the makerspace.
Sfoglia di Mozzarella
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 14, 2023 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Stretch fresh curds into mozzarella cheese, then create an iconic Italian appetizer - Sfoglia. Sheets of mozzarella filled with roasted vegetables, prosciutto, and greens, then rolled and sliced and served with Balsamic dressing. Each student will make 1 pound of fresh mozzarella for the recipe.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 14, 2023 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Stretch fresh curds into mozzarella cheese, then create an iconic Italian appetizer - Sfoglia. Sheets of mozzarella filled with roasted vegetables, prosciutto, and greens, then rolled and sliced and served with Balsamic dressing. Each student will make 1 pound of fresh mozzarella for the recipe.
Holiday Cookie Series: More of The Classics
Exploration Commons
Friday, December 15, 2023 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
During this class, attendees will make three recipes from our 12-recipe Holiday Cookie Series. Attendees for this program will make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies, Chocolate Peanut Butter Buckeye Cookies.
Exploration Commons
Friday, December 15, 2023 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
During this class, attendees will make three recipes from our 12-recipe Holiday Cookie Series. Attendees for this program will make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies, Chocolate Peanut Butter Buckeye Cookies.
Exploration Commons Maker Expo
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 16, 2023 - 10:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: All Ages
More information
Exploration Commons customers have made some amazing things in 2023! Stop by any time between 10 AM and 1 PM to help us celebrate another year of learning and making! Interact with some of the customers who have created projects and learned new software in our makerspace; see their projects, chat about their experiences in Exploration Commons, and even do some holiday shopping. Several customers participating will have finished projects available for purchase.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 16, 2023 - 10:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: All Ages
More information
Exploration Commons customers have made some amazing things in 2023! Stop by any time between 10 AM and 1 PM to help us celebrate another year of learning and making! Interact with some of the customers who have created projects and learned new software in our makerspace; see their projects, chat about their experiences in Exploration Commons, and even do some holiday shopping. Several customers participating will have finished projects available for purchase.
We will have an hourly door prize drawing for attendees featuring unique items made in our space.
Purchase some stocking stuffers from our teaching kitchen while you're here, like chocolate-dipped pretzels. Donate at our Spice Drive during your visit (donate spices for our local food banks and shelters).
Holiday Cookie Series: Kid Creations
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 18, 2023 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 6 - 18
Registration and more information
Attendees will make three recipes from our 12-recipe Holiday Cookie Series during this class. Attendees for this program will make Melted Snowman Cookies, Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies, and Reindeer Face Cookies.
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 18, 2023 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 6 - 18
Registration and more information
Attendees will make three recipes from our 12-recipe Holiday Cookie Series during this class. Attendees for this program will make Melted Snowman Cookies, Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies, and Reindeer Face Cookies.
Edge-Lit Acrylic Sign Making: Holiday Edition!
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 19, 2023 - 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Ages: 8 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
We're taking a fun winter twist on everyone's favorite edge-lit signs class! Choose from a selection of holiday-themed cut-out designs for your acrylic sign. These bright and colorful projects are a way to display a message or add flare to your room, desk, or workspace. In this program, you’ll laser engrave festive-themed artwork of your choice onto a piece of clear acrylic and light it up with a provided multi-color LED light stand.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 19, 2023 - 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Ages: 8 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
We're taking a fun winter twist on everyone's favorite edge-lit signs class! Choose from a selection of holiday-themed cut-out designs for your acrylic sign. These bright and colorful projects are a way to display a message or add flare to your room, desk, or workspace. In this program, you’ll laser engrave festive-themed artwork of your choice onto a piece of clear acrylic and light it up with a provided multi-color LED light stand.
Family Class: Decorate a Gingerbread House
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 19, 2023 - 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Ages: 6 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn new decorating techniques to upgrade a store-bought gingerbread house easily. Each table will receive one house. One registration per group, up to four participants. For groups with children ages six and up, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 19, 2023 - 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Ages: 6 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn new decorating techniques to upgrade a store-bought gingerbread house easily. Each table will receive one house. One registration per group, up to four participants. For groups with children ages six and up, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Decorate a Gingerbread House
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - 11:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learn new decorating techniques to upgrade a store-bought gingerbread house. Each participant will receive one gingerbread house to decorate and take home.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - 11:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learn new decorating techniques to upgrade a store-bought gingerbread house. Each participant will receive one gingerbread house to decorate and take home.
Intro to 3D Scanning
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
3D scanning is a digital design process that enables the creation of detailed and accurate models of real-world objects. Join us for an introductory look into this technology used extensively in engineering, architecture, historic preservation, and video game development. We will demonstrate the use of our handheld Artec Leo 3D Scanner and highlight some recent projects that have been created with it.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
3D scanning is a digital design process that enables the creation of detailed and accurate models of real-world objects. Join us for an introductory look into this technology used extensively in engineering, architecture, historic preservation, and video game development. We will demonstrate the use of our handheld Artec Leo 3D Scanner and highlight some recent projects that have been created with it.
Intro to Laser Cutting
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 21, 2023 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This beginner-level laser cutter class will walk you through design basics, machine use, and safety procedures. At the instructor's discretion, customers who successfully complete this program will be certified for using Exploration Commons' Fusion Pro and Fusion Edge laser cutters.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 21, 2023 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This beginner-level laser cutter class will walk you through design basics, machine use, and safety procedures. At the instructor's discretion, customers who successfully complete this program will be certified for using Exploration Commons' Fusion Pro and Fusion Edge laser cutters.
Customers aged 12 to 15 who complete their certification are required to have a certified adult with them to use the laser independently.
Intro to CNC Routing
Exploration Commons
Friday, December 22, 2023 - 10:00am - 3:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This one-day CNC certification class will introduce you to the design basics, machine use, and safety procedures for our Iconic i2015 CNC router. In the morning session, we will focus on project design and the VCarve software. We will cover machine use in the afternoon, including hands-on time with the CNC machine. There will be a break from 12-1 PM between the morning and afternoon sessions.
Exploration Commons
Friday, December 22, 2023 - 10:00am - 3:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This one-day CNC certification class will introduce you to the design basics, machine use, and safety procedures for our Iconic i2015 CNC router. In the morning session, we will focus on project design and the VCarve software. We will cover machine use in the afternoon, including hands-on time with the CNC machine. There will be a break from 12-1 PM between the morning and afternoon sessions.
All program registrants must complete the prerequisite online Iconic CNC Machine Use and Safety Training before attending the first session of this program.
At the instructor’s discretion, customers who successfully complete both sessions of this program will be certified for using Exploration Commons’ CNC machine. Customers aged 12 to 15 who complete their certification are required to have a certified adult with them to use the CNC router independently.
