City News
Sedona Unites with Science Vortex for an Innovative Collaboration
The Sedona Parks and Recreation Department, in collaboration with the Science Vortex of the Verde Valley, is launching a free weekly program called “Little Learners STEAM Hour.” Aimed at children aged 2 to 5, the program will occur on Mondays throughout February, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Recreation Room in Posse Grounds Park. All materials will be provided, and adult supervision is mandatory.
Parks and Recreation Special Events Coordinator Jason Vargo emphasized the value of introducing young children to science. “It’s never too soon to witness the excitement of your little ones,” he noted, expressing enthusiasm for this inaugural offering during the colder months.
The schedule for the program is as follows:
- Monday, Feb. 3: DIY Dinosaur Fossils
- Monday, Feb. 10: Static Electricity Butterflies
- Monday, Feb. 17: Sink or Float?
- Monday, Feb. 24: Parachute Challenge
The Little Learners program is a component of the annual Verde Valley SciTech Festival, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Kicking off on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 10 a.m. at the Science Vortex in Cottonwood, the festival will host 62 free events throughout Sedona and the Verde Valley this February.
Highlighted events include:
- Feb. 6, 13, 20 & 27: Youth Chess Club at Community Library Sedona, 4-5:30 p.m.
- Feb. 7: “Native Species” presentation with live reptiles, Community Library Sedona, 3-4 p.m.
- Feb. 12: Cartooning with Mr. Jan[imal], Community Library Sedona, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
- Feb. 14: Pokémon’s Young Masters event, 3:15-4:45 p.m.
- Feb. 21: Tween-Teen Yoga and Crafts, 3-4 p.m.
- Feb. 22: “Birds, Nature & Family Fun” at Sedona Wetlands Preserve, all ages.
- Feb. 22: Make Slime with Science Vortex Chief Science Officers, Community Library Sedona, 1-2 p.m.
- Feb. 26: “Create Music with Robots,” Community Library Sedona, 3-4 p.m.
- Feb. 28: “Venomous Reptiles” discussion with Sonoran Reptiles, Community Library Sedona, 3-4 p.m.
“Observe the unique features of both venomous and nonvenomous reptiles from the desert Southwest,” the description for the “Venomous Reptiles” event states, inviting attendees to learn about these fascinating creatures.
For a complete list of events during the Verde Valley SciTech Festival, visit sciencevortex.org/vvscitechfestival2025.
For additional details on the Little Learners STEAM Hour, contact Sedona Parks and Recreation at (928) 282-7098 or via email at sedonarec@sedonaaz.gov.
