Dan & Cassidy Towriss IDEA Space KC

STEAM LEARNING FOR ALL

IDEA Space offers after school STEAM classes, summer camps and special programs for students in preschool through grade 12 throughout the Kansas City metro area.
As a community resource, we also welcome educational partnerships focused on creating consistent and ongoing STEAM experiences for every learner.

After School Classes

Looking for after-school activities that are enriching, active and fun for your child? IDEA Space students acquire future-proof skills and get comfortable with the technologies and tools that are shaping our future. After-school classes are offered at convenient times, Monday-Thursday. 

James Battmer, parent

"The technology and classes available at IDEA Space really knocked our socks off!"


New This Fall

Tuesday

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  • Club SciKids: Junior Meteorologist

    Step into the world of weather with Little Meteorologist! Students will explore what makes our weather tick, from sunny skies to swirling storms PLUS build weather stations, track rainfall, experiment with the water cycle and even create snow indoors! With hands-on projects like terrariums, tornado models, and Greenhouse Effect experiments, students will gain a deeper understanding of the science behind the forecast. 

    Preschool-Prekindergarten
    Tuesdays, Oct. 21-Dec. 9
    3:45-4:15 p.m.
    $120

  • Digital Design Studio

    Welcome to the world of 3D design, where big ideas come to life, one click at a time! In this exciting course, young creators will explore TinkerCAD, a kid-friendly digital tool that lets them build amazing things like race cars, magnets and more, all in 3D! Students will learn the basics of design and engineering while developing confidence, creativity and problem-solving skills along the way.

    Kindergarten-Grade 3
    Tuesdays, Oct. 21-Dec. 9
    4:30-5:30 p.m.
    $200

  • Make Your Own Plushies

    Ready to bring your imagination to life, one stitch at a time? In this playful, hands-on class, you’ll learn the basics of sewing and design while creating your very own custom plushies. Students will use computer-aided tools to design patterns and cut fabric, then head to the sewing machine to stitch it all together and add a whole lot of fluff. 

    Grades 4-8
    Tuesdays, Oct. 21-Dec. 9
    Time: 4:30-5:45 p.m. 
    $250

  • The Knight School Chess Class

    The Knight School teaches students of all skill levels and ages to play chess. Beginners welcome! This course features fast clocks, colorful wristbands, zany movies, tournaments, tactics and a fun spirit that kids love. This semester-long class includes a chess set with first enrollment. Already taken this class? Repeat it to build your skills.

    Grades 1-6
    Session I: Tuesdays, Aug. 26-Oct. 7
    Session II: Tuesdays, Oct. 21-Dec. 9
    4:30-5:45 p.m.
    $595

Thursdays

List of 3 items.

  • Mad Science: Exploration

    Step into the shoes of a real scientist in this hands-on journey through chemistry and physics! Each week young learners will dive into amazing experiments and demonstrations designed to spark curiosity and build foundational STEM skills. Students will investigate fast acting chemical reactions, explore the states of matter with dry ice, uncover the science behind glowing objects and design their own slime recipes. 

    Kindergarten-Grade 2
    4:30-5:30 p.m.
    Thursdays, Oct. 23-Dec. 11 
    $200

  • Minecraft Maniacs

    Power up your creativity—it's time to build a world of your own! In this collaborative Minecraft class, students will work together and independently to design and construct an original world from scratch. Whether you're crafting castles, coding Redstone contraptions or building secret hideouts, there’s room for every kind of creator. Along the way, students will sharpen skills in teamwork, planning, design and digital problem-solving. Your world is waiting… Let's build it!

    Grades 2-8
    4:30-5:45 p.m.
    Thursdays, Oct. 23-Dec. 11 
    $200

  • Outside the Box

    Think cardboard is just for boxes? Think again! In this hands-on makerspace adventure, students will cut, shape, build and invent using one of the most versatile materials around, cardboard! From wild sculptures to wearable inventions and life-size games, kids will dream big and engineer even bigger. Along the way, they’ll explore design thinking, problem-solving and creative collaboration as they turn everyday materials into extraordinary creations. 

    Grades 3-5
    4:30-5:45 p.m.
    Thursdays, Oct. 23-Dec. 11 
    $200

Wednesday

List of 3 items.

  • ClubSciKidz: Sea Adventure

    Set sail for an unforgettable course in Sea Adventure, a super-sized exploration of ocean wonders and pirate fun! Students will dive deep into oceanography as they investigate marine ecosystems, ocean structures, and the environmental challenges facing our seas. From crafting ocean wave bottles and shark tooth necklaces to map making and knot tying, hands-on projects will spark curiosity and creativity. No sea voyage would be complete without some high-seas pirate escapades in search of glittering gold, hidden gems and buried treasure.

    Preschool-Prekindergarten
    3:45-4:15 p.m.
    Wednesdays, Oct. 22-Dec. 10
    $120

  • Doll House Architects

    Calling all future designers and makers, it’s time to build the tiny dream home of your imagination! In this one-of-a-kind class, you’ll assemble your own laser-cut dollhouse and bring it to life with mini laser-cut puzzles that transform into tables, chairs, sofas and more. Add your personal style by designing colorful rugs and curtains using graphic design tools, then cut them out with a smart-cutting machine. You’ll take home your fully furnished, totally fabulous dollhouse masterpiece.

    Grades 4-8
    4:30-5:45 p.m. 
    Wednesdays, Oct. 22-Dec. 10
    $250

  • Robo Rookies

    Ready to level up to RoboRookie? This hands-on class introduces K–3 students to basic engineering and coding concepts using colorful VEX 123 blocks and simple motors. Little builders will create moving machines, solve fun challenges and learn how technology works, while sparking creativity, teamwork and problem-solving skills. It’s the perfect first step for young inventors ready to explore and create!

    Kindergarten-Grade 3
    4:30-5:30 p.m.
    Wednesdays, Oct. 22-Dec. 10
    $200

Summer STEAM Camps

IDEA Space hosts Summer at Barstow STEAM camps for preschool-grade 8 all summer long. If your student wants to develop science, technology, engineering, arts and math skills through exciting hands-on activities, this is the place to be!

STEAM camps are run by Summer at Barstow, a Kansas City Favorite that offers hundreds of adventures for every age, interest, schedule and budget. Experiences offered at IDEA Space include 3D Printing, Comic Book Creators, PC Gaming, Modern Quilting, Drone Building, Virtual Reality and more.

Inspirit AI Scholars

Artificial intelligence is the defining technology of our times. Will you be ready for it? Next summer, students can prepare themselves with hands-on AI experience at an intensive program taught by instructors from Stanford and MIT. AI Scholars is a pre-college enrichment program that exposes curious students to artificial intelligence tools and technology through in-person classes. In Kansas City, it's offered exclusively at IDEA Space and open to every area student in grades 8-12.

Registration will open January 2026.

Educational Partnerships

List of 2 news stories.

List of 4 items.

  • Dan & Cassidy Towriss IDEA Space KC

    12200 State Line Road
    Leawood, KS 66209
    913-766-IDEA (4332)

     

  • Art Hall

    President and Head of School
    816-277-0304
    Email

  • Cassie Banka '05

  • Siobhan McLaughlin Lesley

    Vice President Advancement
    (816) 277-0433
    Email