PA Day - TechTown

One-day STEM program for elementary school students

Discover PA Day - TechTown, a hands-on STEM program designed for elementary school students. Students in Grades 5 to 7 explore exciting topics in science, technology, and engineering through fun, hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity. Inspired by the diverse disciplines within the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, this program offers a unique opportunity to explore STEM in a university setting.

Registration Closed

Registration is now closed. Please join our mailing list for updates on future programs and registration times.

DATES

Friday, November 14, 2025
9:00 AM – 4:15 PM

Where

U of T's
St. George Campus

Who

Grades
5–7

Course Fees

$150

Program Highlights

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PA Day: TechTown is a one-day, hands-on workshop for students in Grades 5-7 that brings the concept of a “smart city” to life.

Through engaging coding activities and engineering themed workshops, participants will have the chance to design and program different city systems - from smart traffic lights to emergency alerts - building their own vision of an automated city.

This workshop empowers young learners with essential coding skills in a creative, collaborative, and supportive environment. Join us to spark the next generation of innovators shaping the cities of the future!

This program does not require previous experience with coding.

Hands-On Learning

Students engage in experiential learning as they design and build a smart city, from automated crossings to emergency alert systems, all through Arduino.

Problem Solving

 

Students explore creative problem-solving techniques as they develop unique solutions and optimize user experience.

Mentorship Opportunities

The course is taught by undergraduate students in STEM fields who are passionate about inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Supportive Environment

We provide a collaborative and supportive learning environment where students are encouraged to ask questions, take risks, and think creatively.

Collaboration and Teamwork

Students work alongside peers, fostering teamwork and communication skills while tackling challenges together.

Dates & Registration Policies

Dates & Schedule

Date

Friday, November 14, 2025
9:00 AM - 4:15 PM*

*Optional before-care from 8:00-9:00 AM and
optional after-care from 4:15-5:00 pm
included at no extra fee.

Schedule

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Arrival
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Welcome
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM: Introduction to circuits
10:30 AM - 12:15 PM: Introduction to Arduino
12:15 PM - 12:45 PM: Lunch*
*students will need to bring their own lunch
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM: The Problem Statement
1:45 PM - 3:30 PM: Hackathon
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Presentations
4:00 PM - 4:15 PM: Closing ceremony
4:15 PM - 5:00 PM: Pick-up/dismissal

Eligibility

Eligibility

This program is offered to students in Grades 5, 6, or 7 during the 2025/2026 academic year.

Students who are in Grade 4 this year, going into Grade 5 next fall, will not be eligible for PA Day - TechTown this year.


Coding Experience

This program does not require previous experience with coding.

Registration Steps

Registration Steps

  1. Click on the "Register" button on the top or bottom of this page.
  2. When registration is open, all the available courses will appear on the registration page.
  3. Add the courses to your cart by clicking "ADD TO CART" after each course you are interested in.
  4. If a course is full, it will say "WAITING LIST ONLY." Add it to your cart to add yourself to the waitlist.
  5. After adding all the courses you're interested in to your cart, hit "CONTINUE" at the top of the page.
  6. On the next page, enter your email address to sign in or create an account.
  7. Indicate which child should be registered for each session you have added to your cart.
  8. Answer the registration questions and read and scroll through the waivers.
  9. Complete your online signature and click "CONTINUE TO CART."
  10. Double check all course information is correct, then enter payment information and click "Pay now."

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email - if you do not, please reach out to us.

Cancellations

Cancellation Policy

A refund or a credit, less a $30.00 administration fee, is available for cancellation requests received on or before 11:59 PM the following cancellation dates:

  • November 14 session: cancel by Sunday, November 9, 2025

Any cancellations made after this day are not eligible for a refund. 

Cancellations can be done through your online account, or by emailing us at outreach@engineering.utoronto.ca.

Waitlists

Waitlists

If a course you are interested in is listed as waitlisted on the registration page, it means all spots are currently full. If the course is full, add it to your cart and go through all the registration steps to join the waitlist.

If a spot opens up in the course and you are the next person on the waitlist, the system will automatically send you an email asking if you would like to register for the spot. At that point you can decide if you would like to register or be removed from the waitlist. 

Please note that waitlist offers have a deadline. If your waitlist offer deadline passes and you have not responded to the offer, your waitlist offer will expire and the spot will be offered to the next person on the waitlist.

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Questions about PA Day - TechTown?

Contact us at:
outreach@engineering.utoronto.ca

Fees

Course Fees

$150 per student

Bursaries and Financial Aid

Our bursary program is currently on hold. If you are interested in hearing if bursaries become available in the future, please add your email to our Bursary Mailing List here.

Registration is Closed

Registration is now closed.
Please join our mailing list for updates on future programs and registration times.

Engineering Outreach is a proud member of:

Ontario Camps Association (OCA)