Children learning about science through sweets. Photo courtesy of Sue’s Tech Kitchen.

By Chris Riley, contributor

Sue’s Tech Kitchen — a “sweet” extracurricular activity that might help grade-schoolers get into the swing of the new school year — is coming this weekend to Emory Point in Druid Hills at 855 Emory Point Drive.

The program comes from the mind and work of entrepreneur and author Randi Zuckerberg, the sister of Mark of Facebook fame, where she previously served as an executive and spokesperson. She originally conceived it as a children’s book with the goal of increasing early interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and careers; however, Zuckerberg soon realized the idea had bigger potential, a representative from the event said. To that end, Sue’s Tech Kitchen now travels around the country, setting up between ten and twelve stations at each event with activities and experiments for guests to engage with, almost always involving something edible.

“We’re always looking for new ways to engage in conversations about science and technology with kids and families with all sorts of diverse interests and backgrounds,” the representative said. “Food is a universal for every human being on this planet, so we thought it’d be an ideal way to start those conversations.”

They added highlights of the event will include s’mores where chocolate is 3D-printed perfectly in the shape of the STK logo onto a graham cracker, taffy balloons filled with helium and a table where guests can recreate one of three sodas by mixing just a few components together.

“We have kids who come back every day we’re in town, each time with a different friend in tow,” the STK rep said in an email. “We see educators who brainstorm with us about how they can do something similar in their own schools. And we get to watch families enjoying themselves together. It really is quite a treat.”

Sue’s Tech Kitchen will be open at Emory Point in Druid Hills 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14, and Saturday, Sept. 15, as well as 10 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, September 16. Tickets — which require timed entry — are $8 each and are available at the STK website.