Grades 4+

Robotics is a great introduction to programming and teaches many engineering skills. In

Robot Lab students get a step-by-step introduction to robotics using Lego Mindstorms. No previous experience is required. Students learn how to make robots respond to the environment using light, sound, touch and ultrasonic sensors. 

Robots are programmed using an icon-based programming language that lets them quickly get their robots moving, while giving them a good foundation for how programming languages work and lots of practice with sequential thinking. There is little typing required.

Our introductory course explores motors, sensors and basic programming.  Students can take that knowledge and apply it to fun challenges in other workshops like Bottle SumoBot, Robot Parade, and many others.

Do your kids love Legos?  They will love bringing them to life with motors, sensors and programming in Lego Robot Lab! We’ll use the Lego WeDo robotics sets and the Lego Spike Essentials sets to build birds that spin, alligators that chomp and more!  We’ll build  a new Lego model in each class.

We’ll learn lots of engineering vocabulary, but more importantly, students will get hands-on experience with gears, pulleys, cams and more.  The programming language used in this class was designed for young students so that they can experiment with programming as well.

All materials are provided.  Each student will have their own computer and robotics set to work with during class. Grades 1/2 classes will use a very simplified icon-based programming language that requires very little reading. These classes are usually offered in sets of 6.

Students build and design  2-D video games using  the MultiMedia Fusion  game engine. They will express themselves creatively in the artwork and game mechanics they choose for their games.  We’ll develop games over a 4 week period.  Each game will build on the skills in the last and introduce new concepts.  The goal is to encourage independence so that students will be able to continue developing their own games at home.

This workshop is offered both online and in-person.  Students in both types of classes enjoy sharing their creations with others.

Ages 9-12 and 11-13

No experience necessary. Students learn to express themselves digitally by creating animations, games, and stories using the Scratch programming language developed at MIT.  We’ll explore basic programming concepts and refine sequential thinking and problem solving skills.

Both age groups will follow similar curriculum, but the older age group moves a bit faster.

If you’d like to read more about Scratch: https://scratch.mit.edu/.

Ages 5-7 and 7-10 Tuition:

Lots of fun and full of hands-on projects. Your child will experience a variety of STEM projects in STEM Club, from programming in Scratch to building robots to creating circuits.  STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math.  Many club meetings will touch on all 3. See each session’s description for the focus of the session.

Each set of 4 sessions will focus on a different topic.  There will be lots of hands-on engineering projects, 3D design and printing, TinkerCAD Circuits and more.  See each sessions’ description to find out what will be covered.

Maker Camps are 1 session classes that encourage hands-on explorations.  Past Maker Camps have included: LED Origami Bookmarks, stomp rockets, propeller powered cars, musical instruments, pneumatic cranes, and more.  Families are always welcome and encouraged to stay and build together.  Because each is a stand-alone class, you can sign up for those that interest you most and fit into your schedule.Tuition varies depending on the materials and labor costs for each class. See the current calendar for Makercamps on the schedule now.