Description

Coding/Robotics

In today's digital age, learning to code isn't just a skill—it's a language of logic, creativity, and future possibilities. By introducing children to coding, we're not just teaching them how to type commands—we're empowering them to think differently, to approach problems with a solution-oriented mindset, and to embrace the joy of creating something truly their own. Step into our world of STEM education. Our classes teach children how to bring their ideas to life, coding robots and LEGO structures to move, interact, and even perform tasks. This isn't just about giving instructions to machines; it's about laying the foundation for essential skills in math, science, and engineering. But the benefits don't stop there. Our robot and LEGO coding classes do more than just spark imagination—they develop important life skills. As children build and program their creations, they're also learning critical communication and presentation skills, sharing their achievements, and working together to solve problems. We also offer classes for Scratch programming. This block-based coding platform is an excellent way for kids to grasp the fundamentals of software development as they create their own games and animations. For those ready to take the next step, we offer programming classes, opening doors to more advanced coding languages and concepts. This sets them on a path to understanding the backbone of many modern applications and systems, ensuring they're not just participants in the digital world, but active creators and innovators.

Our Courses:

  • LEGO® WEDO JR (grades K - 2)
    • Build and program models to learn science, coding, and engineering concepts. Activities for each building project also incorporate art, math, language arts, presentation, and acting. The projects in this curriculum guide students to:
    • Learn about pulleys and belts, experimenting with the size of pulleys and the crossing and uncrossing of the belt.
    • Investigate the effects of smaller and larger gears on a spinning top.
    • Learn about levers, cams, and patterns of movement.
    • Experiment with the number and position of cams.
    • Sensing and responding to external stimuli to code different sensors.
    • Measure distance, calculate and record finds in a bar graph.
    • Program an automatic score keeping system for soccer goals.
    • Model and dramatize events to tell a story.
    • Learn and build simple machines and experiment with all types of models built by students.
    • Experiment with motorized and non-motorized mechanisms.

  • LEGO® WEDO (grades 3 - 5)
    • Build and program your own robots with LEGO bricks and sensors. Learn coding skills through a user-friendly, drag-and-drop interface. Explore real-world science and engineering concepts in a fun and engaging way. Foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. The projects in this curriculum guide students to:
    • Discover ways that scientists and engineers can use rovers to explore places where humans cannot go.
    • Discover how to use the Motion Sensor to detect the presence of a special plant specimen.
    • Discover how to use the Tilt Sensor to help Milo, the Science Rover send a message to the base.
    • Explore the importance of collaborating during projects like scientists do.
    • Investigating what characteristics of a building would help make it resistant to an earthquake, using an earthquake simulator constructed from LEGO bricks.
    • Model a frog’s metamorphosis using a LEGO representation and identify the characteristics of the organism at each stage.
    • Model the relationship between a pollinator and flower during the reproduction phase using a LEGO representation.
    • Design an automatic LEGO floodgate to control water according to various precipitation patterns.
    • Design a device to reduce the impact on humans, animals, and the environment after an area has been damaged by a weather-related hazard.

  • EV3 ROBOTICS/BATTLE BOTS (grades (6 - 8)
    • The EV3 Programming battles course provides a structured series of programming tasks set within real-world project scenarios, encouraging students to think critically about patterns and organization in robotics, programming, and problem-solving across various contexts. As they progress through the curriculum, students will not only develop essential coding skills but also enhance their critical thinking abilities. This comprehensive course covers fundamental programming concepts, including commands and sequences, as well as intermediate topics such as program flow models, decision-making structures, loops, switches, and sensor integration. Additionally, students will engage in engineering practices, learn to build solutions to real-world problems, and apply effective problem-solving strategies while working collaboratively. As a thrilling component of the course, participants will design, build, and program their own robots to compete in Battle Bots challenges against one another, combining fun and competition with hands-on robotics and coding experience. By the end of the course, students will have a robust understanding of programming, engineering, and robotics, preparing them for future challenges in technology and innovation - and lots of fun!

  • SCRATCH PROGRAMMING (grades K - 2)
    • Join our Scratch Jr programming class and unleash your creativity! Scratch Jr is a fun and intuitive introduction to coding that sparks imagination and critical thinking. Students will learn:
    • Problem-solving strategies
    • Basics of coding concepts in a playful and interactive environment
    • How to create their own interactive stories and games using colorful blocks
    • Problem-solving skills as they tackle coding challenges and puzzles
    • Collaboration and communication skills as they share and present their projects to peers

  • SCRATCH PROGRAMMING (grades 3 - 5)
    • Join our Scratch programming class and unleash your creativity! Students will learn:
    • Fundamentals of coding concepts, including sequencing, loops, and conditional statements
    • How to create interactive animations, stories, and games using colorful coding blocks
    • Problem-solving skills as they tackle coding challenges and debug their programs
    • Collaboration and communication skills as they share and present their projects to peers

  • INTRO TO JAVA (grades 6 - 8)
    • Ready to elevate your coding skills? Join our Java programming class and immerse yourself in the exciting world of computer science! Java is a powerful programming language widely used in various applications, from software and web development to mobile apps and beyond. In this class, students will explore essential concepts, including the history, features, and basic syntax of Java, as well as data types, variables, and operators. They’ll learn how to manage input/output and user interactions, navigate control flow with decision-making and loops, and grasp the principles of object-oriented programming (OOP), including classes, objects, inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation. Through coding challenges and hands-on projects, they’ll gain practical experience and confidence in their programming abilities.

  • INTRO TO C++ (grades 6 - 8)
    • Ready to elevate your coding skills? Join our C++ programming class and explore the dynamic world of computer science! C++ is a powerful and versatile programming language widely used in various fields, including software development, game design, and systems programming. In this course, students will discover the fundamentals of C++, including its history, features, and basic syntax, while working with essential data types, variables, and operators. They’ll learn how to handle input and output, interact with users, and manage data flow effectively. Students will dive into control flow with decision-making and looping constructs, master object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts such as classes, objects, inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation, and gain insights into exception handling to manage errors in their programs. Through hands-on projects and coding challenges, students will build practical experience and boost their confidence and skills in C++. Join us to embark on this exciting coding journey!

  • INTRO TO PYTHON (grades 6 - 8)
    • Ready to elevate your coding skills? Join our Python programming class and dive into the exciting realm of computer science! Python is a powerful and versatile programming language widely used in various fields, including web development, data science, artificial intelligence, and automation. In this course, students will uncover the fundamentals of Python, including its history, features, and straightforward syntax, while working with essential data types, variables, and operators. They’ll learn how to handle input and output, interact with users, and effectively manage data flow. Students will explore control flow through decision-making and looping constructs. Through engaging hands-on projects and coding challenges, students will gain practical experience that boosts their confidence and skills in Python. Join us on this exciting coding journey and unlock your potential!

  • LEGO/STEM CREATIONS (grades K - 2)
    • Get ready for a fun-filled adventure where learning meets creativity! In this hands-on class, we’ll explore gears, cams, axles, levers, cranks, wind power, stored energy, gravity, and friction as we build exciting inventions that bring real-world concepts to life. We’ll even turn our gadgets into motorized tools, enhancing their performance and discovering how simple machines make everyday tasks easier. Plus, we’ll unleash our imagination through creative activities like building mosaics on our LEGO wall and crafting our own unique LEGO creations. It’s the perfect blend of engineering, creativity, and fun!

  • LEGO/STEM CREATIONS (grades 3 - 5)
    • Get ready for an action-packed, creativity-driven adventure where hands-on learning takes the spotlight! In this dynamic class, you’ll tackle exciting projects, building with a screwdriver, motor, and your imagination. We’ll fuel your creativity with activities like designing mosaics on our LEGO wall, crafting LEGO creations, and having a blast building and competing with catapults and combat robots. It’s the ultimate fusion of engineering, innovation, and fun!

  • LEGO/STEM CREATIONS (grades 6 - 8)
    • Gear up for an action-packed, creativity-fueled journey where hands-on learning and imagination take center stage! In this dynamic class, you’ll dive into a range of exciting and challenging projects, using tools like screwdrivers, motors, and your own inventive ideas to bring your creations to life. From building intricate structures to experimenting with moving parts, you’ll explore how engineering concepts shape the world around us. We’ll also unleash your creativity with activities like designing colorful mosaics on our LEGO wall, crafting one-of-a-kind LEGO creations, and testing your designs with interactive challenges. This class is the perfect blend of engineering, problem-solving, and artistic expression, making every session a thrilling adventure in creativity and innovation!

  • ANIMATION 2 (grades 6 - 8)
    • In this exciting animation class, kids will dive into the world of programming and animation using C# and Unity. They’ll learn the fundamentals of coding in C#, including loops, variables, and functions, while using Unity to bring their animations to life. Students will create their own characters from scratch, designing and animating them with movement, expressions, and interactions. They’ll explore key animation concepts like timing, motion, and physics while mastering how to control their characters through code. By the end of the class, kids will have built their own animated scenes, learning essential skills in both programming and game development while sparking creativity through hands-on projects.

    Information

    • Grades:
      K - 8