After School Programs
Looking for something fun to do after school? Why not make your own video game, design a dream house, film a movie, or build a robot? Our weekly Workshop Clubs give students opportunities to be creative while also extending their knowledge of math, science, engineering and story-telling. All classes are open to new and returning students. See our schedule of events or Contact us to run a programs in your community.
Amazing Architects: Design your dream house, space station, or a building of your imagination! Architects need to take many factors into consideration when they design a building— function,scale, measurements, environment and materials. Our expert instructors guide students through hands-on activities to learn the basics of design, and then through planning and sketching stages of creating their buildings. Once they have a plan, students use computer technology to create a fully customized 3D rendering- including everything from color schemes to interior decorations. Then students create a digital photo tour of their creation to share with family and friends at home. Software used in class is available for free download (MAC and PC) for those who want to continue working on their projects at home. Workshops available for grades 3-8.
Animation Whizards: Tell Your Story!In this class, students learn the science and art of stop-motion animation by making two of their own short films. Children work in pairs to write their own story and script, plan out a story board, and create their artwork. Then they use laptops, cameras and special software to explore various animation techniques and capture their footage. After filming, students work on the post-production process to add titles, transitions, sounds and bring their movie to life. Each class a new concept is introduced and practiced hands-on. Experienced animators can build on their previous skills to create timeless masterpieces of animation. Movies are available to take home. A strict non-violence policy is enforced. Workshops available for grades 1-5.
Gamemaker Whizards: Kids have fun playing video games, but they have even more fun playing games they make themselves! Students learn the fundamentals of object-oriented programming through video game design while creating their own game. All students work at their own pace, making this a great workshop for both new and more experienced game makers. Don't tell the kids, but while creating the games, they will be learning math, geometry, design, logic, and object-oriented programming. Games can be played at home (MS Windows-only), and software used in class is available for free download (MAC and PC) for those who want to continue working on their games at home. Our non-violence policy is enforced. Workshops available for grades 3-8.
Lego Engineering (Simple Machines): Levers and wheels and axles- oh my! Young learners get a hands-on introduction to the simple machines by building a series of projects. Each week we’ll focus on a different machine, discussing its function and practical uses. Then each child will construct a device from our LEGO Duplo kits and see the simple machine in action! At the end of the program students will receive a digital photo slide show of their projects. LEGO Duplo models will not be taken home.Workshops available for ages 4-6.
Lego Engineering (Energy and Structures): Use the Force! Students in this class will use their natural energy to learn the science of energy. Using Lego materials, each child will build project models to learn principles of friction, potential and transferred energy, stability, strong structures, and more. At the end of the program students will receive a digital photo slide show of their projects. LEGO Duplo models will not be taken home.Workshops available for ages 4-6.
Robotics Whizards: If your kids like LEGOs, they’ll love robotics! Students use LEGO Mindstorms materials to construct motorized, programmed devices, making everything from an amusement park swing ride and swinging gymnast, to pneumatic claws and motorcylces! Design drawings, carefully prepared by engineers, ensure that the models are functional and leave room for creativity. During construction, instructors will introduce design challenges, discuss real-life robots, and teach participants about proper design and application of structural elements. Once built, projects will be motorized and programmed on a computer using a LEGO programming language At the end of the program students will receive a digital photo slide show of their projects. LEGO models will not be taken home.Workshops available for grades 2-8.
Mechatronics Whizards: Do you like to build? Drive remote control vehicles? Program robots? Then we have a challenge for you. Mechatronics is the combination of Mechanical and Electronic components. In this workshop, students will use LEGO Mindstorms NXT components to build and program models of machines and devices that operate automatically or by remote control. Depending on the age group, projects may include a drawbridge, robotic arm, pinball machine, crane, car, or others. Working with expert instructors and detailed building plans, students will complete a project in each class and capture it digitally for a final take-home photo album that details all of their projects. Note:LEGO projects will not be taken home. Workshops available for grades 4-8.
Call (617)395-7527 for more information.