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After-School Classes

Build better afternoons and get the fun flying (and driving, spinning, lighting up, shaking, etc.) at your after-school program with our awesome robot-building classes for kids 2-14!

After-School Classes Registration

group of children holding up glowing robots they made in front of their faces

We bring the fun directly to schools, organizations, or wherever students want to dive into the awesome world of robot-building! Each week, kids build a brand-new robot to take home, all while learning engineering basics and having fun with their classmates. These classes are a perfect mix of engineering, arts & crafts, and pure silliness—all hands-on, screen-free, and never boring! Plus, kids can unleash their creativity and self expression while individualizing their robots.

We welcome all learners, as there’s something for everyone in these classes. It’s all about boosting confidence and inspiring imagination, while having a blast!

We have designed specific programs for the following age groups to best meet their abilities and interests…

 

An orange circle with three sample robots in it and the words "Mini Makers" in a teal bubble

2-4yrs

We introduce our youngest students to basic STEAM concepts through a combination of storytelling and hands-on learning in our Mini Makers classes. While students this age will need plenty of grown-ups in tow, the projects are designed so these little makers can do most of the building on their own. Each week, our instructors will engage students with a custom story that introduces that week’s robot and then the students will get to build their own robots, just like the characters in the story! Students will be incredibly proud of their creations when they take them home after, allowing them to continue to learn long after the class is over. We encourage at least 1 adult per 2-4 children, depending on age/ability.

 

Pre-K and Kindergarten

A blue outlined circle with three sample robots in it and the words "Robot Rookies" in a purple bubble

Robot Rookies is our awesome program built specifically for older Pre-K and Kindergarteners. The curriculum has been designed to allow these builders to achieve success and gain self-confidence in their skills, with lots of room for fun mixed in! 

Each student will get to build and take home their own robot, just like our older students! Rookies will be working on robots designed specifically for this age group, allowing them to build as independently as possible. Our skilled instructors will guide students through the building process and encourage them to flex their creativity while decorating their creations. This class is a great opportunity for students to discover the fun of STEAM in a collaborative and supportive environment.

 

An orange circle with three sample robots in it and the words "Mini Makers" in a teal bubble

1st & 2nd Grade

Robot Builders is our signature robot-building class for 1st & 2nd graders. Each week features a new, hands-on, robot project that children get to build and take home afterward for more fun.

As with all of our programs, we’ve built these classes to travel! Classes feature a short lesson, introducing circuitry, components, or other fundamentals of engineering. Then comes the hands-on fun, as each child builds that day’s robot project. The final design is always up to each builder, as they customize and decorate their creations. Whether it’s a robot that lights up, dances, drives, shakes, or something else that kids will love, they’ll have a great time making it and will be super proud to take it home afterward!

 

A purple circle with three sample robots in it and the words "Robot Inventors" in an orange bubble

3rd – 5th Grade

Robot Inventors is our signature class series for 3rd – 5th graders. As patience and fine motor skills continue to grow, we’re able to introduce a more challenging version of our signature robot-building classes for older students. The robots get more complicated and the opportunity for creativity becomes even greater. Experienced Inventors are encouraged to experiment and create their own projects with the materials.

This is considered an inquiry-based class, with ample space for experimentation. A new project will be introduced each week, as part of the overall theme. Students may choose to stick with the week’s scripted project, or they can take their own path, taking a hand at turning their ideas into a reality. Either way, students always get to take their robots home after each class to continue to play and experiment. These classes are great for new builders, as well as those seeking a more open-ended robot-building experience.

 

An orange outlined circle with three sample robots in it and the words "Robot Coders" in a purple bubble

6th – 8th Grade

Our Robot Coders curriculum is the ultimate combination of hands-on building, creativity, and programming! Students work in small groups to build robots, learning how to integrate programming components like sensors and servos as they build, and how to control their robots using block coding. Students are always given creative freedom and encouraged to customize their creations. Each class features a brand-new project, introducing new challenges and design opportunities. 

This unique program allows students to interact with their programming in the real world, allowing for increased learning with minimal screen time and maximum creativity! Students will develop important skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking while nurturing their imaginations. But most of all, they’ll have a ton of fun!

This program differs significantly from our others in that students work in groups and they incorporate technology into their builds. As a result, students will not be taking home their projects each week.

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Learn about upcoming programs, discounts, and other exciting news from the Foundry!  If you are looking for the instruction of Itsy Bitsy Paperbot, click here.

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