Category Archives: Houston/Katy

Locations

Houston and Surrounding Areas: After School & Seasonal Camps

Houston & Surrounding Areas – Class Registration Sign up for classes!

CAMP DESCRIPTIONS

Kids building robotsImagineers & Gears
Imagineers & Gear Grade(s) PreK-2nd 

Let your imagination and ideas take you wherever you want to go! 
Students will learn engineering key concepts and fundamentals building with LEGO elements from the creative tool kit. Learning as we go numeracy, literacy and much more.   Students will be challenged to use LEGO pieces to create a structure or setting using LEGO elements.  Students will engage with hands-on experience including fun and problem-solving activities and be encouraged to tell a story about their creations.  Your student will be offered special pieces for their builds to complete their story. Students will learn to identify build pieces, and their function required to build structures towards the next step into Robotics.  This program offers STEM-STEAM curriculum as well diversity, self-esteem, social competency, collaboration and more. Concepts and core values are taught to prepare students for life challenges.  

Robots Rule!
Robotics Grade(s) 2nd-5th -6th

Kids building robots

Students follow design step by step instructions to build a bot to compete with other teams.  Challenging activities will participate in challenging competition but that’s not all!  Let’s modify Like a BOSS!  with their teammates to test their robot’s structural integrity and maneuverability.  Time to THINK outside the BOT! How can I make the Bot go faster? How can I make it more powerful?  These are the questions the students will be faced during their competitions.  Students will use LEGO Technic pieces that come together to create movable, steerable, controlled robots.  

  • Engineering Concepts
  • Structural Integrity
  • Gear Ratios-The need for Speed
  • Simple Machine to Robotics

Code SpHERO!
Grade(s) 3rd-6th

What is Sphero and how does it work? Sphero is an adorable, durable, interactive—you guessed it—spherebot. Don’t let its size deceive you! Its functionality is almost boundless. Let’s dig in. Students connect to provided tablets via Bluetooth, and dive into programming on day one! With a maze activity, kids learn to program their ‘bots to navigate a maze—without touching the walls. Students will use the Sphero has a programmable 8×8 LED matrix, so students can code it to change colors when Sphero rolls, stops or starts, reaches a goal, or whenever else they’d like. Coding sounds hard, but our younger coders utilize what’s called block coding. This means they’re not typing out code by hand—which can be complicated for such an age group—but rather dragging visual blocks into the coding area and connecting them. 

 

MicroBlock MicroBits
Grade(s) 3rd-6th

MicroBlocks

Become a Code Wizard with MicroBlocks-MicroBits

What is Microblock?

MIcroBlocks is a scratch like blocks programming language for learning physical computing with education microcontroller boards. User-friendly drag and drop access. Students become algorithm architects or code commanders.  ‘Micro: bit’ is a small programmable computer, designed to make learning code and computers easy and fun! Electronics and coding equals a fun learning style.  You can use your Micro: bit for many different cool coding creations, starting small with making your first step counter, a virtual magic eight ball and then on to robots. The Micro: bit can be coded from any web browser in Blocks, Javascript, Python and Scratch with no additional software required.


Fall Registration Locations & Partner Locations:

 

Partnering with:

 

 

Locations

On-Premise/Virtual Workshops: Houston/Katy

Courses offered

Kids Playing

Little Engineer

Little engineers will be learning the fundamentals of engineering principles and identifying different techniques for building strong mechanical creations. This class is perfect for beginners with engineering in their mind’s eye. 

9-week program

Future Engineer

Future Engineer

Future engineers will be learning the fundamentals of mechanical engineering. During this course, you will be encouraged to share your thoughts and perspectives with other classmates as we begin to investigate friction, gears, motors, and gear ratios.

9-week program

think like an Engineer

Think Like an Engineer

This class will inspire and reinforce analytical and problem-solving skills as you are taught to see “the big picture”.  Once that is identified, we cut it into smaller slices for observation coupled with peer-to-peer discussion to see how things work from the inside out.

9-week program

Online Classes

Parents your child’s learning path is up to you now!  Our Engineering workshops bring STEM-STEAM curriculum right into your home via zoom.  Each student receives a build kit that will build up to 9-12 builds. Allow us to fill the gap, between online school and give you a little quiet time. Our instructors are CRAZY-FUN and will keep your student excited about what next weeks workshop will be all about! Kids miss their school friends so now It’s time to reconnect your child with their best friends in the same workshop on the same day and time. Register Today! 

PRIVATE SCHOOLS – SPRING

John Cooper
Little Engineer
Future Engineer
Think like an Engineer

Robert C. Shaw Center for STEM – Katy 
Little Engineer
Future Engineer
Think like an Engineer

St John Paul II Catholic School
Little Engineer 
Future Engineer 
Think like a Engineer 

 

 

The Fay School
Little Engineer
Future Engineer

The Kipling School
Little Engineer
Future Engineer 

 

 

Locations

Spring 2023 Afterschool Workshops: Houston/Katy

 

SPRING WORKSHOPS

Baker Montessori
Visit the registration site for all workshops available

First Baptist Academy
Visit the registration site for all workshops available

Poe Elementary
Visit the registration site for all workshops available

St John Paul Catholic School
Visit the registration site for all the courses available 

St. Anne’s Catholic School
Visit the registration site for all workshops available

The Kipling School
Visit the registration site for all workshops available

 St. Cecilia’s Catholic School
Visit the registration site for all workshops available

Harmony
Visit the registration site for all workshops available

 

PARTNERS IN CONITNUING TO EDUCATE THE FUTURE

AWTY International: Learn more

The Fay School: Learn More

British International School of Houston: Learn More

John Cooper: Learn More

Texas City ISD: Learn More

The Kipling School: Learn More

The Joy School Learn More

Thrive – Yes Prep: Learn More

Harris County Education Department – CASE4 Kids: Learn More

Houston ISD: Learn More

Katy ISD: Learn More

 

Summer Camps Coming Soon!

 

 

Locations

Spring Schools: Houston | Katy

Spring After School Classes

Field Elementary
703 E 17th St. 
Houston TX 77008
Register here

First Baptist Academy
7450 Memorial Woods Drive
Houston TX 77024
Link: Register here

The Kipling School
620 Shepherd Dr
Houston TX 77007
Register here

 

Herod Elementary
5627 Jason St
Houston, TX 77096
Register here

St. Cecilia Catholic School
11740 Joan of Arc Dr
Houston TX 77024
Register here

St. John Paull II Catholic School
1400 Parkway Plaza
Houston TX 77077
Register here

Spring After School Locations Community Partners

 

Spring COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Mechanical Engineering Robotics Workshops

Imagineers in Gear (IIG) Grade(s) PreK-1st
Let your imagination and ideas take you wherever you want to go!
You will learn engineering key concepts and fundamentals building with LEGO elements from the creative tool kit. Learning as we go numeracy, literacy and much more. Students will be challenged to use LEGO pieces to create a structure or setting using LEGO elements. Students will engage with hands-on experience including fun and problem-solving activities and be encouraged to tell a story about their creations. Your student will be offered special pieces for their builds to complete their story. Students will learn to identify build pieces and their function required to build structures towards the next step into Robotics. This program offers STEM-STEAM curriculum as well diversity, self-esteem, social competency, collaboration and more. Concepts and core values are taught to prepare students for life challenges.

Fun Frenzy Robotics 1-2-3 (FFR) Grade(s) 1st – 2nd
Students will be introduced in the first 5 weeks basic engineering concepts and create simple builds in weeks 6-14. LEGO Technic pieces that come together to create movable, steerable, controlled robots.

Students are encouraged to work as a team and explore the use of motors, gears, pulleys, and IR technology while building Lego Robot inventions. Each build will be followed by a thrilling challenge that illustrates the need for “simplicity” and the pitfalls of “complexity”. Students will be provided with a creative tool kit to design their bots!

Robots Rule! (RR) Grade(s) 2nd – 3rd
Your student will become a master builder!

Students will be introduced in the first 5 weeks basic engineering concepts and create simple builds in weeks 6-14. LEGO Technic pieces that come together to create movable, steerable, controlled robots.

To become a master builder students must conquer the concepts of robotics. Learn the basic mechanical properties of how things work and move through a hands-on learning experience. Students will explore the use of gears, pulleys, wheels and axles, motors and so much more. This class will open new windows, leading to the fun and mechanical world of robotics. You will work in teams to create extraordinary builds. This camp will introduce to why a robot needs power transferred to its wheels from a power source located a distance away; in addition, the direction of the motion needs to be reversed so the robot will go forward instead of backward. Begin your journey in becoming a Master Builder! Students will be provided with a creative tool kit to design their bots!

Wild and Wacky Robot Walkers (WWRW) Grade(s) 3rd – 5th
Join with us as we use gears and pulleys to build and battle a world of WALKING robots! This class will introduce your student to LEGO mechanics and simple machines that you never knew were possible! Join with us as we use gears and pulleys to build and battle a world of WALKING robots! This class will introduce you to LEGO mechanics and simple machines that you never knew were possible! Students will be introduced in the first 5 weeks basic engineering concepts and create simple builds in weeks 6-14. LEGO Technic pieces that come together to create movable, steerable, controlled robots.

Come learn, build and play with American Robotics Academy… Where Robots Rule! Students will be provided with a creative tool kit to design their bots Here’s your chance to be wilder and wackier than you have ever imagined. We will be doing lots of new projects including climbing robots and robot dogs with animated eyes, mouth and tails! You can add more modifications to all your builds for a superb, animated effect!

Bricks Slayers Robotics (BSR) Grade(s) 3rd-5th
Join us on an adventure that requires creative thought, time management and team communication as groups build a diverse range of off-road vehicles in challenging activities with other bots! Students will be introduced in the first 5 weeks basic engineering concepts and create simple builds in weeks 6-14. LEGO Technic pieces that come together to create movable, steerable, controlled robots.

Students learn to build bots using Legos and apply different gear ratios that will enable them to modify bots to race against the clock and play tug of war! This class will discuss drive gears and the various ranges of gear ratios. Here is your chance to learn which gear ratios are associated with speed or torque. Slay other bots in challenges with quirky modifications.

Magical MicoBOT! (MM) Grade(s) 2nd-12th

What is MicroBlocks?
Microblocks is a scratch like blocks programming language for learning physical computing with education microcontroller boards. User-friendly drag and drop access.

Live programming- While there are other blocks languages for microcontrollers, what really sets MicroBlocks apart is its combination of live programming and autonomous operation. Other blocks languages support one or the other of those features but not both.

  • Autonomous Operation
    MicroBlocks downloads your code as you write it. When you like what your program does, just unplug the board and you’re good to go. Make a game, a fitness app, or light-up clothing that goes wherever you do.
  • Parallelism
    Want to display an animation while controlling a motor? No problem! MicroBlocks lets you write separate scripts for each task and run them at the same time. Your code is simpler to write and easier to understand.
  • Portability
    MicroBlocks runs on many different boards, but your scripts are portable. Buttons, sensors, and display blocks behave the same on all boards with the relevant hardware. MicroBlocks even simulates the micro:bit 5×5 LED display on TFT displays.
  • Read Back
    With such an amazing tool to program today’s great hardware, you can create something practical, beautiful, or even magical.

Activities:

  • What can we make using Microblocks
  • WAV File Player
  • Sound with Circuit playground
  • Battery Tester’
  • Make a Micro: bit Dance
  • Doorbell
  • Hello LED and much more!

Ultimate Robotics Experience (URE) Grade(s) 3rd – 5th
Now is the time to explore and battle in uncharted territory. In this class, battle-bots evaluate the potential of a rough and dangerous area before moving in to save a Bot! Experts need you to build a variety of unique robots with an awesome skillset, capable of driving over any obstacle and overcoming any unfamiliar elements or elevation changes in this treacherous landscape. Students will use gears, create structural integrity, and IR Technology to overcome the unknown. Can your robot not only survive, but thrive in the bot-battle?

Students will be introduced in the first 5 weeks basic engineering concepts and create simple builds in weeks 6-14. LEGO Technic pieces that come together to create movable, steerable, controlled robots.

Build a Bot! (BAB) Grade(s) 3rd – 5th
Students will follow design instructions and build a bot to compete with their teammates. Students will participate in challenging competition with their teammates to test their robot’s structural integrity and maneuverability.

Students will be introduced in the first 5 weeks basic engineering concepts and create simple builds in weeks 6-14. LEGO Technic pieces that come together to create movable, steerable, controlled robots.

Your student will learn about gears, pulleys, and varying degrees of traction, and will build a robot. Students will be provided with a creative tool kit to design their bots!

Master Builders Robotastic Adventure (MBRA) Grade(s) 4th – 6th
Do you know any Master Builders with reverse engineering skills? Students will learn in camp that reverse engineering, also called back engineering, is the process by which a man-made object is deconstructed to reveal its designs, architecture, or to extract knowledge from the object. Camp Instructors will engage students in understanding reverse engineering is the process of taking something apart to understand how it works. The process allows junior engineers to create new Lego Bots and modify their Bots to have more power, torque and speed. Students will explore the different ways to make Bots move, vibrate and dance if they want to! Students learn to think backward in reverse! Students will be provided with a creative tool kit to design their bots!

Students will be introduced in the first 5 weeks basic engineering concepts and create simple builds in weeks 6-14.
LEGO Technic pieces that come together to create movable, steerable, controlled robots.

Robotics -No Instructions Needed! (RNI) Grade(s) 4th- 6th
Because life doesn’t always come with an instruction book, neither will your robots. Do you really need instructions to recreate, duplicate, or make a working model better? What’s the big picture? How do all these pieces make it happen? Teams must draw from their deeper understanding of how Legos work together to make a complete enhanced robot. In the RALLY series, teams will be building tanks, “off-road” suspension robots, and design their own steerable robot. Let’s go forward in thinking by building in reverse. Students will be provided with a creative tool kit to design their bots!

Students will be introduced in the first 5 weeks basic engineering concepts and create simple builds in weeks 6-14. LEGO Technic pieces that come together to create movable, steerable, controlled robots.

Coding Workshops

Robo-Code (RC) Grade(s) 3rd-6th
Let the journey begin by combining robotics and coding in one workshop. Now is the time to explore and battle in uncharted territory. In this class, battle-bots evaluate the potential of a rough and dangerous area before moving in to save a Bot! Experts need you to build a variety of unique robots with an awesome skillset, capable of driving over any obstacle and overcoming any unfamiliar elements or elevation changes in this treacherous landscape. Students will use gears, create structural integrity, and IR Technology to overcome the unknown. Can your robot not only survive, but thrive in the bot-battle? The coding workshop allows students to use Sphero, a programmable 8×8 LED matrix, so students can code it to change colors when Sphero rolls, stops or starts, reaches a goal, or whenever else they’d like. Coding sounds hard, but our younger coders utilize what’s called block coding. This means they’re not typing out code by hand—which can be complicated for such an age group—but rather dragging visual blocks into the coding area and connecting them.

Crazy for Coding -Tech it Out!  Grade(s) 4th-6th
Coding for kids seems like an impossible journey, right? It’s a lot like learning an entirely new language (literally)! Let’s take a deeper dive into coding. Students will learn to voice activate robots, LEGO geometry and much more. This workshop uses LEGO® BOOST let’s children create models with motors and sensors, and then bring their creations to life through simple, icon-based coding commands. The LEGO BOOST tablet app includes easy step-by-step building instructions for creating and coding multifunctional models. Students will be provided a kit and a device to be used during the workshop. Coding for kids refers to the opportunities available for children to get involved in coding. These opportunities aim to be fun and gamified to keep kids’ young minds engaged. You might also hear coding referred to as “programming,” or “computer programming. Challenges: • The Ramp Challenge • Football Challenge • Drawing Art Challenge

Code SpHERO – Heroes! (CSH) Grade(s) 4th-6th
What is Sphero and how does it work? Sphero is an adorable, durable, interactive—you guessed it—spherebot. Don’t let its size deceive you! Its functionality is almost boundless. Let’s dig in. Students connect to provided tablets via Bluetooth, and dive into programming on day one! With a maze activity, kids learn to program their ‘bots to navigate a maze—without touching the walls. Students will use the Sphero has a programmable 8×8 LED matrix, so students can code it to change colors when Sphero rolls, stops or starts, reaches a goal, or whenever else they’d like. Coding sounds hard, but our younger coders utilize what’s called block coding. This means they’re not typing out code by hand—which can be complicated for such an age group—but rather dragging visual blocks into the coding area and connecting them.