SPIN ENRICH

3-D Printing

In this course, students will learn how to bring their ideas to life with 3-D printing. They'll learn about the exciting world of 3-D design and how to use computer-aided design software (Tinkercad) to create their own personalized projects. This hands-on experience teaches kids to apply the Design Process to plan, build, and produce tangible objects they can be proud of and take home.

Video Game Design

Using Microsoft's Kodu virtual game lab, students will explore the fundamentals of designing and programming their own video games. This class helps kids sharpen their analytical skills, improve problem-solving abilities, and think critically about systems and interactive design. They'll be able to save their projects and continue building at home, taking their creativity and learning beyond the classroom.

DASH Robotics

Students will enter the world of robotics by learning how to code the popular DASH robot. Using the Blockly app, they will learn the basics of block coding to command their robot to perform a variety of tasks. This course is a fun and practical way for kids to learn the fundamentals of coding and see how their programming skills can bring a robot to life.

KIBO Robotics (K-2 Only)

This is a perfect first introduction to coding and robotics for young learners. Using the friendly KIBO robot, students will learn the very basics of programming without screens. They’ll use a special scanner to read and execute code, directing their robot through a series of fun and engaging challenges.

Minecraft & Reading

In this unique class, students will combine their love for Minecraft with the power of storytelling. They'll use the popular game as a tool to create amazing artistic representations of scenes from popular books. This creative course helps students build technology skills, improve literacy, and hone artistic sensibilities. They’ll have opportunities to collaborate with classmates and build leadership skills through presentations.

Electricity & Circuitry

Spark student’s curiosity with hands-on learning! Using popular Snap Circuit kits, students will dive into the world of electricity and build simple circuits. After learning to safely construct circuits, they'll apply their new knowledge to create exciting projects, including light-up art and electronic games.

Engineering & Construction

Students will apply the Engineering Design Process to a series of fun and challenging projects such as bridge and tower-building as well as building out your own cities. This course helps them build essential skills in problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and creative thinking. For older students, the challenges are designed to encourage them to create innovative solutions to real-world problems related to topics like agriculture, flying technologies, and environmental engineering.

Food Sciences (New this year!)

Students will become masterchefs and food scientists in this class! We'll explore the fascinating world of food science, where we discover the "why" and "how" behind the foods we eat. We'll learn about important ingredients like water, carbohydrates, protein, and fat, and conduct fun experiments, like testing starch levels in different foods. Students will also learn how to read food labels, make smart food choices, and understand how our nutritional needs change as we grow. By the end of the course, they’ll know how to build a balanced plate and make healthy, informed decisions about their meals.

Earth Sciences (New this year!)

This course takes students on an exciting journey into the heart of our planet. We'll explore the three main types of rocks—igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic—and learn how they are constantly changing in a process called the rock cycle. Students will also become paleontologists for a day, learning how dinosaur fossils are made and discovering different types of fossils. We’ll even explore what happens inside volcanoes by studying how rocks form from magma and lava.

Computer Skills 101 (New this year!)

This class is a fun and simple introduction to the world of computers. Students will learn the building blocks of using a computer and creating their own work. We'll start with typing sentences and paragraphs using programs like Google Docs. Students will learn to change font size and color, and use basic formatting like bold, italics, and underlining. Students will also learn how to create and use files and folders to keep their work organized. They'll practice creating a simple folder, saving a file into it, and even renaming or deleting them.

Throughout the course, we'll discuss digital citizenship, focusing on being kind and safe online. We'll talk about keeping information private, knowing when to ask an adult for help, and understanding healthy screen time habits.

Microsoft© Paint & Powerpoint (New this year!)

In this class, students will learn to express their creativity using some of the most popular programs for drawing and presenting. They'll begin by using a simple drawing program like Paint to create their own artwork. They'll learn how to use essential tools like the brush, fill, erase, and shapes to bring their ideas to life. Students will also practice saving and opening their drawings and using basic copy and paste to move elements around. These hands-on activities are a great way for them to develop their digital art skills.

Space & Astronomy (New this year!)

Blast off on a learning adventure through our solar system! Students will get to know each of the planets and learn what makes them unique. We’ll explore the sun, the moon, and everything in between. We’ll also answer big questions like:

• What is a telescope and how do we use it today?
• What are constellations and how can we find them in the night sky?
• What does it take to be an astronaut?
• What other amazing things are orbiting Earth, like the International Space Station?

By the end of the course, students will apply their knowledge to create and present a fun class project about a space adventure.