Arlington Community Education

Want to know how the apps work on your phone or iPad? Or do you already have the next great app idea, and just need to know how to make it? In this no-experience-required course, we use MIT App Inventor software to program Android apps to respond to user inputs, read data from the environment, and design interactive games. You will learn both the programming and design aspects of creating great apps, and have the opportunity to build apps of your own. Important System Requirements: Students must use Android tablets for this class. If you do not have your own, you may rent one for $10 for the week (plus a $60 refundable security deposit). You will be notified of pickup/return times and locations. If you aren't sure if your current tablet can be used for class, test it to see if it can run the MIT AI2 Companion app . If you are able to install the current version of this app, the tablet can be used in class. Please register for one session only.

In this fundamental acting class we will experiment with improv, movement, scene study, and character work to establish foundational acting skills and build confidence, all while having fun. Each class begins with warm-up games followed by acting exercises and scenes—ranging from silly to serious—that build communication skills and expand the understanding of theatrical storytelling.

The excellent 4-H Babysitters’ Program is designed to better prepare you to become a capable, caring, and responsible babysitter. Understand the responsibilities and skills needed to become a good babysitter and develop confidence in handling situations you may encounter when caring for young children. You will receive a Babysitter’s ID card and a certificate of completion. Please Note: Please select one session only. Tuition includes a Student Manual that will be available for pickup at an Arlington location prior to the first class.

Intro We all know that bicycling is a great way to get around town, keep fit, and reduce your carbon footprint. And especially during this time of quarantine, going on a bike ride is a great way to keep yourself sane by clearing your head (while keeping distance from others). But, along with your sanity, you've also got to maintain your bike if you want your ride to go as planned. We're here to help you know what to check so you're ready to roll. Please join us for a workshop to cover how to maintain your bike to keep you riding safe and smooth. Our knowledgeable instructors from MassBike will go through the basics of how to diagnose your bike's ABCs (Air, Brakes, and Chain). You'll come away with a bit of home-mechanic know-how, so you can check the condition of your bike, and also fix your bike when things start to go awry. 2.0: Learn to Fix-a-Flat Learning how to change your own tires and tubes is one of the more useful skills you can learn to keep your bike rolling, but it's also one of the most challenging skills to get right! The experts at MassBike will step you through the process of diagnosing the conditions of your tires, avoiding the most common reasons for getting a flat, how to patch the holes in the tube, and tips on how to get that tire back on without so much struggle. If you have tire levers and a pump at the ready, come prepared to try at home on your own wheel. Take both Bike Maintenance classes & save

In this class we will read from a variety of local and current New England authors and illustrators, gleaning a wide variety of cultural perspectives, as well as embracing the art that goes into bookmaking. In each class, we will focus on an author, read sections from the chosen book, and then practice illustrating and writing a personalized short story or picture book of your choosing. Toward the end of the term, you will be encouraged to share your work by reading your stories to the class. Supplies to be provided by parents: Journal for daily writing & drawing activities, and basic pencil box supplies

If breakfast & lunch are your favorite meals of the day, then come try foods to share with friends and family for Brunch! Recipes include Cinnamon French toast roll-ups, breakfast casserole, and Croque Monsieur. At the end of the class, you’ll have a small feast to share, new skills, and a recipe booklet.

Play the role of young entrepreneurs as we start with the germ of an idea for a business and product and take it through the entire entrepreneurial process. Develop prototypes, formulate a business plan and devise a marketing strategy. Using a Minecraft-type program, create a storefront to sell your products. Meanwhile, practice public speaking skills as we create and record “TV commercials,” and create a video version of an “elevator pitch” for the “Sharks." Please note: This program requires the students to create two videos at home with a tablet or smartphone. Editing software is helpful but not required. We also use a Minecraft-type program called Minetest (for which we send download instructions) in which they create a storefront model. Alternatively, the students can build their storefront with legos at home and take photos for the teacher and class to see.

Get a jump start on learning a few of the basic cooking skills that chefs master during culinary school. Each week, this class will explore cooking techniques for building confidence in the kitchen. While this class is a great primer for culinary school, it also focuses on the important life skill of cooking and creating great meals. Each week explores a specific technique. Week 1: Knife skills and Stir Fry. Week 2: Braising/searing and sautéing. Week 3: Baking. Week 4: Casseroles. Please note: A shopping list of ingredients and supplies will be provided in advance. A recipe booklet with instructions will also be provided.

Let’s get creative with electricity! In this junior hands-on electronics class, gain experience creating your own electronics; designing custom light-up greeting cards, electric games, mazes, and more. Each class day consists of a circuitry lesson and hands-on electronics projects, using components like wires, lights, switches, and motors. Circuit Lab staff will make sure you create many projects that they can be proud of, and each class day includes a project to keep. Please note: Tuition includes a $53 materials/tool kit that will be available for pickup before class and that students may keep afterward. You will be contacted about pickup logistics.

Join a former college admissions officer for an insider’s perspective on the complex and challenging college admissions process. We will discuss how to conduct research on colleges through virtual visits, and how to make those visits more meaningful, the value of a college interview, even if it is conducted via Skype or Zoom, the ever-changing college entrance exam landscape, and the different college application platforms. We’ll also spend some time on choosing faculty for teacher recommendation letters, and the difference between Early Decision, Early Action and Regular Decision applications. With this information you will be able to develop a reasonable timeline for your student and learn key organizational strategies to keep your college application process on track. Parents and students are welcome to attend. Open to both juniors and seniors and their parents.

Comic books are an excellent form for visual storytelling. Explore many different ways to create, design, and plan a comic book/strip sequence. Develop your personal style and voice, practice character development, story building, facial expression, and figure drawing to make your characters come alive. Look at artists working in the styles of graphic novels, traditional comics, manga, and anime, then explore your own style and interests in these comic drawings. Create a series of comics based on a theme of your choosing and along the way learn techniques for inking comics and overall design elements. This is an interactive, collaborative class that thrives when we provide feedback and ideas to one another. Come connect with other comic artists, and bring all your weird, silly, hilarious, action-packed, dramatic ideas to the table! Supplies to be provided by parents: Micron pens (can be found at PLAYTIME, as well as Blick Art Materials, Amazon, etc) or Faber-Castell Artist Pitt Pens. Here is a link to a suggested product https://www.dickblick.com/items/20759-0089/ just so you can get an idea of what to look for. Micron pens: https://www.dickblick.com/products/sakura-pigma-micron-pen/ (If you cannot get the specific brand, try to get a few pens in various sizes, from 0.5mm to BRUSH. White paper/sketchbook Scrap paper Pencils Eraser (I recommend Magic Rub) Optional: copic markers (colored markers), Optional: ruler I also recognize that many students are comfortable using digital programs to create their comics. While I am not savvy with digital art, I am okay with students using those materials (iPads, Procreate) as well.

Draw the most amazing animals! We’ll learn how to draw different mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and insects that live all around the world. And of course we’ll draw the imaginary creatures inspired by fantasy books, movies, myths and legends. Use any drawing materials that you like such as pencils, markers, crayons, pastels, etc. Supplies to be provided by parents: Drawing paper pad Pencils Eraser and pencil sharpener Black markers: Sharpie-type, fine and extra fine (0.5 mm) point White paint (tempera, acrylic or gouache) and a small paintbrush, OR white pen/white paint marker (e.g. Pentel or UniBall white gel pen). Coloring materials of your choice: Markers (washable or permanent), multiple colors, the more the better OR colored pencils, 24 or more colors Optional: Any other coloring materials that you have at home and would like to use (pens, watercolor paints or pencils, oil pastels, brush markers, etc.)

Come tabletop roleplay and explore our original world of Etheraz with your friends—without leaving home! Our staff will guide participants through the process of creating characters for an interactive story. You’ll flex your critical thinking muscles (and math skills) to get your characters out of sticky situations. Creative writing, arts, and crafts will also be encouraged to help the story along. Class requirements: Beyond 20 chrome extension (free extension): https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/beyond-20/gnblbpbepfbfmoobegdogkglpbhcjofh?hl=en D&D Beyond Account (free account): https://www.dndbeyond.com/ Roll20 Account (free account): https://roll20.net/ Supplies to be provided by parents: Paper Pencil Erasers Pens Markers, colored pencils, or other colored drawing supplies. Ruler

With just a few simple stitches and an idea or two, you can stitch just about anything. Come explore the basics of embroidery, experiment with some dazzling new embroidery stitches, and create your own embroidered masterpieces. Mini pillows, banners for your bedroom, a favorite pair of jeans or sneakers...the possibilities are endless. Supplies to be provided by parents: Embroidery hoop - 5 inch or similar size (available from Michaels for under $2) DMC embroidery floss - at least 5 colors Embroidery needles - at least 2 needles, but a variety pack is helpful 2 square feet of white/off white fabric Fabric scissors and thread snips Fine fabric pen, or pen to draw design on fabric

Are you curious about hopping on your bike for commuting to school and getting around town, but hesitant about how to get going? You’re not alone! This everyday biking seminar is geared toward sharing the knowledge and empowerment to take your commute into your hands, and getting out on the roads, bike lanes, and pathways. Biking is fast, free, and fun (and you’ll get fit), and it's good for your physical and mental health. The experts at MassBike have honed their tips to get you over the barriers. Join us for a presentation and discussion, come with your questions and your stories, and learn along with fellow bikers.

Practice French skills and learn about the history, food, and culture of the countries where it is spoken. We will reinforce skills through songs, games, crafts, and storytelling, resulting in a fun and challenging learning experience. Instruction is adapted for a variety of levels, making this an excellent introduction for beginners and an opportunity for returning students to expand their proficiency. Please note: These clubs are not designed for advanced speakers.

Tinker with electronics while learning the basics of computer programming. We begin by experimenting with the fundamentals of electronics and circuitry, and step up to projects to design our own interactive and programmable devices. We will use Arduino microcontroller boards to build interactive devices and learn about computers and coding. We will experiment with LEDs, resistors, motors, and sensors. Each class day gives you the chance to design a hands-on project with the guidance of skilled Circuit Lab instructors. Please note: This class requires a materials kit for the duration of the class. Students will be asked for a $70 deposit for the kit, which is fully refundable upon return. We will contact you about deposit, pick-up and return logistics the week before class.