Arlington Community Education

Design intricate 3D objects using BlocksCAD, a software program that combines 3D modeling with block-based coding. You’ll learn computer coding, graphing skills, and 3-dimensional design. By dragging and dropping blocks of editable code that create and modify 3D shapes, you’ll use problem-solving to build 3D models that can then be exported to a 3D printer. Pick one of your models to be 3D printed for future pickup.

Discover how apps work on your phone or iPad and learn how to make your own. In this no-experience-required course, we use MIT App Inventor software to make fun, creative apps for Android phones and tablets. We will also explore wireless communication by building custom bluetooth hardware controllers and readouts for our apps.

The Plantmobile is coming to Peirce. Let’s dig into soil science to find out exactly what creatures, big and small, call dirt their home. We will use microscopes to get up-close and personal with soil microbes, tinker with land formation, filtration, and erosion in special hands-on labs, and even get to meet the king of the soil—the worm! Through experimentation and observation you will get down and get dirty, while learning a ton of fascinating facts about a world we rarely think about.

Ready, set, takeoff! From paper airplanes to rockets, we’ll make all sorts of flying inventions while exploring aerodynamics and how things move through the air. Make, test, and reinvent catapults, kites, parachutes, and more, as we explore the laws of physics and the forces that keep objects afloat. This class will be just “plane” fun!

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 instructors.

A mystery LEGO challenge will be revealed each week. A helicopter rescue scene, a space shuttle launch site, a city overrun with beasts—be ready for anything! Then it’s off to the races as you and your group brainstorm what that might look like, build a LEGO scene, and prepare to persuade your classmates that your creation is the best. We’ll practice presentation and persuasive language skills as we sum up our work.

Craft architectural wonders into LEGO masterpieces. Dive into the world of building as you apply engineering concepts to tall towers, strong bridges, musical instruments, catapults, and more. Hands-on design, construction, and spirited competition will showcase your skills as a LEGO master.

Let your imagination run wild. Build engineer-designed projects such as trains, helicopters, and treehouses with tens of thousands of LEGO. You’ll learn a lot in this supportive and guided environment.

Your creativity and a little tinkering will bring fairy tales to life. Recreate the princesses, villains, and sidekicks you love, and then use them to tell animated stories in an enchanted world powered by LEGO resources.

Learn how basic mechanics combine with LEGO to make amazing machines. Learn all about gears, belt drives, and motors, and how they work together. After you build each model, you will put your machines into action to solve engineering challenges.

Power up your engineering skills with thousands of LEGO. Apply real-world concepts in physics, engineering, and architecture through engineer-designed projects such as gear cars, merry-go-rounds, and tower cranes. Design and build as never before and explore your craziest ideas.

Use the incredible scope of Minecraft to dig into the world we live in. We'll focus on biodiversity, or the variety of life on earth at all levels. By building and experimenting with particular habitats or ecosystems, our discussions will open your eyes to the essential processes that dictate our lives. Students new to Minecraft are welcome.

Engaging hands-on chemistry projects will encourage you to be junior scientists. Unlock the secrets of the laboratory to create customized soaps, lotions, and potions. Explore how chemists create formulas and make your own cool products to take home. Learn about chemical properties and reactions while making fizzing potions and secret solutions.

Explore the world of Python coding. Build on the foundations of programming with a deeper dive into data types, recursion, and conditionals. Level up your coding skills in the captivating world of game design, where you’ll bring your imaginative ideas to life and create immersive gaming experiences. The digital world awaits your ingenuity.

Explore the world of scientific discovery as you create a lava lamp, engineer a race car, or make a ping pong ball hang in the air. You may stir up invisible ink, create a volcanic eruption, or build a Newton’s Cradle. We’ll discuss the development and application of various scientific principles and build our science vocabulary using illustrations and handouts that you can use to recreate your experiments at home.

Learn programming for robotics through weekly challenges and trial and error with Dash, an intelligent Wonder robot. As you gain an understanding of the computer software and increase your drag-and-drop coding skills, you will be able to direct your robot to move faster, slower, spin, avoid objects in its path, play music and other sounds, light up, and even play with you.

Build and re-engineer components of everyday objects and recycled materials into your own cool inventions. We will engage in guided challenges to develop a working knowledge of physics concepts and engineering skills by making amazing gadgets to take home. We will design and build miniature cars, bridges, parachutes, and more.