Arlington Community Education

Design your own video games using the no-coding-required platform Flowlab, used by many professional game designers to prototype new builds. We’ll work step-by-step experimenting with specific tasks and movements using the STEM concepts of design, problem-solving, and trial and error. All games will be stored online so that you can gain access after class ends, and, if your game is approved, upload it to Google Play or the Apple Store! Please note: Software Required: Zoom, Flowlab account (no additional cost) Tech Requirements: Windows, Mac, or Chromebook computer Prerequisites: None

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.

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.

You and your teammates will have 40 minutes to examine clues, solve puzzles, answer riddles, and decode secret messages in order to complete the task of unlocking the secrets to Escape the Digital Room. The team that escapes the fastest is given ultimate bragging rights—that is until their record is broken by a new team. Play various escape games that will take you into the most exciting fantasy places and require you to use budding STEAM skills to finish each challenge. Please note: Students should have a notebook/paper and pencil/pen available for class.

The sky is the limit in Expert Architects! In this math, writing and presentation class, serve as president of a new architectural firm tasked with designing and building the city’s next skyscraper. Study a kid-friendly history of skyscrapers and create a blueprint of their own stylized tall building. We will weigh other considerations including the environment, traffic and surrounding buildings using Google Earth to find the perfect location for their project. As an expert architect, create a three-dimensional model of the structure using a Minecraft-type program. Please note: This program requires the students to create models in a Minecraft-type program called Minetest for which we send download instructions.The program is generally not compatible with Chromebooks or tablets. Date change: Due to the change in early-release day since press time, the grades 3-5 class has been shifted to Fridays.

School this year is different and may involve a lot of learning online or sitting quietly inside a classroom. An outdoor after school group is a safe way to let off steam, move our bodies, connect with nature and make friends. We will observe seasonal themes through nature exploration, artistic expression, games, and quiet reflection time. Please note: This program meets in-person at Habitat Sanctuary, 10 Juniper Road, Belmont. Bathrooms will be available but the class will be completely outdoors. Please dress in warm layers. Masks are required and class will follow strict Covid-safe procedures. Notifications of weather cancellations will be emailed the evening before and made up at the end of term on March 24 and March 31.

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.

For lovers of math, who find themselves growing tired of solving the same old problems, and craving something more challenging. Come join other mathletes and boost your problem-solving skills as we take on rigorous math challenges. We’ll study a different math problem each session, exploring pre-algebraic concepts, geometry, probability, and more. Never taken a math class outside of school before? Never fear! We’ll take a flexible approach to problem solving, perfect for both seasoned mathletes and beginners. Get ready; it’s time to stretch your math muscles!

Learn math, economics, civics, geometry and how democracy works as we join together online to create a city within a virtual Minecraft world. Through this engaging, problem-solving class, design your own house and business as we learn about budgeting, profit and loss, and supply and demand. As we serve on a city council, study how laws are made and work together to create and vote on a city constitution. Work in committees to make key decisions and design buildings for their city. We will use mathematics and geometry to construct a working urban environment. STEM skills have never been so fun! Class Requirements: This program requires the students to create models in a Minecraft-type program called Minetest for which we send download instructions.The program is generally not compatible with Chromebooks or tablets. Class Components: Lesson 1: Welcome to Our City! Let's Plan the Construction of Your House, How Cities Get Their Names, City Council Debate & Vote: What to do with the Park? Lesson 2: "The Basics of Business", Business Budgeting, Continue Constructing Your House, Planning Your Business, City Council Debate & Vote: Should Cars be Allowed? Lesson 3: Our City Flag, Constructing your Business, Creating Your City Flag Nominee, A Letter from a Concerned Citizen, A Fire Station Solution, Business Tours to Fellow Students Lesson 4: City Buildings and City Planning, "What's First?: Planning Our First City Buildings!", Creating City Blueprints, City Building Budgeting, Giving Out Shopper Points, City Council: A Letter from a Concerned Citizen (Hospitals & Apartments), Vote on Apartment Plan Lesson 5: Writing Our Constitution, Business Reports, City Council: Meeting a Letter from a Concerned Citizen (Hospitals & Apartments), Vote on Sign Up Sheet Questions Lesson 6: A Group Project, Capturing Your City, The Future of Cities, Taxes: Why Do We Have Them?, Our City lives On…

One of our most popular classes, Python 101 is perfect for kids with some coding experience who want to challenge themselves by going deep into Python’s capabilities. Navigate the text-based programming in IDLE, Python’s integrated development environment, and learn to write key building blocks of code, such as variables, conditionals, and loops. Combine these elements to create a video game to take home. More advanced students will tackle additional challenges including file I/O, arrays, and methods for efficient algorithm design. Please note: Prerequisite: Experience with Scratch Software Required: Zoom, Python, IDLE Tech required: Windows or Mac computer.

Gross Science is not for the easily queasy! The gross yet fascinating things in life hide many science secrets like what’s hidden in a diaper. Classify some creepy crawlies and neutralize smelly smells. Make some model mucus, create alien slime, and have fun with other grossly amusing science adventures. Includes a complete materials kit.