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, spatial and dimensional design, and use your problem-solving skills to drag and drop blocks of editable code to build 3D models that can then be exported to a 3D printer.

Begin by learning Scratch, a block-based programming language, where you will learn key coding concepts and build a small video game or a cool animation. As you advance, you can begin to apply these same coding concepts in Python. You will experiment with variables, conditionals, and loops, and combine these elements to create a second video game. Advanced students will be given the chance to tackle additional challenges.

Are you under the spell of Encanto? Take a look at this enchanted family through the eyes of science. Experiment with your senses (can you hear a pin drop?) and examine creatures who seem like they can shapeshift. Study the mysterious way plants use energy from the sun to grow. We’ll look at super strength and the power of weather. Magic and science are not that far apart!

Each week we’ll hear about a fascinating time in history, and then build a LEGO representation of some aspect of it. You’ll hear how airports graduated from landing strips to vast travel networks, how Depression-era farms survived hordes of grasshoppers, and how aeroelasticity explains why the Tacoma bridge nicknamed “Galloping Gertie” collapsed. Our group building challenges will allow you to discuss each event, and to make decisions about addressing what happened.

Your creativity and a little engineering prowess will bring fairy tales to life. Use LEGO bricks to build and interact with some favorite storybook characters. Help sorcerers and sorceresses stir up potions, fly with Peter Pan and meet with Captain Hook, and ensure Alice outwits the Queen of Hearts. Sometimes engineering can seem magical.

Investigate physics and learn how things move. We’ll use Newton’s laws to explore motion and balance. Design a zany zipline, create a balloon rocket car, create optical illusions, and engineer a marble run. Then construct a catapult to launch koosh balls and take a spinning top challenge.

Use Roblox Studio to create your own Obby (short for obstacle course) video game. You’ll experiment with specific tasks and movements and share gaming with classmates while learning important STEM concepts of design, problem solving, and trial/error. All games will be stored online, so you can access them from home.

Build and re-engineer components of everyday objects and recycled materials into your own cool gadgets. We will engage in guided challenges to develop a working knowledge of physics concepts and engineering skills by making science gadgets to take home.