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.

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.

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.

Tap into your imagination from the comfort of your own home with the guidance of an experienced instructor and simple pieces from your own LEGO collection—all while connecting virtually with your friends and classmates! Explore your creative boundaries, learn new building techniques, and connect your projects to practical real-world STEM concepts, all with a focus on open-ended builds that do not require special LEGO pieces. In the Minecraft class we will focus on crafting our favorite Minecraft Biomes, Mobs, and more.

Curious Explorers: Join Habitat’s naturalists to explore forests. Discover the creepy crawlies inhabiting the forest floor and learn about the birds who live above. We will also take time observing animal specimens, reading stories, and playing active games. Critter Club: Are you curious about what cool creatures are crawling and running and flying around in the fall? In Critter Club, you’ll discover just that, virtually, as you explore different habitats with a Mass Audubon teacher naturalist as your guide. We will make nature journals and record weekly observations of the live animals we encounter! Materials to be supplied by parents: Paper, pencils, and something to color with

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 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…