A basic introduction to electronics and computer programming. Students build simple circuits, design and program games and interactive art projects and create custom controllers for their programs.
Programming Behavior
Program: Atrium STEAM cluster
Audience: 7th Grade
An introduction to digital electronics, computer programming, and robotics using Scratch and the BBC Micro:Bit.
Cardboard Contraptions
Program: PHA STEAM Saturdays
Audience: K-3rd Grade
Learn about basic crafting tools and techniques while designing and building cardboard toys, games, and machines!
Scratch Club
Program: Various
Audience: Kids 7 to 14
An informal time and space for kids who love Scratch to learn, work, share, and play together.
Water Bottle Rocketry
Program: Atrium School Science
Audience: 3rd Grade
Design and build water bottle rockets and launchers as well as tools and techniques for measuring launch-height in order to test and refine designs.
What is Programming?
Program: FabVille
Audience: Grownups
An introduction to computer programming for curious grown-ups with little to know technical experience or background using Javascript and p5.js.
Community Open-Shop
Program: Parts and Crafts/FabVille
Audience: All Ages
Drop-in and semi-facillitated community open-shop hours for people to work on projects, learn tools and skills, and make connections.
Introduction to Minecraft Modding
Program: Parts and Crafts
Audience: Kids 7 to 14
A class on writing mods for Minecraft using Minecraft Forge and Java. Designed for students with no programming background.
Maker Club
Program: Various
Audience: Kids 7 to 14
An informal time and space for kids who love making things to build, tinker, share, and make together.
Diplomacy
Program: Parts and Crafts
Audience: Kids 7 to 14
A facilitated game of Diplomacy, a classic strategy board game with a focus on negotiation, relationship-building, and treachery.
Flatpack -- Fix the Future
Program: Parts and Crafts
Audience: Kids 7 to 14
Optimistic, post-apocalyptic role-playing/collaborative-storytelling in a world of mutant insects, radioactive zombies, ridiculous AIs and fantastic technology.
Recent Classes (Fall 2017-Spring 2018)
Modelling Life
Program: Atrium STEAM Cluster
Audience: 8th Grade
An introduction to object-oriented programming through agent-based modelling. Students build a simple digital ecosystem simulation that responds to external stimuli from real-world sensors and other input.
3D Animation
Program: Parts and Crafts
Audience: Kids 7 to 14
A class on 3D modelling using Maya but also on how to find and learn from online tutorials and other pedagogical resources.
Video Game Analysis
Program: Parts and Crafts
Audience: Kids 7 to 14
A critical analysis of video games in an attempt to answer fundamental questions about what makes a game and what makes one fun and interesting.
Teaching with Scratch
Program: Somerville Public Schools PD
Audience: Teachers
An introduction to programming and playing with Scratch for elementary and middle-grades teachers with a focus on encouraging student play and exploration.
Teaching with the Micro:Bit
Program: Somerville Public Schools PD
Audience: Teachers
An introduction to programming and playing with the BBC Micro:Bit for middle-grades teachers with a focus on encouraging student play and exploration.
Intro to 3D Printing
Program: FabVille
Audience: Grownups
An introduction to basic 3D modelling and the 3D printing workflow to certify students to use FabVille 3D printers.
Build a Computer
Program: Parts and Crafts
Audience: Kids 7-14
Take apart old computers, identify and learn about components and repair and build new computers for our computer lab.
What's a Microcontroller?
Program: FabVille
Audience: Grownups and families
An introduction to microcontroller programming and robotics for curious grownups.
Modelling the World
Program: Parts and Crafts
Audience: Kids 7 to 14
A hands-on introductory programming class exploring the basic ideas of computational modelling and simulation using Scratch.
Game Design Lab
Program: Parts and Crafts
Audience: Kids 7-14
A class on board and card game design focused on prototyping, playtesting, discussion, and iteration.
Older Classes (2016-2017)
Program: Various
Audience: Various
Crafting Science, Recreational Math, Text Adventures, Wind Turbine Design, Artificial Intelligence and Evolution, Logic and Puzzles, Science of Sound, Musical Instrument Making, RC Cars + Blimps