Grades 3-8: Incubator Beginners (Virtual)
The MakerKids Idea Incubator program allows kids to learn about and develop projects in Coding, Robotics, and Minecraft! Classes rotate between these three topics, using a multidisciplinary approach to draw connections between topics in class and the world around us.
Coding is an important language to learn. With the demand for STEM workers continuing to increase, learning coding from an early age is a sure way to gain an advantage in today’s competitive career world. Kids code games, websites and more. They learn how computers work, exercise creativity by coming up with ideas for how their project will look and feel, and build resilience and perseverance when trouble-shooting their code.
Kids will learn everything they need to know to code their very own game: character development, storyboarding, animation, environment and level design, beta testing and, of course, coding.
Skills Learned: Resilience, Confidence, Internet Safety, Logic, Game Design, Beta-Testing
In Robotics, kids will design, plan, program, and build electronic inventions while using a robotics microcontroller and learning how to code. Kids will better understand how everyday objects around them work and will have the opportunity to bring their ideas to life.
The microcontrollers we use are used by industry professionals.
Kids make electronic creations that they previously could have only dreamed of. Make lights light up, motors spin, and code a ‘robot brain’ to make something awesome. Kids get to see the results of their code right before their eyes. They realize that they can make things that others can use. Past projects: nightlights, motion-activated alarms, rovers, and more. Kids exercise creativity by developing project ideas, learn to design projects for specific user needs, and give and receive feedback on their designs.
Skills Learned: Self-Confidence, Creativity, Teamwork, Coding, Electronics, Math, Reading, Writing, Design
In Minecraft, kids learn how to make Minecraft even more awesome, how computers and servers work, and core computer programming concepts while collaborating with kids equally excited about Minecraft.
We use the incredibly popular game Minecraft (now a mandatory school subject in parts of Europe) as a medium to help kids build transferable skills such as coding, electronics, 3D design, servers, and more. We leverage kids’ interest in Minecraft as a gateway to introduce them to other STEM topics such as Robotics and Coding. Minecraft is also a great medium for teaching positive netizen skills and communication skills. Kids build amazing digital creations.
Skills Learned: Social Skills, Patience, Communication, Teamwork, Problem-Solving, Coding, 3D Design