STEM and Design Topics at Robotics And Beyond

WE CAN OFFER OVER 20 TOPICS IN MANY FIELDS OF STEM AND DESIGN!

STEM and Design topics can meet in-person, online, or both.

If you are interested in a topic for an individual or your own small group, please fill out our Topic Interest form.

CLASS SIZE: Class sizes will be limited to a maximum of 7 students, depending on topic and whether in-person or online. A minimum of 3 students is necessary to hold a class.

PREREQUISITE ABILITIES: Be sure that your student meets any prerequisite abilities mentioned for desired topics.

STUDENT SOFTWARE ACCOUNTS: Several topics require that an online account be created for software.

Select a topic category below or scroll through to browse all topics. Select individual topic titles to view details.

EDUCATION PATHS & CAREERS | FUN WITH STEM | ROBOTICS | CODING | GAME DESIGN | DESIGN & BUILD | GRAPHIC DESIGN & ANIMATION | ELECTRONICS & ELECTRICAL ENG

EDUCATION PATHS AND CAREERS

Education & Career Path Counseling

Profiles in Education & Career

Independent Study

Do you have an idea for a science fair project? Are you a graduating high school Senior with a project requirement? Or just have a really cool idea for something you want to work on? We can help you rough out your idea, guide you and provide the space and tools needed to accomplish your project goals.

One on One Learning

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Do you want to schedule a STEM and Design topic or have a question about one? Submit our form.

FUN WITH STEM

ACTIVITY KIT

Junior STEM & LEGO Kit, Grades K-2

The Junior STEM & LEGO kit is a fun collection of 10 STEM activities and 16 LEGO challenges that cover concepts in engineering, design, physics, and just plain old creativity! The kit contains instructions for all activities and we provide most of the supplies you need, including an assortment of LEGOs. Assistance from someone at home may be needed.

Items needed from home:

A pen or something with similar weight
Scissors
Crayons or markers for coloring
At least one book that is somewhat heavy
Something you can use as a small ramp (example: a binder, or something you can incline)

Purchase of the kit: The Junior STEM & LEGO kit can be purchased by selecting the Buy Now button below. It may be picked up by appointment at Robotics And Beyond, Makery Coworking, 20 Bank St, New Milford CT 06776. Kits may also be shipped for an additional $15 charge. Please choose pickup or ship from the dropdown menu below.

LEGO

JrLEGO2021

LEGO Engineering, Grades K-5

ROBOT WARS

Robot Wars

Robot Wars, Grades 3-8

SCIENCE SUNDAY

openComputer

Grade ranges for workshops and classes may vary when scheduled.

What’s Inside?, Grades 2-8

Solids, Liquids & Gases, Grades 2-8

Sound Off, Grades 3-8

Ceramic Engineering and Material Science, Grades 6-12

Diffusion – It’s happening everywhere, all the time!, Grades 5-8

ENGINEERING DESIGN

Engineering Design Challenges, Grades 2-8

BIRTHDAY EVENTS

9-26-20 MC Players

LEGO Building, Robot Wars, Minecraft, or Coding and Video Game Creation

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Do you want to schedule a STEM and Design topic or have a question about one? Submit our form.

ROBOTICS

LEGO NXT/EV3

Introduction to Robotics using LEGO NXT or LEGO EV3, Grades 3-8

Intermediate Robotics using LEGO NXT or EV3, Grades 5-9

VEX

VEX in Progress CROP

Intermediate and Advanced Robotics using VEX V5, Grades 6-12

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CODING

INTRO

Introduction to Coding, Grades K-5

SCRATCH

Scratch: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced, Grades 3-9

APPS

Introduction to App Coding

JAVA

Java Level 1: Fundamentals, Grades 7-11

Java Level 2: Object Oriented Principles, Grades 7-12

Java Level 3: Applications of Java, Grades 8-12

PYTHON

Python Level 1: Fundamentals, Grades 5-10

Python Level 2: Important tools and skills, Grades 7-11

Python Level 3: Applications, Grades 8-12

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Do you want to schedule a STEM and Design topic or have a question about one? Submit our form.

GAME DESIGN

SCRATCH

Game Design with Scratch, Grades 3-9

UNITY

Game Design with Unity and Coding with C#, Grades 9-12

MINECRAFT

Minecraft World and Quest Building, Grades 7-12

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DESIGN AND BUILD

3D MODELING & 3D PRINTING

Tinkercad: Intro to 3D modeling & 3D Printing, Grades 4-7

Autodesk Fusion 360: Introduction and basic skills, Grades 5-10

Autodesk Fusion 360: Intermediate and Advanced, Grades 7-12

DRONES

Build your own Drone, Grades 5-12

COMPUTER BUILD

Personal Computer Build, Grades 7-12

ARCHITECTURE

Architectural Design

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GRAPHIC DESIGN

2D GRAPHIC DESIGN & ANIMATION

Alpaca or Krita image

Introduction with FireAlpaca, Grades 4-9

Intermediate and Advanced with Krita, Grades 6-12

Advanced with Procreate (iPad only), Grades 5-12

3D GRAPHIC DESIGN & ANIMATION

Intro to Advanced with Autodesk Maya, Grades 7-12

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ENERGY, ELECTRONICS AND ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

CIRCUITS

electronics

Introduction to Circuits and Soldering, Grades 4-10

Circuit Design and Fabrication, Grades 6-12

Intermediate & Advanced Circuit Design/Fabrication with Autodesk Eagle, Grades 8-12

ENERGY AND ELECTRICITY

Energy and Electricity

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering

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Do you want to schedule a STEM and Design topic or have a question about one? Submit our form.

Game Development with Unity

Grades 7-12 or by permission. Summer camps, 1 to 2 hour, multi-day classes, and 1-day workshops. Inquire about online options.

This topic provides a good introduction to Unity and its use for game development and the application of the programming language C# to a specific project. New students will learn fundamentals of the software platform tools and libraries and each build their own level of one group game. Experienced students will work on their own complete game. Students will download the Unity development software to take part in this class.

This class will not teach coding fundamentals (see “Requirements” below).

The benefit of Unity: Unity is a development platform for creating graphics and animation in 2D, 3D, Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). It has very wide use in industry for creating video games, films and animation for many applications. Because working in Unity involves the use of code libraries written in the language C#, it also provides a great learning path to higher levels of coding in general. Unity has a very large user base and is well supported with tutorials and forums that provide great sources of information and help.

Requirements:

- A personal interest in game design and learning about an industrial-strength game development platform.

- The class is focused on learning to use the software platform Unity and applying C# to the subject of game development. The class does not have time to teach coding fundamentals. Therefore a high comfort level with at least one programming language is necessary to be allowed to join the class. C# is ideal, Java and any other C-based language are the next most relevant languages. Strong ability in Python or Java Script is also acceptable.

Optional but highly recommended:

- Installation of the free Unity development software on a laptop or desktop computer from your home. Our staff can help with installation during the classes.

- Creation of a personal Unity account to allow projects and learning to continue at home. The accounts are free and we will provide guidance on the account setup.

- Creation of a GitHub account to allow collaboration with other students and our instructors, and access to code from many other designers. The accounts are free and we will provide guidance on the account setup.

Learn more about Unity

Minecraft World and Quest Building

Grades 7-12 or by permission. Summer camps, 1 to 2 hour multi-day classes, and 1-day workshops. Inquire about online options.

The concept for Robotics And Beyond’s Minecraft OASIS originated from the virtual reality world OASIS that was the backdrop in the book and movie Ready Player One, by Ernest Cline. This is a long-term project that we expect to last for several years.

The OASIS is stored on an AWS (Amazon Web Server).

Participants can choose from three roles.

1. Server software, permissions and other “back-end” functions

2. Design and building of worlds, structures and properties

3. Strategies and prizes for quests and games

Our OASIS universe consists of 27 square “sectors” arranged like a Rubik’s Cube. Each sector will eventually contain a number of planets. Our plan is to create a large-scale game with the following features.

- Non-combat and PVP (player vs. player) worlds or regions
- Private properties to be bought by players and developed as they desire
- Quests and other games where players can earn credits and artifacts or special abilities
- Teleportation between places on a world and between worlds
- Frequent references to names, places, games, music and movies that were part of the book Ready Player One
- A set of governing rules

The first class will introduce the concept of the OASIS, how it is hosted, discuss the overall design, choose roles for each student and begin working. The remaining classes will focus on designing and finishing quests and games so they are fully operational. Team members will be allowed to work on the project between classes during limited hours. Collaboration and discussion between team members will be essential and is an important goal for the project.

Requirements:

- A deep interest in Minecraft world building or the design of strategic quests and game plots and stories within the worlds.
- Ability to work as part of a team, collaborate respectfully, proper online conduct, and follow through on responsibilities for your effort on the project.

Autodesk Fusion 360: Introduction and basic skills

Grades 7-12 or by permission. Summer camps, 1 to 2 hour, multi-day classes, and 1-day workshops. Inquire about online options.

Students will learn the basic functions of Fusion 360 to create sketches, geometries, and 3d shapes and original designs, and learn how their models are fabricated through 3D printing. Fusion 360 is Autodesk’s flagship mechanical design software, with design, machining, rendering, and blueprinting software all in one, cloud enabled package. Fusion 360 offers a free 3-year license to students and is our best recommendation for exploring and growing career skills in 3D modeling.

We hope to allow each student to choose one model to be printed by Robotics And Beyond and picked up in New Milford or mailed to the home. This is not certain and will depend on the availability of our 3D printer for the camp or class.

Learn more about Autodesk Fusion 360

Requirements:

- Experience with Robotics And Beyond class using Tinkercad or experience with any 3D modeling software such as Sketchup, Blender or Solidworks. Tinkercad will allow the easiest transition to Fusion 360.

Optional but highly recommended for use of Fusion 360 at home:

- An Autodesk Fusion 360 account: (We will send you a tutorial on how to get an account with autodesk)

- A suitable computer: Computers will be provided for in-person classes but students may bring their own laptop. We encourage students to continue work with the software at home after the camp. Either a PC or MAC with at least 4GB RAM is needed, or preferably 8GB. Chromebooks will not work with Fusion 360. A dedicated graphics card is not necessary. If your computer runs any application or game with graphics like Minecraft, Blender or Sketchup then it should work well with Fusion 360. Computers purchased after 2014 will generally be fine.

- An installation of Fusion 360: We will send a tutorial on installing Fusion 360, which is free for students and hobbyists alike. You will get a free three year license allowing your student to continue using Fusion beyond our classroom.

- Internet Access: Fusion 360 does not rely on a browser but it needs online access to Autodesk’s cloud resources.

Autodesk Fusion 360: Intermediate and Advanced

Grades 7-12 or by permission. Summer camps, 1 to 2 hour, multi-day classes, and 1-day workshops. Inquire about online options.

Students will take their basic modeling skills to the next level, learning how to make more complex geometries, assemblies based on multiple parts, renderings of their parts, and drawings of their final designs. Students will be encouraged to work on a project of their choosing, using each day’s lessons to enhance their work, leading to a final “product” with schematics, renderings, and designs.

Advanced students will choose and work on an advanced project to solve a real world problem relevant to their own lives. Using complex sketch geometries, advanced assemblies, and cloud enabled simulations, students will learn to create a digital project from start to finish. Each class will include both technical instruction and free work time, where students will be able to work with their instructor, one-on-one, solving problems and learning design skills while applying them to a real world use.

We hope to allow each student to choose one model to be printed by Robotics And Beyond and picked up in New Milford or mailed to the home. This is not certain and will depend on the availability of our 3D printer for the camp or class.

Learn more about Autodesk Fusion 360

Requirements:

- Experience with Fusion 360 from a class with Robotics And Beyond or any other source. Significant experience with any 3D modeling software such as Solidworks, Sketchup or Blender is also adequate but will involve more of a learning curve.

Optional but highly recommended for use of Fusion 360 at home:

- An Autodesk Fusion 360 account: (We will send you a tutorial on how to get an account with autodesk)

- A suitable computer: Computers will be provided for in-person classes but students may bring their own laptop. We encourage students to continue work with the software at home after the camp. Either a PC or MAC with at least 4GB RAM is needed, or preferably 8GB. Chromebooks will not work with Fusion 360. A dedicated graphics card is not necessary. If your computer runs any application or game with graphics like Minecraft, Blender or Sketchup then it should work well with Fusion 360. Computers purchased after 2014 will generally be fine.

- An installation of Fusion 360: We will send a tutorial on installing Fusion 360, which is free for students and hobbyists alike. You will get a free three year license allowing your student to continue using Fusion beyond our classroom.

- Internet Access: Fusion 360 does not rely on a browser but it needs online access to Autodesk’s cloud resources.

Autodesk Maya: 3-Dimensional graphic design software for animation, modeling, simulation and rendering

Grades 7-12 or by permission. 1-day workshops, or 1 to 2 hour sessions in multi-day classes and week long summer camps. Introduction to advanced levels. In-person or Online.

If you want to create 3-dimensional animations that look real and bring your imagination to life, then Maya software is for you. You will learn the fundamental tools of Maya to create 3-dimensional objects or characters and then animate them. Students with some experience with Maya can pursue more advanced projects with guidance from the instructors.

Learning Maya will help prepare students for careers in graphic design and animation and also for learning other graphic design or modeling software used in fields of product development, engineering and architecture. Maya is used by many game developers and in the movie industry. Examples of movies that have used Maya for graphics and animations are UP, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, Frozen, Spider Man, Ice Age, and the Matrix. Television programs that have used Maya for graphics include Game of Thrones, South Park, Once Upon a Time and Boardwalk Empire.

Some concepts and skills that will be covered are basic and complex polygon modeling, basic physics effects, complex effects and water, animation, texturing, and rendering. Students are encouraged to use their own computer and continue to use Maya between classes. Computers will be provided to all students for use during the classes if needed. Student projects will be made available as color prints on paper and digital files. It is not possible for us to make 3D printed models of the designs.

Free software: Maya is available at no charge for students who want to create an Autodesk student account and who attend an accredited public or private school. The software can be used at home on most computers purchased in 2015 or later.

Requirements:

- Must be creative and patient, and willing to take the time to create works of 3-D art!

- Familiarity with any design software such as Blender, Sketch-up, Inventor, Photoshop, Gimp or even Lego Digital Design will be helpful but not necessary.

- An Autodesk Maya account: (We will send you a tutorial on how to get an account with Autodesk)

- Students with some Maya experience will be introduced to more advanced skills.

Learn more Autodesk Maya 2020

See dozens of popular video games which have been created using Maya

Intermediate and Advanced Circuit Design and Fabrication using Autodesk Eagle

Grades 8-12. 1-day workshops, or 1 to 2 hour sessions in multi-day classes and week long summer camps. In-person only.

This class will be a great asset for anyone thinking of pursuing electronics or electrical engineering in college, technical trade school, and a career in this field. The topic is appropriate for students with some prior experience in electronics and strong interest in the subject. Some experience with any software for circuit design is helpful but not necessary (Fritzing, NI-Multisim, Circuit Maker or Eagle). Students will take existing knowledge of circuit fundamentals and learn important, deeper skills in circuit design and use of the Autodesk software Eagle. Students will learn these skills as they create an original circuit board for an electronic game of their choosing. During this project, students will also learn the function of the many electronic components that they will include in their design and learn how circuit boards are actually fabricated. Students will create a parts list with pricing for all components needed for their board and learn where they can have the board fabricated. Students may choose to order the board and parts and complete the soldering of components to the board at home or at Robotics And Beyond’s studio once social distancing permits.

Requirements:

- Some experience with electronic circuits and soldering, and a personal interest in learning how to design and test circuit designs on a computer.
- An Autodesk Fusion 360 account, installation of Fusion 360 and software for Eagle on a computer in your home. We will send a tutorial on installing Fusion 360, which is free for students and hobbyists. You will get a free one year, renewable license allowing your student to continue using Fusion, Eagle and other Autodesk programs beyond our summer programs.
- A suitable computer: Computers will be provided for in-person classes but students may bring their own laptop. We encourage students to continue work with the software at home after the camp. Either a PC or MAC with at least 4GB RAM or preferably 8GB. A dedicated graphics card is not necessary. Computers purchased after 2014 will generally work with Fusion 360 and Eagle.
- Internet Access: Fusion 360 does not rely on a browser but it needs online access to Autodesk’s cloud resources.

Learn more about Autodesk Eagle

Download Autodesk Eagle