STEM Challenge with LEGO® Materials, Summer
Ages: 7 to 12

Power on your engineering skills with Play-Well TEKnologies and tens of thousands of LEGO parts! Apply real-world concepts in physics, engineering, and architecture through engineer-designed projects such as Catapults, Pneumatic Cranes, Arch Bridges, and Battletracks! Design and build as never before, and explore your craziest ideas in a supportive environment. An experienced instructor will challenge new and returning students to engineer at the next level. There is no prerequisite for this course.


July 31st - August 4th, 2017

Day(s)Mon-Fri
Time12:00pm - 3:00pm
No Class OnAug 1st

Ledyard Parks and Recreation

LocationGales Ferry School / Ledyard map
1858 Highway/Route 12
Gales Ferry, CT 06335

Register

Phone860-464-9213

Play-Well Summer Program FAQ

SUMMER PROGRAM GOALS

What are the goals of the summer programs?

  • Develop and enhance students' problem solving and critical thinking skills
  • Introduce children to concepts and vocabulary of Engineering and Architecture as well as new building techniques
  • Provide an opportunity to have an awesome time with a terrific and versatile building system!

SUMMER PROGRAM FORMAT

What is the format of a Play-Well TEKnologies Engineering summer program?

We typically work on 2 different engineering and architectural projects per day. Projects typically start with an introduction and short presentation by the instructor followed by a design/building assignment. Students have access to tens of thousands of LEGO® parts to use in creating their engineering projects.

Students are introduced to engineering terminology that they are encouraged to use throughout the class when identifying pieces, posing questions, or assisting each other. Instructors circulate and assist the children in realizing their project goals.

When the participants have satisfied basic requirements of a project, they are encouraged to further explore engineering applications of the principles and construction methods by inspecting, testing, modifying, and rebuilding. At the end of each class session, students are expected to dismantle their projects and put away their materials.

Will the students take anything home with them at the conclusion of the summer program?

Unfortunately, participants don't get to take any of the LEGO® materials home with them. Rather, the focus is on gaining the understanding of what makes each project work and the building techniques to bring those creations to life.

RETURNING STUDENTS

Will Play-Well TEKnologies Engineering summer programs be a repeat for my child if they have already attended previous Play-Well summer programs and/or enrichment classes?

Our curriculums are ever evolving, and projects are also rotated seasonally to ensure that every experience, whether in camp or class, is a new one! While there are some fundamental projects or concepts that may be revisited in summer programs, our instructors offer advanced challenges and modifications for any model that will push even the most experienced LEGO® engineers to the next level. Our curriculum is flexible and adjusts to the interests and experience level of the students, and our instructors look forward to continually challenging the most advanced students to reach their full potential. We also encourage our students to communicate when they desire a new challenge that meets their building skill level. Our responsibility as instructors is to never leave any student bored or unchallenged!

SIGN IN / OUT

Do I need to sign my child in and out?

We do ask that you sign your child in and out each day of the summer program. To ensure the children's safety, our instructors stay in the classroom with the child until a parent/guardian is there to pick them up and sign them out. This also gives us the opportunity to get to know your family and touch base before or after class.

PROJECT PICTURES

Can we get pictures of our child's final projects?

We encourage parents/guardians to come 30 minutes before the end of class if you would like to see your student’s specific project. If you cannot come early, we suggest giving your child a device with which to take pictures at an appropriate time during camp. Play-Well is not responsible for any lost/broken devices.

PURCHASING LEGO®

Can we purchase the LEGO®® parts used in summer programs?

Unfortunately, we do not sell the LEGO® parts used in our summer programs and classes. We encourage parents to visit the Materials page on our website to learn more about some of the parts we use in our programs and where to find them for purchase.

SNACK?

Should my child bring a snack to summer program?

We will take one break midway through class. We do not provide snack but encourage parents to provide a peanut-free snack for their child. For parents of children allergic to peanuts, we cannot guarantee that LEGO® pieces in our kits are completely free of peanut oils.

OUTDOOR BREAKS

Do the kids go outside at all during summer program?

Depending on the weather, we may take the group outside for our brief snack break, but otherwise our focus remains on making the most of our time with the LEGO®!