Session 1

FIRST LEGO League Discover-Grades PreK-1

Students are introduced to STEM concepts and the field of archeology as they work collaboratively and learn through play.  Please note these classes are held at the RCS Community Library.

Tuesdays, 3/10, 3/17, 3/24, 3/31, 4-5pm, $25 Instructor Kathy Meyer, RCS Librarian 

KIBO Code & Create-Grades K-2

Students will work collaboratively to build, program, and bring their screen-free KIBO robot to life while being introduced to basic coding concepts.

Mondays, 3/9, 3/16, 3/23, 3/30, 4:30-5:30pm, $40, Instructor Kate Robertson

Sundays 3/22, 3/29, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3 2-3pm, $60, Instructor Nicole Astarita

Sundays, 3/15, 3/22, 3/29 4-5pm, $30, Instructor Kate Robertson

CubeCAD: Intro to 3D Printing-Grades K-4

Students will learn the basics of designing 3D models and bring their designs to life through printing, using CubeCAD.

Thursdays, 3/26 and 4/2, 6-8pm, $40, Instructor Sam Wechsler

Girls Who Code-Grades 3-5

Students build problem-solving skills & creativity through block-based programming, real world projects, and inspiration from female role models in tech.

Tuesdays 3/10, 3/17, 3/24, 3/31 5:30-6:30pm. FREE, Instructor, Amanda Blanchard

Spark Lab-Grades 3-5

A hands-on STEM course learning how electrical circuits work.  Students will learn about lighting, motors, diodes, voltage, wattage, resistors, switches, capacitors, and more.  

Wednesdays, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25, 4/1, 5:30-7pm, $60, Instructors Nate Brotz, Comalli Electric & Andrew Wilsey, Quantum Engineering

Intro to FIRST LEGO League Challenge-Grades 3-7

This class will introduce students to the FIRST LEGO League Challenge Program, instructing them in the basics of building LEGO attachments, mission strategy and coding.  Ideal for those students progressing from FLL Explore to Challenge or interested in participating in FLL Challenge for the first time.

Sundays 4/19, 4/26, 5/3 4-6pm, $60, Instructor Rick Robertson

FIRST LEGO League Challenge Competition Ready-Grades 5-8

This class is designed for current FLL Challenge students looking to improve their coding, mission strategy, and LEGO attachment designs.  * Student must have participated in FLL Challenge previously and be coach recommended. 

Sundays, 3/15, 3/22, 3/29 4-6pm, $60, Instructor Rick Robertson

3D Printing Techniques and Practical Uses-Grades 6-9

Wondering about different 3D print materials and when to use which one?  How about the differences in layer, infill and support settings?  In this course we will learn about selecting materials and print settings to optimize your 3D prints.  We will also cover where to find 3D designs to reuse, how to join multiple prints and add metal inserts for fasteners.  Some background in 3D CAD (Onshape) and 3D printing is helpful.

Tuesdays 3/10, 3/17, 3/24, 3/31, 7-8pm, $40, Instructor Jeff Zemsky

Intro to Python-Grades 6-12

Students will learn high-level computer science concepts, basic application of writing code in Python 3, and introductory development practices.

Mondays, 3/16-5/11, 5:30-6:30pm, $100, Instructor Dylan Keyer

Inside the LS:  Engine Building Workshop-Grades 6-12

Students will explore how an internal combustion engine works, identify its major systems, and work together to assemble an LS-based engine. Students will learn to use basic hand tools safely and effectively, work collaboratively in a shop environment and apply classroom concepts (math, science, physics) to mechanical systems. The workshop emphasizes real-world problem solving, safety, and discovery through doing. 

Thursdays 3/19, 3/26 6-7:30pm, Saturdays 3/28, 4/4 (if needed), 1-5pm, $70, Instructor Victoria Carl, Carls Custom Car Care

College & Career Readiness Workshop-Grades 8-12

Students will prepare for college/future careers by building essential professional skills such as resume writing, interviewing and communication skills.

Tuesday, 3/24, 5:30-7:30pm, $20, Instructor Holly Fernandez, National Bank of Coxsackie

Session 2

Take Flight!  Drone STEM-Grades 4-6

Students explore how drones are used in the real world, learn basic flight skills, safety rules and teamwork as they get to fly drones and drive robots themselves!  Please note one session will be at the UAlbany Drone Lab.

Tuesdays 5/12, 5/19, 5/26, 6/2, 6-7pm,  $40, Instructor Frank Peris, UAlbany College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity 

Hydrogen Grand Prix: Intro to Fuel Cells-Grades 5-8

Students will learn how hydrogen fuel cells work and the importance of clean energy alternatives.  Engineering design process will be introduced as students  design, build, test and race hydrogen fueled vehicles.  

Tuesdays 3/31, 4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5, 5:30-6:30pm, $50, Instructor Christian Di Marco, PLUG 

Introduction to FIRST Tech Challenge-Grades 6-11

Introductory class will focus on FTC fundamentals, safety, tools, robot components and an overview of the competition structure.

Date/Time TBD                         Instructor Rick Robertson

Under the Hood: Building and Connecting PCs-Grades 8-12

Have you ever wondered what’s happening inside your PC when you press power, or how a video from a server halfway across the world appears on your screen in milliseconds?  This class is a hands-on, deep dive into the physical and logical world of computing. Students will participate in a “Teardown Day” to disassemble hardware and a “Network Build” to configure a functioning local area network as they learn about what it’s like to work in Systems Administration or Hardware Engineering.  Great for tech enthusiasts or aspiring gamers looking to optimize their PC!  No prior technical experience is required.

Wednesdays, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 5:30-7pm,  $90, Instructor Andrew Wilsey, Quantum Engineering

*Assistance is available for any family experiencing financial hardship.  Please contact ravenainnovationstation@gmail.com.