Want to learn more about our Fall & Spring programs?
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Overview
Bricks and Motors offers 8- to 12-week classes for children in PreK to 6th grade. We come to your school, equipped with kits, bricks, lesson plans, material, etc. Classes are 45 min to 1 hour and can be offered in the morning (before school), during lunch, or after school. Our programs are available any day of the week and can start at any time of the year. There is no obligation or cost to your school if enrollment does not meet the minimum class requirement. If you are interested in having our program at your school as a before-, during- or after-school program, please contact us for an information package, 914-468-1340.
Options
We offer 8- and 12-week options. Contact us or fill out the request info form for more details!
Overview
Bricks & Motors will come to your home to teach a private class to your child and his or her friends. This is a great option for an after-school class or for parents who homeschool their children. Allow us to educate and entertain your group from the comfort and convenience of your home. Private classes are offered in packages of four or more classes, at your home.
Options/Packages
Private classes are offered in packages of four or more classes, at your home.
- You provide the location and kids, and we’ll do the rest.
- Each session is one hour long (this includes 5 minutes to set-up and 5 minutes to clean up).
- You must have a minimum of five children. We can accommodate up to 12 children.
- Price varies depending on the number of students and number of classes. The total price goes down as the number of kids and classes go up!
- Classes can be offered weekly at a time that is convenient for your entire group.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of space do you require? We can work with any space you have. Ideally, a room that is large enough to comfortably fit your group. Suggestions include: basement, dining room, or living room. It would be nice to have a space that is free of distractions such as people coming in and out, loud noises, etc. Wherever possible, we will bring a portable table for the children to work on.
Are your staff background checked? Yes! Our staff are all fingerprinted and a background check is conducted through the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES).
What programs do you offer? Click here for a list of our programs. All of our programs are mobile and can be offered from your home. Some of our programs require access to Wifi.
What is the ideal age for this type of program? We have programs for multiple age groups, starting as early as PreK to 6th grade. Our program descriptions highlights the ideal age range for each program.
How much does it cost? Rates vary depending on the size of the group and the number of classes you are interested in.
Do you allow younger siblings to join the class? We usually have no problem with siblings joining the class. However, it depends on the age difference and size of the group. For example, if you have a group of eight children between the ages of 7 and 9, it may be difficult for a 4 year old sibling to keep up with the program.
Overview
Camp Directors, Bricks & Motors customizes summer programs for your camp’s needs. We come to your camp, equipped with kits, bricks, lesson plans, material, computers and staff. Classes are 45 min to 1 hour and can be offered any time throughout the camp day. Our programs are available any day of the week and can start at any time. There is no obligation or cost to your camp if enrollment does not meet the minimum class requirement. If you are interested in having our program at your camp, please contact us for more information, 914-468-1340.
Logistics
Workshops - These, 1- to 3-hour, workshops offer hours of fun and learning. We will work with you to customize a workshop for any occasion and theme. Workshops can be for any ages (even adults). Price will vary depending on the length and type of program; and number of participants.
WeDo Robotics
Ages 7 to 10 (Grades: 1st to 4th)
This program serves as en early introduction to robotics. It enables students to learn, construct and then bring their models to life using a simple, drag and drop software. The program also includes cross curricular learning opportunities in: literacy, science, mathematics, and design & technology. Children also develop communication, critical thinking, and problem solving skills.
Overview
Our curriculum is based LEGO® Education’s Early Simple Machines program where students get to use gears, pulleys, belts, and other specialized LEGO® DUPLO® bricks to create simple machines that solve some of the simple problems we see around us.
Typical Class
Walk into one of our classes and this is what you would see:
- Students brainstorming and sharing ideas
- Small groups building projects to find a solution to their problem
- Students exploring how simple machines work
Benefits
Benefits of the program:
- Allows for creative exploration through open-ended play
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Overview
This class will inspire early learners to explore early coding concepts such as sequencing, looping and conditional coding, while developing problem solving skills, critical thinking, collaboration and social and emotional skills.
Typical Class
Walk into one of our classes and this is what you would see:
- Students brainstorming and sharing ideas
- Small groups using technology to understand early coding concepts
- Student using specialized LEGO® DUPLO® bricks to create fun projects
Benefits
Benefits of the program:
- Allows for creative exploration through open-ended play
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Develop the knowledge of early coding concepts
Overview
STEAM Park builds on every child’s natural curiosity and desire to create, explore, and investigate the world of early science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) through creative play. The possibilities are endless, as you work with them to construct a park full of dynamic moving rides, fun games, and scenes using the special selection of LEGO® DUPLO® bricks.
Typical Class
Walk into one of our classes and this is what you would see:
- Students brainstorming and sharing ideas
- Students growing their understanding of gears, motion, and measurement
- Students solving problems together in a fun and engaging way
Benefits
Benefits of the program:
- Allows for creative exploration through open-ended play
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Learn how to collaborate with others
Simple & Powered Machines
Ages 8 to 12 (Grades: 3rd to 6th)
Students will use gears, pulleys, belts and much more to create everyday machines that make our lives easier. Students will work independently or in small groups to identify a problem and use Lego® bricks to create a simple or powered machine that will solve the identified problem. With each project, students will investigate, test, and draw conclusions.
WeDo Robotics 2.0
Ages 6 to 11 (Grades: 1st to 5th)
Do your students love to build and create? Are they interested in learning about how things work? If so, then WeDo Robotics 2.0 is the perfect class. This class is a great introduction to robotics and programming in an age appropriate and fun way. Each week, students will use step-by-step visual instructions to build a robot using specialized Lego® bricks, motors, gears and other amazing simple machines. Programming is an important part of 21st century learning. The WeDo 2.0 software teaches programming in an intuitive way – letting students bring their creations to life while sharpening computational thinking skills like logical reasoning, pattern recognition, and modeling simulations.
SCRATCH Computer Programming
SCRATCH Junior Programming
Ages 5 to 8 (Grades: K to 2nd)
Scratch Jr is an engaging and hands-on class for students ages 5 to 7 that uses iPads to teach computer programming in a fun, age appropriate way. It's introductory programming language enables young children to create their own interactive stories and games. Children snap together graphical programming blocks to make characters move, jump, dance, and sing. Children can modify characters, add their own voices and sounds, even insert photos of themselves -- then use the programming blocks to make their characters come to life.
Dash & Dot Robotics Programming
Ages 5 to 11 (Grades: K to 5th)
Dash & Dot is a set of robots that are programmed and controlled by an iPad. Whether your students are into having make-believe tea parties, building elaborate forts, or adventuring with friends, Dash & Dot will be there every step of the way. Students will use a drag-and-drop programming language that utilizes snap-together blocks (akin to physical puzzle pieces) to program and instruct the robots. It is a great way to learn programming concepts as they play, and progress to creating more complex programs. At advanced levels, students will learn the fundamentals of algorithmic thinking- one of the most critical skills of the next generation. The creative possibilities are endless as the students program Dash & Dot into anything they can imagine.
Stop Motion Lego Movie Making
1st to 6th Grade (6 to 12 year olds)
This program serves as an exciting introduction to the amazing world of stop motion movies. Students get to use their creativity and love for LEGO® to learn how to make their very own movie. Throughout the program, students will understand the importance of timing, acceleration of motion, storyboard planning, and execution of their project. By the end of the program, each student will leave with their own stop motion movie.
We are a non-profit organization with a mission to provide every student with an opportunity to explore technology.
"At a time when people are saying 'I want a good job - I got out of college and I couldn't find one,' every single year in America there is a standing demand for 120,000 people who are training in computer science."
President Bill Clinton
Bricks & Motors is a non-profit organization that offers STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) classes to students in PreK to 6th grade. Our unique enrichment program allows students to use specialized Lego® bricks, computers, and robots to learn design & technology, engineering, science, mathematics, and other non-traditional subjects. Our mission is to redefine the learning experience by exposing children to fun, hands-on projects that will inspire them to collaborate, create, and communicate all while learning and having fun. Our programs enable students to work as scientists, engineers, and designers providing them with settings, tools and tasks that promote design technology, science and mathematics. Bricks & Motors promotes higher order thinking and inspires students to ask questions and investigate in order to find solutions to their own questions.
Our Vision
At Bricks & Motors, our vision is to enable students to:
- think creatively and explain how things work
- establish links between cause and effect
- work in teams to collaborate and communicate ideas
- ask questions that can be investigated
- develop critical thinking and problem solving skills
- understand the world of computer programming
Our Services
AT-SCHOOL PROGRAMS
8- to 12-week classes for children in PreK to 6th grade. We come to your school, equipped with kits, bricks, lesson plans, material, etc.
AT-HOME PROGRAMS
We come to your home to teach a private class to your child and his or her friends.
CAMPS & OTHER PROGRAMS
We customize camp programs & come to your camp, equipped with kits, bricks, lesson plans, material, computers and staff.
Our Programs
Coding Express
Grades: Pre-K. This class will inspire early learners to explore early coding concepts such as sequencing, looping and conditional coding, while developing problem solving skills, critical thinking, collaboration and social and emotional skills.
STEAM Park
Grades: Pre-K. STEAM Park builds on every child’s natural curiosity and desire to create, explore, and investigate the world of early science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) through creative play.
Early Simple Machines
Grades: Pre-K. This program exposes students to the world of robots and machines.
WeDo Robotics
Grades: 1-4. This program serves as en early introduction to robotics.
WeDo Robotics 2.0
Grades: 1-5. An introduction to robotics and programming in an age appropriate and fun way.
Simple & Powered Machines
Grades: 3-6. Students will use gears, pulleys, belts, etc. to create everyday machines.
Dash & Dot Robotics Programming
Grades: K-5. Versatile, cutting-edge robots that are programmed through a drag-and-drop programming language.
Stop Motion Lego Movie Making
Grades: 1-6. Exciting introduction to the amazing world of stop motion movies.
Scratch Computer Programming
Grades: 3-6. This interactive program introduces students to the amazing world of computer programming.
Scratch Junior
Grades: K-2. Scratch Jr is an engaging and hands-on class that uses iPads to teach computer programming in a fun, age appropriate way.
NEW: Coding Express
Appropriate ages: Pre-K (3 to 5 year olds)
This class will inspire early learners to explore early coding concepts such as sequencing, looping and conditional coding, while developing problem solving skills, critical thinking, collaboration and social and emotional skills.
NEW: STEAM Park
Appropriate ages: Pre-K (3 to 5 year olds)
STEAM Park builds on every child’s natural curiosity and desire to create, explore, and investigate the world of early science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) through creative play. The possibilities are endless, as you work with them to construct a park full of dynamic moving rides, fun games, and scenes using the special selection of LEGO® DUPLO® bricks.
Early Simple Machines
Appropriate ages: K to 1st Grade (3 to 6 year olds)
This amazing program exposes PreK students to the world of robots and machines. Students will learn about gears, pulleys, and belts as they create different projects and learn how to solve problems; think critically and creatively; and communicate their ideas to others.
Questions?
Take a look at some of our frequently asked questions below. If we haven't answered your question, you can e-mail us at bricksandmotors@gmail.com, or fill in a request form.
Two things: 1) we're a non-profit and so are able to offer the lowest prices. We'll even work with you to find local corporate sponsors who may be interested in funding these programs. 2) We deliver our program from your home (as a homeschooling class or private class for your child and your child’s friends or neighbors), from your school, or from centers that offer before- and after-school programs.
Let's talk to figure that out. Again, our agenda is not profits so we do the best we can to keep costs low and accommodate your needs. Fill out the request form and we'll contact you shortly.
Among wealthy nations, the United States ranked 23rd in science and 31st in math in standardized tests. We rank 27th in college graduates with degrees in science and math. Computer science helps children develop quantitative reasoning, engineering, and critical thinking skills that are at the core of the nation's future. National data has shown that STEM occupations have grown three times faster than non-STEM careers over the last decade. It’s estimated that one million additional STEM graduates will be needed over the next 10 to 15 years to fill economic demands. We want our future generations to be ready for the workplace of the future.
Our staff are all fingerprinted and a background check is conducted through the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES). They go through training on all the hardware and software and are equipped to teach
No you don't. But recognize that a guaranteed spot at your preferred time will require a commitment. We have to operate on a first come first serve basis to ensure that our resources are properly planned for.
Students with disabilities are quite successful using the various programs. Because the curriculum pairs students, this enables students to practice collaboration and communication. These skills help students with autism and language disabilities to improve their interactions with others. Throughout the hands-on processes, the students work together so students of different skill sets can learn how to use their strengths and the strengths of others to overcome areas of difficulty, including visual, language, social, physical, or intellectual.