Course Offerings

Chess is more than just a game, it's a way to think critically, solve problems, and have fun with friends. In this beginner-friendly class, students will be introduced step by step to the exciting world of chess. They'll learn how each piece moves, explore special rules like castling and pawn promotion, and practice simple tactics such as forks and pins. Along the way, students will discover what it means to put an opponent in check and checkmate, and they'll gain confidence playing full games by the end of the course.

Class sessions are active and hands-on. Rather than only watching demonstrations, students will practice new skills right away through puzzles, mini-games, and guided play. Each week builds on the last, starting with the basics of setting up the board and gradually moving toward opening strategies, simple tactics, and endgame techniques. The class emphasizes learning by doing, so students will spend plenty of time playing against peers in a fun, supportive environment where good sportsmanship is encouraged.

By the end of the course, students will not only know how to play chess from start to finish, but they will also develop problem-solving, patience, and creative thinking skills that extend beyond the board. No prior experience is required, just curiosity and a willingness to play!

Instructor: Jordan Sherry-Wagner

Have you ever wanted to make a computer talk, draw pictures, or play a game that you designed yourself? In Creative Coding with Python, students will learn how to turn their imagination into code! Python is one of the world's most popular programming languages—and one of the most fun for beginners. Through hands-on lessons, students will explore how code can create art, tell stories, and build interactive games.
Each week, students will learn a new way to use Python creatively. They'll start by designing chatbots that can hold conversations, then move on to drawing digital art with code, writing choose-your-own-adventure stories, and building simple games like dice rollers or guessing challenges. Lessons combine clear instruction with open-ended projects, giving students room to experiment and express their ideas.
By the end of the course, students will have built a portfolio of Python projects that show their creativity and growing coding skills. Whether they're making an animated art piece or a talking robot, they'll see how coding can be both a logical puzzle and a powerful artistic tool. No prior programming experience is required

Please note: This course requires the use of a laptop or similar device. The Robinson Center can provide a device if your child does not have access.

Instructor: Noah Nguyen

Join us as we travel to the top and bottom of the Earth to explore the wonders of the Arctic and Antarctic! Through hands-on experiments, stories, art, and games, we'll compare polar animals, explore icy landscapes, investigate extreme weather, and learn how humans survive and thrive in polar environments. Along the way, we'll follow the journeys of real-life explorers, design our own survival tools, and complete team missions to test our skills. Are you ready for the ultimate polar adventure?

Instructor: Christina Dujardin

Being able to speak comfortably and confidently in front of an audience is a valuable skill in many areas of life. This course will cover the fundamentals of public speaking, including voice projection and intonation, speech writing, effective gesturing, and audience engagement. Students will practice these skills across different speaking styles, such as informative, persuasive, and narrative presentations. The course is designed to be an enjoyable and interactive online space where everyone can learn to speak eloquently and confidently.

Please note: This course requires the use of a laptop or similar device. The Robinson Center can provide a device if your child does not have access.

Instructor: Jennifer Stephens

Get ready to explore the amazing structure of the human skeleton! In this course, we'll journey through the ribcage, hands, feet, legs, hips, arms, skull, and spine (vertebral column) to uncover how our bones work together. Through worksheets and partner work, you'll learn to identify key parts of the skeleton, discover how they connect, and practice being a bone detective by spotting important landmarks.
Work with your classmates in small groups to lead and share discoveries, teaching and learning from each other as you build teamwork and communication skills. Along the way, you'll deepen your understanding of what holds us together by using critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity to solve bone-related challenges, like building models of bones and analyzing x-ray images.

Instructor: Paige Reed

Students will learn about exciting art movements and artists throughout history, then create their own unique artworks inspired by those styles. Projects may include experimenting with colored pencils, exploring the soft colors and brushwork of Impressionism, or creating bold Pop Art–inspired drawings. Each class will include a fun, accessible art history lesson followed by a hands-on art making activity that encourages creativity, self-expression, and curiosity about the world of art.

Instructor: Megan Gottfried

Students will strengthen their drawing skills by learning to see like an artist. Working from real-life objects and props, they'll practice essential techniques such as observation, shading, proportion, and perspective. Each session combines guided drawing lessons with independent sketching time, allowing students to develop both confidence and personal style. Through step-by-step instruction, the class focuses on building a strong foundation in naturalistic drawing—helping students understand how to translate what they see into expressive, lifelike artwork.

Instructor: Megan Gottfried

Young artists will explore the building blocks of art—line, shape, and color—through playful, hands-on projects. Using scissors, glue, paint, and colorful paper, students will discover how simple shapes can transform into flowers, animals, and abstract designs. Each class will include a mix of art history and artmaking—introducing students to influential artists such as Yayoi Kusama and then creating original works inspired by their styles. The emphasis is on creativity, exploration, and the joy of making something new to share at home.

Instructor: Megan Gottfried

Learn all about the amazing world of 3D Design and 3D Printing! In this class students will learn all the basics about how to design 3D models using TinkerCAD, and how to transfer those files to a 3D Printer for printing! We'll cover how to use a 3D printer, how to slice your files to prepare them for printing, and how to design with problem solving and aesthetics in mind.
We'll also have several Design Days where students will have a chance to create their own models, either freely or with guided walk-throughs for projects. This will all culminate in the students Final Project where they will be given a prompt and time to create their masterpiece!
In addition, we will have two 3D printers running during class so students can see the printing process in action. And in the last weeks, they will be able to send prints in to be 3D printed and picked up later so they can leave the class with something that they created themselves!

This is an introductory course for students new to 3D printing and design. Laptops will be required for the class, although limited ones will be available for use each week.

Instructor: Brian Jaffe

Learn all about the amazing world of 3D Design and 3D Printing! In this class students will learn all the basics about how to design 3D models using TinkerCAD, and how to transfer those files to a 3D Printer for printing! We'll cover how to use a 3D printer, how to slice your files to prepare them for printing, and how to design with problem solving and aesthetics in mind.
We'll also have several Design Days where students will have a chance to create their own models, either freely or with guided walk-throughs for projects. This will all culminate in the students Final Project where they will be given a prompt and time to create their masterpiece!
In addition, we will have two 3D printers running during class so students can see the printing process in action. And in the last weeks, they will be able to send prints in to be 3D printed and picked up later so they can leave the class with something that they created themselves!

This is an introductory course for students new to 3D printing and design. Laptops will be required for the class, although limited ones will be available for use each week.

Instructor: Brian Jaffe

Learn all about the amazing world of 3D Design and 3D Printing! In this class students will learn all the basics about how to design 3D models using TinkerCAD, and how to transfer those files to a 3D Printer for printing! We'll cover how to use a 3D printer, how to slice your files to prepare them for printing, and how to design with problem solving and aesthetics in mind.
We'll also have several Design Days where students will have a chance to create their own models, either freely or with guided walk-throughs for projects. This will all culminate in the students Final Project where they will be given a prompt and time to create their masterpiece!
In addition, we will have two 3D printers running during class so students can see the printing process in action. And in the last weeks, they will be able to send prints in to be 3D printed and picked up later so they can leave the class with something that they created themselves!

This is an introductory course for students new to 3D printing and design. Laptops will be required for the class, although limited ones will be available for use each week.

Instructor: Brian Jaffe

Should we have school dress codes? Should students be assigned homework? This course explores debate, teaching students how to support their ideas and argue effectively. Debate is a fun, engaging way for students to practice public speaking, develop sound logic and reasoning skills, and build confidence and self-esteem. Students will learn to express their opinions assertively and respectfully on a range of relevant issues. The course includes Zoom breakout rooms for team collaboration and one-on-one interaction with the instructor. It will culminate in a tournament, providing students with a taste of competitive debate.

Please note: This course requires the use of a laptop or similar device. The Robinson Center can provide a device if your child does not have access.

Instructor: Jennifer Stephens

Have you ever wondered how computers follow instructions, draw shapes, or make games come alive? In this hands-on course, students will explore the exciting world of programming through Python, a programming language used by professionals to build apps, analyze data, and even power robots! Starting from the very basics, students will learn how to write and understand simple lines of code, use variables and loops, and make decisions with conditionals.
Each class combines clear instruction, guided coding practice, and creative challenges. Students will use Turtle Graphics to draw colorful designs and patterns, then move on to PyGame to build their own interactive games. Along the way, they'll learn how to break big problems into smaller steps, think logically, and express their creativity through code. The course will wrap up with a mini "hackathon", where students design and showcase a project of their own. No prior programming experience is required!

Please note: This course requires the use of a laptop or similar device. The Robinson Center can provide a device if your child does not have access.

Instructor: Noah Nguyen

Chess is a timeless game of strategy that rewards creativity, focus, and patience. In this class, students of all levels will be introduced to the essentials of chess while also exploring deeper strategies and tactics. Beginners will learn the basics of setting up the board, how each piece moves, and the rules of the game; including check, checkmate, castling, and stalemate. More experienced students will extend their knowledge through opening principles, tactical patterns like forks and pins, and endgame strategies such as pawn promotion and basic checkmates.

Each session combines clear instruction with hands-on practice. Lessons include interactive puzzles, mini-games that focus on specific skills, and guided practice with peers. Over the weeks, the class will move step by step from piece movement to tactics and strategies, giving every student the opportunity to learn at their own pace. Along the way, students will develop problem-solving skills, sharpen their critical thinking, and build confidence as they play full games.

By the end of the course, students will be able to play chess from start to finish, apply basic strategies, and approach the game with curiosity and confidence. Whether brand new to chess or ready to advance beyond the basics, students will find challenge, support, and fun in this welcoming learning environment.

Instructor: Jordan Sherry-Wagner

Ever wonder what it's like to participate in a trial? Introduce evidence? Question witnesses? In this course, students will participate in a mock trial. Each session presents a new set of case facts, ensuring that even returning students will have a fresh courtroom experience. This introduction to law will include lessons on rules of evidence, direct and cross examination, and courtroom decorum. Students will be a part of every aspect of the trial so come prepared to act as advocate, witness, and jury!

Please note: This course requires the use of a laptop or similar device. The Robinson Center can provide a device if your child does not have access.

Instructor: Jennifer Stephens

Have you ever wondered why we ask big questions like What makes something fair? or How do we know what's real? In this course, children will step into the world of philosophy: the practice of asking thoughtful questions, listening closely to others, and thinking deeply about ideas. We'll explore timeless puzzles, everyday dilemmas, and imaginative thought experiments that spark curiosity about the world and our place in it. Topics may include fairness and justice, truth and imagination, friendship and community, and the difference between things we can prove and things we can only wonder about.
Class time will feel like a mix of story time, circle conversations, and playful activities. Using picture books, games, short videos, and hands-on scenarios, students will practice asking their own philosophical questions and talking them through with peers. Together, we will create a respectful discussion space where everyone's ideas matter and where students learn to explain their thinking, consider different viewpoints, and sometimes change their minds.
Students will take part in small group discussions, whole-class dialogues, and creative projects like drawing, role-playing, or building models to show their ideas. Each week invites both new and returning philosophers to connect their own experiences with big ideas, helping them grow as curious thinkers, caring listeners, and collaborative learners.

Instructor: Jordan Sherry-Wagner

Every child has a story worth telling, and in this creative class, students will bring theirs to life through art. Each week, children will listen to a story, explore themes of identity, family, and community, and design a quilt square that represents something special about who they are. Using fabric, markers, and crayons, they will create a colorful collection of squares that come together as their very own story quilt to take home at the end of the session.
Along the way, we'll celebrate differences, learn about many kinds of bodies and brains, and practice kindness, curiosity, and pride in who we are. The class is designed so that every child has multiple ways to share and express their ideas, ensuring that all learners can shine.

Note: Because we'll be using markers and crayons on fabric, the finished quilt is intended as a decorative keepsake rather than a functional or washable quilt.

Instructor: Jaime Chase

Have you ever wondered how computers use math to draw pictures, play games, or make smart decisions? In Programming with Math: Patterns, Games, and Logic, students will discover how math gives computers their power! Using Python, a fun and beginner-friendly programming language, students will turn mathematical ideas into creative projects, like digital art, guessing games, and simulations.

ach week focuses on a key math concept behind computer science, from logic and geometry to probability and data. Through hands-on coding, art challenges, and math-inspired puzzles, students will explore how computers use patterns, numbers, and problem-solving to make amazing things happen.
By the end of the course, students will understand that math isn't just for solving problems, it's the secret language that makes programming work! No prior experience needed.

Please note: This course requires the use of a laptop or similar device. The Robinson Center can provide a device if your child does not have access.

Instructor: Noah Nguyen

From ancient stone carvings to modern computer code, people have found clever ways to send messages in secret. In this hands-on course, students will become junior cryptographers—learning different code systems from around the world and throughout history, then using them to create and crack their own secret messages. Each week begins with a real-world example of a code in action, followed by a chance to try it, solve challenges, and make their own. By the end, students will invent an original code in teams and put it to the test in a class-wide code challenge.

Instructor: Christina Dujardin

You'll never look at a superhero the same after this course! Students will explore the fascinating world of human physiology through the lens of popular superheroes. This engaging and interactive course will dive deep into the science behind superhuman abilities, exploring how these powers—ranging from extreme strength and healing to temperature control and underwater breathing—might be possible in real life. Through hands-on activities, students will learn the intricacies of various physiological systems, including the skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, integumentary, and nervous systems, and then think of and model creative solutions for how they could be altered to match the extraordinary abilities of their favorite heroes. By studying these superpowers, students will gain a greater understanding of human biology and how the body functions in both typical and extreme conditions. From creating durable bone models to crafting "super" muscles and designing unique heart systems, students will leave the course with a new appreciation for both science and the superheroes who push human physiology to its limits. Get ready to unlock the secrets of superhero physiology and see the world of superheroes through a scientific lens!

Instructor: Paige Reed

Step into the secret world of patterns! How do mathematicians predict what comes next (or figure out what's missing) without even seeing the numbers? In this hands-on math adventure, students will explore the secret structures hidden in shapes, stories, and everyday life. Through games, puzzles, and creative challenges, they'll uncover how patterns grow, how rules work, and how balance keeps equations fair.
This class develops the reasoning and problem-solving skills that form the foundation of algebra, without ever opening an algebra book. Using manipulatives, art, stories, and real-world examples, students will learn to represent unknowns with symbols, invent their own "function machines," and explain their thinking like true mathematicians. The emphasis is on curiosity, collaboration, and discovery: learning to see math not as memorization, but as a language for understanding relationships and change.

Instructor: Jaime Chase

Welcome back, junior detectives, or should we say Codebreakers 2.0!?
In this all-new version of our popular Tiny Codebreakers course, students will uncover fresh mysteries, tackle hands-on challenges, and crack even more creative codes. Over our eight weeks together, we will sharpen our detective minds and explore a mix of secret codes—both new and familiar—while continuing to build logic, teamwork, and imagination. Whether you are a returning sleuth or brand new to the field, your next mission is clear: follow the clues, crack the code, and solve the case!
Each week, students will take on a new case or mystery to solve, using a mix of clue-finding and kid-friendly code systems like picture codes, cipher wheels, invisible ink, and symbol-based messages. Through hands-on activities, creative problem-solving, and collaborative "detective missions," students will build confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking - no prior experience needed!

Instructor: Christina Dujardin