Circuit Lab Philosophy

Engage with electronics as tools - not toys.

Electronics power our world more every day, and people who can manipulate them will design our future. By learning to engage with electronics as tools and exploring them as a flexible, creative medium, we introduce our students to the skills they need to interact fully with the modern world. And we make lots of fun projects along the way.

Circuit Lab classes blend technical concepts with hands-on experimentation in a creative environment. We use a variety of up-to-date technologies in each of our different curricula. Each day of class includes both an introduction to new concepts and a guided hands-on activity with open-ended project "challenges" for students to try.

Circuit Lab programs are a fun and creative way to give kids fluency and confidence in increasingly necessary skills. We are excited to start your kids on the path to designing and creating whatever they imagine!

Our Curriculum

Circuit Lab offers after school enrichment, summer day programs, special events, and homeschool classes.

Circuit Makers 101 For grades 1-3/Ages 6-9

Let's get creative with electricity! In this junior electronics class, students will gain experience with creating their own electronics; designing custom light-up greeting cards, electric games, mazes, and even musical instruments. Each class day consists of a circuitry lesson and a hands-on electronics project, using components like lights, buzzers, switches, motors, and sensors. Circuit Lab staff will make sure participants create a project that they can be proud of each day. Most class days include a take-home project.

Robot Commanders 101 For grades 2-4/Ages 7-10 (Note: this curriculum is only available at our locations in Eastern Massachusetts)

Understanding how software can interact with robots is a key skill for the STEM jobs of tomorrow. In this class we provide several active, playful activities, where students learn about what it means to write, debug, and execute computer programs that communicate with different robotic devices. Using the power of code, students will turn Sphero SPRK+ robots into Magic 8 Balls, automated Red Light / Green Light games, and the arcade classic Pong — and Unruly Splats will become our voting machines, relay races, guessing games, and more.

Interactive Coding for Kids For grades 3-5/Ages 8-11

In this hands-on class, students explore Scratch programming, using the MIT-developed programming interface to craft stories and games. Then we will use Makey Makey boards to invent new ways to interact with the Scratch projects using everyday objects. Our circuitry projects will become musical instruments, video game controllers, pressure sensors, and more. Students will learn valuable 21st-century skills while engaging in these fun, creative lessons. Collaborative project challenges enhance teamwork skills and inspire critical thinking. No prior coding experience required.

Hands-On Electronics For grades 4-7/Ages 9-13

Tinker with electronics while learning the basics of computer programming. We begin by experimenting with the fundamentals of electronics and circuitry, and step up to projects where our class of young makers will design their own interactive and programmable devices. Participants use the latest tools including Arduino (for building interactive devices) and Raspberry Pi (for learning about computers and coding) to experiment with LEDs, resistors, motors, and programming. Each class day gives participants the chance to design a hands-on project with the guidance of skilled Circuit Lab instructors.

App Inventors For grades 4-7/Ages 9-13

Want to know how the apps work on your phone or iPad? Or do you already have the next great app idea, and just need to know how to make it? In this no-experience-required course, we use MIT App Inventor software to make fun, creative apps for Android phones and tablets. We will also explore wireless communication by building custom Bluetooth hardware controllers and readouts for our apps. Participants will learn both the programming and design aspects of creating great apps, and have the opportunity to build apps of their own with the support of Circuit Lab instructors.

Interactive Circuitry For grades 6-8/Ages 11-14

Take your electronics knowledge to the next level in this hands-on class. We will dive into the world of electronics and circuitry, working with sensors, wireless communication, and computer programming, using Arduino microcontrollers, MIT App Inventor Software, and the Scratch programming language. Projects include building custom Apps for phones and tablets, wirelessly controlling lights, designing our own game controllers, and more. Each class day gives participants the chance to design a hands-on project with the guidance of Circuit Lab instructors.