Course Catalog & Curriculum

Explore youth STEM programs in the Rockaways

Choose a track to see schedules, prerequisites, and weekly lab projects. All cohorts feature small group mentorship and take-home hardware.

Rockaway youth collaborating on web development code in a computer lab
Grades 6–12 (Ages 11–18)
Python & Web
SOFTWARE & WEB LABS
Coding Bootcamps
Students build interactive web apps, solve algorithmic puzzles, and learn collaborative software development using Python and JavaScript.
10 Weeks • Saturdays
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Prerequisites: Basic computer familiarity; no prior coding required
Core learning outcomes
  • Build and deploy 3 functional web applications
  • Master foundational algorithms, loops, and data structures
  • Collaborate using Git version control and team code reviews

Location: Rockaways Lab
Enroll student
Students wiring an autonomous rover chassis with microcontrollers
Grades 4–9 (Ages 9–15)
Arduino & Microcontrollers
MECHATRONICS & SENSORS
Hands-On Robotics
Design, wire, and program autonomous rovers and aquatic sensor rigs using microcontrollers and precision motor controllers.
8 Weeks • Tuesdays & Thursdays
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Prerequisites: Curiosity for mechanical assembly and circuits
Core learning outcomes
  • Wire analog sensors, sonar modules, and dual-motor drivetrains
  • Write C++ logic for obstacle avoidance and line tracking
  • Diagnose electrical circuits with multimeters and breadboards

Location: Rockaways Lab
Enroll student
Students testing water samples and taking field measurements on the Rockaway shore
Grades 5–12 (Ages 10–18)
Field Science & Ecology
COASTAL ECOLOGY & TECH
Environmental STEM Labs
Collect and test real water samples from Jamaica Bay, track tidal water quality, and prototype renewable wave-power capture rigs.
12 Weeks • Saturdays
9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Prerequisites: Comfortable with outdoor field data collection
Core learning outcomes
  • Analyze salinity, pH, microplastics, and dissolved oxygen levels
  • Deploy remote environmental telemetry loggers along the bay
  • Design tidal filtration models and present local conservation briefs

Location: Rockaways Lab
Enroll student
Youth using 3D printers and laser-cut wooden components to assemble models
Grades 3–8 (Ages 8–14)
CAD & Fabrication
DESIGN & RAPID PROTOTYPING
Weekend Maker Clubs
Transform sketch concepts into physical prototypes with 3D printers, laser cutters, CAD modeling, and safe woodworking tools.
6 Weeks • Sunday Mornings
10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Prerequisites: Open to all skill levels; safety orientation included
Core learning outcomes
  • Create custom 3D models in beginner-friendly CAD software
  • Operate 3D printers, laser cutters, and basic shop tools safely
  • Complete 4 take-home mechanical and architectural builds

Location: Rockaways Lab
Enroll student

Need help matching your child to the right track?

Talk directly with our curriculum coordinator to discuss skill levels, accommodations, or sibling enrollments.

Meet our educatorsInquire today
THE IMMERSIVE ADVANTAGE

Learn by building real coastal solutions

Students move from textbook theories to field labs, designing functional environmental prototypes alongside active STEM educators and researchers in the Rockaways.

Applied Engineering

CURRICULUM ARCHITECTURE

Project-based learning

Students build tangible engineering prototypes and water sensors instead of memorizing abstract formulas.

  • Underwater ROV assembly
  • Microcontroller coding & sensors
  • Rapid 3D fabrication labs
Explore maker tracks
Field Experts

COMMUNITY CONNECT

STEM professional mentorship

Direct 1-on-1 guidance from practicing marine biologists, software engineers, and renewable energy specialists.

  • Industry career pathway guidance
  • Weekly small-group cohort reviews
  • Direct portfolio critique
Meet the mentors
Community Impact

COASTAL ACTION

Real-world problem solving

Tackle authentic Rockaway shoreline challenges, measuring local water quality and designing clean energy models.

  • Jamaica Bay ecology monitoring
  • Solar & tidal power prototypes
  • Annual youth science symposia
View community labs