North Star, Grades 1-2, Thursdays

Service Description

In this session, students explore the science of motion through hands-on STEM and creative coding as part of our Gravity Racers experience. Using Pine Derby-style race cars, students customize and test different designs while learning how factors like gravity, friction, and energy impact speed and performance. Alongside their engineering work, students create coding projects in ScratchJr inspired by motion—racing games, animations, and interactive projects. After learning core concepts, students are encouraged to extend their projects, experiment with new ideas, and bring their own creative visions to life. Students test, refine, and improve both their cars and their code throughout the session, building an understanding of engineering design, iteration, and problem-solving. Each class includes opportunities for students to share their work, and the program culminates in Derby Day, where students race their Gravity Racers and showcase their coding projects. No experience necessary—just curiosity! What Parents Will Notice: * Increased curiosity about how things move and work * Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills * Confidence in testing ideas, making changes, and improving designs * Pride in both hands-on creations and coding projects ✨ Hands-on STEM meets creative coding ✨ Real-world concepts made fun and accessible ✨ Encourages experimentation, creativity, and growth mindset ✨ A high-energy finale with Derby Day racing and project showcases