community connections/makerspace
301-1: Community Connections: Peep Show Coin Counter (V2.1)
Each year, the Carroll County Arts Council hosts the Westminster PEEPshow, where thousands of visitors vote for their favorite Peeps-themed art installations using plastic coins. Currently, volunteers count these coins by hand, a process that is time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Our students are designing a faster and more efficient way to count votes.
Last spring, V1.0 made its debut at the Peep Show. Based on client feedback, improvements were made over the summer. This fall, additional design cycles will be implemented to create an improved machine to help celebrate the Peep Show’s 25th Anniversary.
This class includes a makerspace membership so students can have additional time to work on this project and/or pursue outside interests.
Ages: varies, by invitation only
Dates: September – December. Please refer to the schedule below for specific dates.
Time: Tuesdays, 4PM-5PM
Cost: varies
Class limit: varies
301-2: Community Connections: Christmas village project
For years, Brian LoPiccolo’s LEGO village display has inspired joy and hope in our community. Last year, MAGIC was honored to host his display at ARIC.
The village has grown to be multi-level, and we will be working with Brian to prototype ideas for making the lower level more stable in preparation for this year’s display.
This project will primarily involve CAD design and 3D printing.
This class includes a makerspace membership so students can have additional time to work on this project and/or pursue outside interests.
Ages: varies, by invitation only
Dates: September – November. Please refer to the schedule below for specific dates.
Time: Thursdays, 4PM-5PM
Cost: varies
Class limit: varies
Magic makerspace membership
This summer, we piloted a makerspace membership with a select group of students, and we will be including it in all of our Community Connections projects.
This fall, we hope to pilot some memberships as we figure out how to best serve community needs.
Ages: all ages
Time:
Mondays, 3:00PM-5:30PM
Tuesdays, 3:00PM-5:00PM
Thursdays, 3:00PM-5:00PM
Cost: varies
Robotics classes
101: Elementary Introduction to Robotics
Curious about how robots work? Our 7-week Elementary Introduction to Robotics course offers young learners a fun, hands-on way to explore the basics of coding, engineering, and collaboration using Lego Essentials.
Ages: 6-9, or with permission from instructor
Dates: September – November; Please refer to the schedule below for specific dates.
Time: Wednesdays, 6PM-7PM
Cost: $100
Class limit: 8 students
Prerequisites: None
102: problem solving with Robotics
Our 8-week Problem Solving with Robotics introduces learners to the problem-solving process using autonomous programming with LEGO EV3 robots. Similar to the robot games played in First LEGO League (FLL) Challenge events, this class will cover the basics of line following and building to complete missions in a non-competitive environment.
Ages: 9+, or with permission from instructor
Dates: October-December; Please refer to the schedule below for specific dates.
Time: Saturdays, 9AM-10AM
Cost: $125
Class limit: 8 students
201: Introduction to Robotics using Vex IQ
Perfect for beginners, this hands-on course introduces students to the fundamentals of robotics using the VEX IQ platform. In this 8-week course, students will learn the basics of building, sensors, block-based programming, and the engineering design process.
Ages: 9+, or with permission from instructor
Dates: October – December; Please refer to the schedule below for specific dates.
Time: Saturdays, 1PM-2:30PM
Cost: $150
Class limit: 8 students
Prerequisites: None
203: Advanced VEX Robotics
Ready for a challenge? In this 10-week course, students design and build competition-style robots using sensors, pneumatic systems, and structural enhancements. They will use Python or blocks programming to control and automate their creations.
Ages: 11+, or with permission from instructor
Dates: October – January; Please refer to the schedule below for specific dates.
Time: Saturdays, 10:30AM-12PM
Cost: $175
Class limit: 10 students
Prerequisites: 201: Introduction to Robotics using VEX IQ
refund policy
- Full refund up to 30 days prior to the start of class.
- 50% refund up to 2 weeks prior to the start of class.
- No refund if canceled less than 2 weeks prior to start of class.
- Full refund or free registration (up to one year for a comparable session) will be provided if ARIC cancels a session for any reason, including low enrollment.
payment options
We understand that some families need low-cost learning opportunities. Feel free to contact MAGIC for more information on monthly payment options. We also have a limited amount of scholarship opportunities for qualifying need-based students.
elementary robotics
101: elementary introduction to robotics
This engaging, hands-on class introduces young learners to the exciting world of robotics in a supportive and creative environment. While each class is guided by clear learning goals, we also give students the opportunity to shape their own learning experience to encourage curiosity, exploration, and personal initiative.
Students will be introduced to block-based programming, mechanical building fundamentals, sensors, and the engineering design process. In addition to technical skills, we place a strong emphasis on developing soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and perseverance, all of which are essential tools for future success in and out of the classroom.
Note: If your child participated in one of these summer camps, note that this session will still feature Lego Spike Essentials but will involve different builds. While core concepts will be revisited, the content will be different.
elementary robotics
102: problem solving with robotics
This 8-week course introduces students to the engineering design and problem-solving processes using autonomous programming and LEGO EV3 robots. Students will learn how to break down challenges, test solutions, and refine their ideas as they take on increasingly complex tasks.
Throughout the course, students will explore essential robotics concepts such as understanding and programming sensors for autonomous navigation, iterating on design to troubleshoot and improve performance, and collaborating in small teams to test strategies and share ideas.
This class also introduces students to the robot games played in FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Challenge events, giving them a chance to experience FLL challenges in a non-competitive environment. Students will solve themed missions by applying programming, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills to real-world inspired scenarios.
By the end of the course, students will:
Gain confidence in autonomous programming with LEGO EV3 robots
Practice the full problem-solving cycle: plan, build, test, and improve
Experience the excitement of FLL-style challenges in a supportive setting
Strengthen teamwork, communication, and perseverance skills
late elementary - early high school robotics
201: Introduction to robotics using vex iq
This beginner-friendly 8-week course introduces students to the exciting world of robotics through hands-on learning with the VEX IQ platform. Designed to spark curiosity and build confidence, the class provides a solid foundation in robotics, engineering, and coding.
Students will explore core concepts including mechanical construction, sensors, block-based programming, and the engineering design process. Along the way, they will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they bring their robots to life.
As the course progresses, students will have the opportunity to apply what they have learned by designing and building their own original projects. These student-led creations will be shared during a final class showcase.
Whether your child is brand new to robotics or simply eager to explore, this course offers a fun, supportive entry point into STEM.
Middle school/early high school robotics
203: advanced vex robotics
In this advanced 10-week course, students will take their robotics skills to the next level by designing and building a sophisticated, competition-style robot using the VEX IQ system. With access to new structural pieces, students will learn how to enhance both the functionality and performance of their robots.
On the programming side, students will have the opportunity to either continue developing their skills in Python or continue with blocks coding to write more complex scripts to control and automate their robots. They will gain experience working with coding logic, sensor integration, and algorithmic thinking.
This is a highly hands-on, project-based course that encourages creativity, experimentation, and collaboration. Students will apply the principles of design thinking and iterative problem-solving as they build, test, and refine their robots in preparation for a culminating challenge.
Ideal for students who are passionate about robotics and ready for a deeper, more technical experience, this course helps build the engineering mindset that are essential in today’s STEM fields.