spring 2026 program registration
We believe every student should have access to hands-on STEM education opportunities. To make our programs more affordable, we offer flexible monthly payment plans and a limited number of need-based scholarships for qualifying families. If you are interested in these options, please contact MAGIC for more information before registering.
101: Elementary introduction to Robotics
Curious about how robots work? Our 8-week Elementary Introduction to Robotics course offers young learners a fun, hands-on way to explore the basics of coding, engineering, and collaboration.
Ages: 8-10
Dates: February – April; Please refer to the schedule below for specific dates.
Time: Mondays, 6-7PM
Cost: $100
Class limit: 8 students
Prerequisites: None
102: problem solving with Robotics
Our 10-week Problem Solving with Robotics builds on our Elementary Introduction to Robotics by introducing learners to the problem-solving process using autonomous programming with LEGO EV3 robots. This class will also serve as an introduction to the robot games played in First LEGO League (FLL) Challenge events in a friendly, non-competitive environment.
Ages: 8-10
Dates: February – May; Please refer to the schedule below for specific dates.
Time: Saturdays, 9AM-10AM
Cost: $125
Class limit: 8 students
Prerequisites: 101: Elementary Introduction to Robotics
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 10-week course, students will learn the basics of building, sensors, block-based programming, and the engineering design process.
Ages: 10+
Dates: February – May; Please refer to the schedule below for specific dates.
Time: Saturdays, 1PM-2:30PM
Cost: $150
Class limit: 10 students
Prerequisites: None
202: Python Programming with Vex
This 10-week course builds on introductory robotics concepts and takes students deeper into coding and problem-solving. Using the VEX VR Virtual Platform, students will transition from block coding to Python scripting.
Concurrently, students will participate in a team-based challenge, where students collaborate to design their own VEX IQ robot, write and test their code, and demonstrate their skills in a final showcase of creativity, logic, and teamwork.
Ages: 10+
Dates: February – May; Please refer to the schedule below for specific dates.
Time: Saturdays, 10:30AM-12PM
Cost: $150
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.
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 — encouraging 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 — essential tools for future success in and out of the classroom.
New this Fall/Spring: If your child participated in this course last spring, we’re excited to share that this session will feature Lego Spike Essentials, made possible by a generous grant from Society for Science. While some core concepts will be revisited, the content and tools will be fresh and different.
elementary robotics
102: problem solving with robotics
This 10-week course builds on the foundation of Elementary Introduction to Robotics by guiding students deeper into 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 the creativity and teamwork of FLL in a friendly, non-competitive environment. Students will work together to solve themed missions, learning 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
This course is perfect for students ready to take the next step in robotics by building on their introductory knowledge and preparing them for more advanced courses and/or future FLL Challenge participation.
middle school/early high school robotics
201: Introduction to robotics using vex iq
This beginner-friendly 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
202: python programming with vex
In 201: Python Programming with VEX, students move beyond the basics to explore the creative and technical challenges of programming robots. Over the course of ten weeks, students will strengthen their coding skills, develop persistence in problem-solving, and discover how collaboration leads to stronger solutions.
Each week, students complete targeted modules inside the VEX VR Virtual Platform, working directly in Python to strengthen their coding skills.
Alongside their individual work, students participate in a team-based programming challenge that runs throughout the course. Teams brainstorm, build, and program a VEX IQ robot to complete the challenge tasks. The course concludes with a final showcase, where students demonstrate their projects in a supportive environment.
By the end of the course, students will have:
Practiced Python scripting in the VEX VR Virtual Platform
Gained confidence in tackling open-ended challenges
Experienced team-based problem-solving in a fun, supportive environment
Built the foundation to continue into more advanced robotics and coding opportunities
