Burr Ridge Park District Fall Classes

Adventures with Computertots:
This national program has been developed by educators to engage inquisitive minds and has been featured on CNN and in Parents Magazine. Children will explore exciting computer activities in a small interactive group, using a laptop computer and educational software. According to the Pediatrics Medical Journal, “Computers boost pre-schoolers’ intelligence. Children with ready access to computers scored an average of 12 points higher on IQ tests”. Our programs encourage reading readiness, math readiness, creativity and teamwork, to help prepare your child for kindergarten and the future. Students will experience new learning activities in each session.

Age: 3-5 years
Session 1: Tuesdays, Sept 15, 22, 29, Oct 6
Session 2: Tuesdays, Oct 20, 27, Nov 3, 10
Session 3: Tuesdays, Nov 17, Dec 1, 8, 15 (no class Nov 24)
Times: 3:15 – 3:45

Lights, Camera, Action – Making Your Own Transformers™ movie (NEW)
Bring Bumblebee and Optimus Prime to life as they take on Megatron or Star Scream in your very own Transformers™ movie. You will create your very own Transformers™ movie using Transformers™ figures, special digital movie making cameras and software. As writers, directors and producers you will work in teams to create your own story and script, design and create backgrounds and film your own movie using graphic editing techniques and stop motion animation. You can add your own voices or your favorite music to your movie and show it at a private screening on the last day of class. All students will get a copy of their movie on a CD-ROM after class is complete.

Age: 8 - 12 years
Dates: Tuesdays, Sept 15, 22, 29, Oct 6
Class Length: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Times: 4:00 – 5:30

Inventions With Art and Technology (NEW)
Jumping Jiminy Crickets! The newest in robotics and programming fun is the Pico Cricket®.
Design and create your own creatures, sculptures or 3-D art, and then program them for action! Make a cat and program it to purr when someone pets it. Make a bobble-head with multiple heads that jiggle and jump on command. Make a birthday cake play a song when someone blows out the candles. Your imagination is the main ingredient! Students will work in teams of 2.

Age: 8 - 12 years
Dates: Tuesdays, Oct 20, 27, Nov 3, 10
Times: 4:00 – 5:30

Robotics Adventures (new)
Yes, We CAN learn about Robotics! With the LEGO™ WeDo Robotics System, young children can build and program their own robotic creations. Designed by the experts at MIT, this unique system teaches children about simple machines, engineering, programming and so much more. Young imaginations soar! Students will work in teams of 2.

Age: 6 - 8 years
Dates: Tuesdays, Nov 17, Dec 1, 8, 15 (no class Nov 24)
Times: 4:00 – 5:30

Clarendon Hills Park District Spring Classes

It's a Small World
It may be a small world but with our digital microscope, we will be able to see it in action! Our young scientists will observe & collect information about natural & manmade specimens as they learn more about the microscopic world around them. Using digital editing techniques, students will explore how to change these specimens into creative works of art.
Ages: 4 - 6
Dates: Wed, Mar 24, Apr 7, 14, 21 (no class Mar 31)
Times: 3:30- 4:15

Fun-Gineering With Simple Machines
Using Lego™ Educational kits, budding engineers will learn about simple machines by building models of real-life devices such as a folding lawn chair, a car, drawbridge or a conveyor belt. They will learn about the concepts of pulleys, levers, wheels and axles, and gears and bring their projects to life using battery operated motors. Through the building of realistic motorized models, students will develop an understanding of mechanical principles. They will explore, investigate, and solve problems in a fun group environment. 2 children per LEGO® kit.

Age: 8 - 12 years
Dates: Wed, Mar 24, Apr 7, 14, 21 (no class Mar 31)
Times: 4:30 - 6:00 pm