Weekend Enrichments
Art and STEM classes on Sundays

Enliven your weekend with a fun and challenging class!

Explorations offers a selection of Arts and STEM weekend activities for learners aged 7 and up. Whether your child is more creative, has an artistic eye, or wants to experiment with computers and tech, we have a class for you.

Registration is now available for our Fall classes, which start in mid-September and run until the beginning of December. 

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Sunday: Arts & Creation

Whether you dream of publishing your own comics or simply want to explore the art of storytelling through images, this course is your opportunity to create and share your stories with the world.

In this activity, you will:
– Get inspired with legendary examples from the rich history of comics and graphic novels, from classic strips to current comics masters. 
– Discover the power of visual communication, including panel layout, character design, and the art of conveying emotions through illustrations.
– Explore a variety of artistic styles and mediums to find your unique visual voice.
– Learn about inking, coloring, shading, and how to create visually stunning pages.
– Delve into scriptwriting and character development, learning how to construct engaging plots and memorable personas. 
– Practice world-building, setting the stage for your story to come to life. 

You will be able to experiment with various ways of making images and text work together, discovering the ones that best suit your storytelling style. 

Classes will be introduced with a lesson on the historical development of painting & drawing techniques. Students will explore the works of renowned artists, finding inspiration in their brushstrokes and visionary creations.

The journey begins with an Introduction to mark-making and tonal value/shading, and learners are taught the fundamental techniques to create depth and dimension in their drawings. Students will delve into the art of rendering three-dimensional shapes on paper.

Learners will also venture into the realm of Perspective, where they’ll gain a deeper understanding of spatial relationships and visual depth. Lessons in shapes will unlock the ability to construct complex forms, and students will build upon their newfound skills to create stunning 3D landscapes. At the same time, students will master the art of mixing colors and delve into basic color theory, unlocking the secrets to crafting captivating palettes.

Layering becomes a powerful tool as learners delve into acrylic paint, breathing life into their creations with depth and form. Natural landscapes and organic forms will be brought to life on the canvas, capturing the beauty of the world around us. Expressive acrylic landscape painting will delve into the realm of impressionism, where emotions and moods take center stage. Students will explore the art of capturing the essence of a scene, bringing it to life with every stroke.

The human face will come into focus as learners are taught techniques to render eyes, ears, and noses, honing their skills to portray the human form in all its beauty. Full-face portraits will be a testament to the power of art to capture the spirit and soul of its subjects.

Working with watercolor will open new possibilities, as learners explore the beauty of this fluid medium, mastering its transparency and delicacy. Chinese ink painting will add a touch of cultural richness to the artistic repertoire, allowing learners to discover the expressive beauty of this ancient art form.

Surrealism, expressionism, and cubism will ignite the imagination as learners dive into abstract forms and interpretations, exploring the depths of their creativity and pushing the boundaries of their artistry.

Collage will be a thrilling exploration of mixed media, where different materials come together to create visually stunning and thought-provoking compositions.

Once the fundamentals are mastered, the course opens up to creative projects driven by the learners’ interests. Students will have the freedom to explore subjects close to their hearts, expressing their artistic vision in unique and personal ways. 

Throughout the course, students will develop a multi-class project, blending the techniques they’ve learned with their own creative interests. This unique masterpiece will be showcased in a final exhibition, celebrating the growth and triumph of each learner’s artistic journey.

Join us for Drawing & Painting Mastery, where colors blend, ideas ignite, and artistry knows no limits. From classical techniques to modern expressions, this course is an invitation to explore the vast world of art and unleash the artist within. 

Are you a curious young learner who loves to build things, work with tools and let your imagination run wild? Our Junior Engineers class is perfect for you! In this course, learners will be introduced to the mechanics of motorized vehicles, launchers and building structures. Through a series of hands-on experiments and workshops, they will become more comfortable using the tools we have at the Lab and confident in their abilities to make their projects come to life. 

In the motorized vehicles portion of the class, learners will focus on the two main questions: what makes something roll well, and how can motors propel cars? After mastering simple electrical circuits to power their cars, they will move on to the increased challenge of constructing fan boats. Later on in the course, they will discover the physics of lifts and apply their knowledge to a variety of small plane projects.

In the launchers portion of the class, learners discover different ways to launch things. Beginning with torsion-powered devices, they are taught how to construct different launching mechanisms with twisted rope. They move on to launchers that work with suspended weight, and our instructors explain the technical names and functions of each part. After working with ancient launching techniques, learners begin constructing more modern launchers that use tiny springs.

Make your dreams into reality! Design and build a personal project, with access to professional equipment and helpful support from our educators. There’s something to suit every creator’s needs, whether you are more interested in traditional arts (like sculpting, painting, animating) or creative technologies (like building robots and coding video games). Come make your favourite thing with our top-tier software, woodworking tools, 3D printers, and buckets full of crafting goodies. 

Welcome to a unique and immersive Enrichment where learners become the architects of their own epic tales. In this captivating adventure, students play a very open-ended version of Dungeons and Dragons, where they can unleash their creativity and work with others to tell an ongoing narrative together. Emphasizing social learning and language skills, this course empowers students to explore their imaginations and embrace the art of storytelling.

In this adventure-filled world, students have the freedom to become anything they can imagine – from daring knights to cunning sorcerers, and even mythical creatures from distant lands. Guided by a skilled instructor, learners embark on a journey of character creation, crafting intricate backstories and personalities that bring their avatars to life. Through engaging role-playing exercises, students develop essential language skills, expressing their characters’ thoughts, feelings, and actions with eloquence and flair.

Collaboration and teamwork are at the heart of this storytelling experience. Learners join forces with their peers, navigating through thrilling quests and challenges that require effective communication and cooperation. As they encounter diverse characters and cultures, students develop empathy and understanding of different perspectives, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Throughout the narrative, students encounter opportunities for critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. They unveil plot twists, ingenious puzzles, and daring escapades, showcasing their language skills as they shape the destiny of their characters and the world they’ve collectively created.

This course nurtures lifelong storytellers, instilling a love for narrative and empowering students with effective communication abilities. As learners immerse themselves in the power of storytelling, they discover the joy of creative expression, the rewards of collaboration, and the art of captivating their audience.

Join us on this epic journey of “Collaborative Storytelling,” where your imagination knows no bounds and the magic of language brings stories to life.

Sunday: Tech

Create legendary heroes whose quests can change the universe! Perfect for campers who want to tell a story, Role Playing Games focus on world-building and character-creation. Will your game be set in a sci-world filled with tanks and helicopters, or a fantasy world of elves and orcs? Will your characters be wizards who fight with fire and ice, or warriors who take up the sword (or both)?

In this activity, you will learn to code puzzles, mazes, dialogue, weather events, cut-scenes, and turn-based combat. Use tools for creating unique characters and worlds, making it possible to build an epic game.

This Enrichment course not only imparts technical skills but also nurtures the imaginative spirit of each participant. In an era dominated by digital media, pixel art offers a unique avenue for self-expression and storytelling. This course is designed to empower young minds, equipping them with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of digital art while fostering a deep appreciation for creativity as an essential aspect of personal growth.

Participants will be guided through the entire creative process, from conceptualization to execution, honing their abilities to translate imaginative ideas into visually stunning pixel art. In this course, learners will:

Master the Technical Craftsmanship of Pixel Art: Acquire a comprehensive skill set in pixel manipulation, mastering tools and techniques employed by professional digital artists.

Develop a Keen Artistic Eye: Understand the principles of color theory, composition, and design, enhancing the ability to create visually appealing and aesthetically pleasing pixel art.

Express Individual Creativity: Cultivate a personal artistic style, enabling students to express their unique perspectives and ideas through pixel art.

Grasp Animation Principles: Learn the fundamentals of animation, translating static images into dynamic visual narratives through pixel-based motion.

Foster Problem-Solving Skills: Develop analytical thinking and problem-solving skills inherent in the process of creating pixel art, promoting resilience and adaptability.

Enhance Digital Literacy: Gain proficiency in industry-standard digital art tools, laying the groundwork for future exploration in the realm of digital creativity.

In the first lessons of the course, learners will gain a solid understanding of game mechanics, physics, and input systems. Through guided lessons and hands-on exercises, students will learn how to wield powerful game engines to bring their gaming visions to life.

Once they understand the tools for making their games, learners will design captivating characters and dynamic game worlds. They’ll learn the art of using game assets, coding animations, and designing levels, ensuring that their games are visually stunning and filled with exciting challenges.

The story unfolds as learners develop the narrative arc of their games. They’ll embark on extensive level development sessions, designing ingenious obstacles and challenges that players will conquer on their journey. Learners will create non-player characters (NPCs) that add depth and excitement to the game world, ensuring players are fully immersed in the gaming experience.

In the final phase, learners add the finishing touches that make a game truly polished and engaging. They’ll master atmospheric effects, imbuing their games with stunning visual enhancements. With a focus on creativity, learners will compose original background music and sound effects, setting the tone and immersing players in the game world. They’ll also fine-tune gameplay mechanics to ensure smooth and enjoyable gameplay.

As the curtain falls on the course, learners are not just game developers; they’re game creators. In the conclusion, students are taught how to produce and distribute a copy of their game, which they can share freely with friends and family. They’ll have the tools and knowledge to let their gaming masterpieces reach a wider audience.

Part 1 – Introduction to 3D Modeling

In this introductory phase, learners will be introduced to the exciting world of 3D modeling. They will explore the fundamental concepts of creating three-dimensional objects, from basic shapes to intricate designs. Through interactive lessons and fun exercises, learners will use 3D modeling software to bring their imagination to life, developing a solid foundation in digital design.

Part 2 – Advanced 3D Design Techniques

As learners gain confidence in 3D modeling, they will advance to more complex design techniques. They will learn how to refine their models, add intricate details, and explore the world of textures and materials. Engaging projects will challenge learners to design objects like never before, fostering critical thinking and creativity.

Part 3 – The World of 3D Printing

In this exciting phase, learners will step into the realm of 3D printing. They will learn about the various types of 3D printers and the materials used for printing. By understanding the process of turning digital designs into tangible objects, learners will appreciate the real-world applications of 3D printing technology.

Part 4 – Bringing Designs to Life

The final stage of the course is all about bringing learners’ designs to life! Guided by experienced instructors, learners will learn the ins and outs of 3D printing, from setting up the printer to executing successful prints. They will witness their creations materialize, experiencing the joy of transforming their digital designs into physical objects.

Throughout the course, learners will collaborate, share ideas, and receive personalized guidance from instructors. They will develop essential skills such as problem-solving, attention to detail, and a deeper appreciation for the power of technology in the world of design and manufacturing. Embrace the world of endless possibilities, where learners become creators of their own extraordinary designs!