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Hands-on LEGO Mindstorm projects, team-based challenges, and optional Python lessons at the Challenger Learning Center in Lockport. This Spring Robotics Club is a three-hour, twice-weekly program for kids 9–14 that turns ideas into working robots.
Hands-on LEGO Mindstorm projects, team-based challenges, and optional Python lessons at the Challenger Learning Center in Lockport. This Spring Robotics Club is a three-hour, twice-weekly program for kids 9–14 that turns ideas into working robots.
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Operated by Challenger Learning Center of Orleans, Niagara & Erie Counties · Lockport, New York
At the heart of Lockport, New York, the Challenger Learning Center at 160 Washburn becomes a hands-on lab for imagination each spring with the Spring Robotics Club 2026. Designed for kids ages 9–14, this after-school program meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, March 10 through May 7, and invites students to build and program LEGO Mindstorm robots that fight, fetch, and solve puzzles. Sessions are structured around project-based learning: teams design Battle Bots, engineer catapults and launchers, prototype sensors, and strategize Capture the Flag challenges. The program balances guided instruction in block-based coding and optional Python with open creative time so students practice both computational thinking and mechanical design. Every workspace is stocked with LEGO Mindstorm hardware, motors, sensors, and spare parts; instructors guide participants through debugging, pseudocode planning, and iterative testing so outcomes shift from trial-and-error to repeatable routines. What sets this club apart in the Lockport youth landscape is its emphasis on teamwork under real constraints - three-hour sessions that mimic engineering sprints, a modest cohort size that keeps instruction personal, and a season-long arc that lets ideas grow from sketches to functioning machines. The fee covers all robotics supplies plus a daily snack, and organizers offer a pay-later option for families who need flexibility. Families will appreciate the practical logistics: lessons run at a central, accessible location in downtown Lockport; the program's age range focuses on upper elementary and middle-school skill levels; and small-group projects teach communication, basic electronics, and coding fundamentals applicable to school STEM work. The club also offers a gentle introduction to Python for curious students ready to move beyond block code. Beyond the classroom, Lockport's Erie Canal heritage and nearby public spaces make it easy to pair robotics with outdoor exploration or a visit to local museums after class. Parents should expect active hands-on work that includes occasional small parts and timed challenges - great for kids who like tinkering, competition, or problem-solving. This Spring Robotics Club is a practical, playful gateway into engineering discipline: it rewards curiosity with tangible results and gives young makers a place to test ideas in a supportive environment. Whether your child wants to build a sensor-driven robot, compete in a classroom tournament, or simply learn the logic behind code, the Challenger Learning Center's program at 160 Washburn offers a clear path from idea to functioning machine. Registration is straightforward: the season fee is $200, which covers materials and daily snacks; families who need a payment plan can select "pay later" during registration and contact organizers before attending. Check the provided booking link for availability, allergy accommodations, and questions about group size or accessibility - this program fills quickly and rewards early sign-ups. Space is limited. Register today.
easy.
3 hours per session.
No special fitness required; suitable for typical elementary and middle-school energy levels
The program is for kids ages 9 through 14.
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:00–7:00 PM, March 10–May 7 at the Challenger Learning Center, 160 Washburn, Lockport.
Season fee is $200, which includes robotics supplies and a daily snack.
Yes; all LEGO Mindstorm kits, sensors, motors, and spare parts are included in the season fee.
Yes; instruction covers block-based coding and offers an introduction to Python for students ready to advance.
Notify staff about allergies when registering; families can select "pay later" and contact organizers to arrange a payment plan.
Lockport grew around the Erie Canal locks, an engineering landmark that shaped local industry and community life.
Programs encourage responsible disposal of single-use plastics and careful handling of small electronic parts to reduce waste.
Challenger Learning Center of Orleans, Niagara & Erie Counties is a science education nonprofit located in Lockport, New York. The center operates a hands-on Space Station Simulator and a professional planetarium, offering immersive STEM programs for birthday parties, school field trips, team-building events, and community gatherings. Programs include timed Space Mission experiences—ranging from 1.5-hour missions to extended 2.5- and 3-hour party formats—that place participants in simulated roles working with Mission Control on scenarios such as Expedition Mars. The facility also offers a Planetarium Party using a Digitarium Delta 4 system, private planetarium shows, and a Mobile Planetarium Rental that fits up to 20 adults or 25 children for on-site events. Younger learners can join seasonal programs such as the Robotics Club FLL Fall 2025, designed for ages 9 to 14, with flexible scheduling from August through November and a culminating competition in Buffalo. The center emphasizes hands-on problem solving, teamwork, and real-world science skills through guided simulations and interactive presentations. Staff and instructors facilitate missions and planetarium shows, and events can include space-themed celebrations with cake and pizza in designated party spaces. Facility offerings are suitable for a wide range of group sizes and ages, and equipment details like dome capacity and simulator timeframes are provided for planning. The Challenger Learning Center of Orleans, Niagara & Erie Counties supports educational outcomes by combining experiential STEM programming with community access to space science resources. Programs accommodate schools, birthday groups, scouts, and corporate teams seeking unique science-focused experiences in Western New York.
Book with Challenger Learning Center of Orleans, Niagara & Erie Counties