ABOUT US
The Brick Lab is on a mission to change enrichment learning one brick at a time.
Our Approach
At The Brick Lab we believe learning should be fun. This is why we use LEGO® to teach and build upon core academic, social, and emotional topics one brick at a time. When learning feels like play, students are more likely to retain information, apply skills to their daily lives, and are eager to learn more.
Why focus on STEAM?
Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math are important academic subject that provide students with a solid foundation for future study and success. For this reason we at The Brick Lab strive to introduce students to these topics in hands-on and accessible ways ... like brick building. However, more important than the academic knowledge found in STEAM topics are the core life, social, and emotional skills their study allows students to practice in daily life.
Science
LEGO® Education has created an amazing curriculum designed for introducing students to physics and other science topics. At Brick Lab we expand upon this curriculum helping students to develop their problem solving and adaptability skills.
Technology
Technic™, motorized pieces, and programable functions are just some of the amazing technology found in modern LEGO® builds. Working with these different technologies students will reinforce their critical thinking skills with each build.
Engineering
Every LEGO® build, big or small, requires engineering and planning. That is why brick building is the perfect way for students to practice project planning and time management. The best part is, students just think they are having fun!
Art
Artistic elements are what give character to every LEGO® build. By actively practicing creative usages for LEGO® bricks through SNOT, NPU, Greebles, and SigFigs students are able to grow their creativity and decision making skills.
Math
Engaging group challenges and projects put the fun back into math fundamentals. Learning patience and communication skills in a safe, creative, and supportive environment allows students to grow far beyond their academic ability.
Past
Most of us can remember getting at least one LEGO® set as kids and the excitement building that set brought. The same is true of our Master Builder Instructors. We use that same excitement for LEGO® to inspire learning in the next generation.
Present
With a successful first session at Vine Hill Elementary in spring 2023 The Brick Lab team is excited to expand our programs to Brook Knoll Elementary. In August of 2023 we will also launch our out-of-school activities like birthday packages.
Future
If classes demonstrate a demand for a LEGO® community in Scotts Valley then we plan to expand. Not only do we hope to offer after school programs at all Scotts Valley Unified schools, but we also want to open a LEGO® makerspace for all ages.
Committed to Excellence
At The Brick Lab we are committed to providing the highest level of academic, social, and emotional enrichment that a sophisticated acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic interlocking brick system can deliver. While we certainly do put an emphasis on fun and we don't take ourselves too seriously, there is nothing more important to us than the safety and security of each student.
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This is why we have committed ourselves to these 3 Pillars of Excellence.
3 Pillars of Excellence
Inclusivity
Above all else we believe in and practice inclusivity. We hold strongly to the idea that students of every race, religion, creed, sex, gender, culture and background should feel safe and supported at all times, but especially while learning.
Individualized Attention
We understand that students' unique learning differences, abilities, and styles are best supported through individualized attention. For this reason we strive to maintain a 1:5 instructor to student ration in all classes with a guarantee of 1:7.
Safety
The safety and security of students is of the utmost importance. All employees are required to be fingerprinted, back ground checked, and submit a negative TB test to the Scotts Valley Unified School District in order to be hired as an instructor with The Brick Lab.