LabSpace Robotics in the Capital Mall is now offering more courses than ever where families can experiment with variety of equipment and programs at an affordable price.
Having served as a 4-H robotics coach for 10 years and seeing an increasing interest in computers and robotics among children, LabSpace owner Annette Alberts decided to start a 4-H entrepreneurship project with her children Zak, Max and Tessa Uhlmann.
“My children and I have spent four years of our lives trying to make it just the sort of place we always wished existed,” Alberts said.
Having worked to expand their knowledge in robotics, LabSpace now provides more STEAM-focused courses (science, technology, engineering, art and math), ranging from art, such as stop motion animation, digital illustration, comic strip design, game design and traditional animation — all taught with free software to let students use in classes and at home.
The teachers at LabSpace have also made it their goal to make topics such as science, math and music more fun with hands-on activities and giving students extra time for projects that they may not get the chance to do during school.
“My favorite story is from the summer Math Ninja Camp, summer 2018,” said teacher Jennifer Markway, who directed Math Camp last summer and plans to direct Engineering Camp this summer. “On the first day, every single child succinctly informed me that they were ONLY present because mom/dad/granny promised them something in return for attending the first day. For some, it was a new video game or a trip to a pizza place in Columbia, but each child was, in fact, bribed to attend Math Camp.
“That was Monday. By Wednesday, I had two parents who informed me that their children were so eager to get to camp they woke their parents up early so that they wouldn’t risk being late for camp. By Friday, not one single child had dropped out and each and every one of them were fully engaged in the activities and happy to be there. They collaborated and attempted to bribe me to do it again the following week,” she said.
Markway added she was excited to see children switch from hating math to being eager to learn more in just a matter of days.
“When children are encouraged to seek answers in a science rich environment, wonderful connections and meaningful learning takes place,” said Laura Loyborg, who teaches LabSpace’s science courses. “LabSpace has the personnel, equipment and a mission to deliver science concepts. The best part is seeing children’s eyes light up when a science concept is ‘discovered’ by them via hands-on, minds-on activities.”
LabSpace strives to keep the courses affordable for families with several subjects offered through multiple course packages or with single course rates. This is made possible through the donations of items for student crafts and projects, but students can also earn the option to become interns to help pay for their classes.
“Our hope is to grow the current LabSpace students to the point where they can step in to intern and teaching positions and pass the knowledge on to another generation,” Alberts said. “We encourage students to step into interning with younger students as soon as they can. While interns aren’t paid, they can take any LabSpace classes for free.”
For more advanced courses, there are some age or grade requirements. However, if you’d like to include younger children or grandchildren, LabSpace can give them a head start with problem solving and creativity through their LabSpace Maker Camps.
Course projects typically use recyclables and everyday materials found around the house so children can transfer their skills to at-home projects. Children can learn to make things such as craft stick bow and arrows, rubber band wind-up racers, balloon cars, marker tie dye art, valentine cards and storybooks. Other activities involve numerous musical elements.
“The wonder of getting to explore the world through the eyes of a 2 or 3 year old, the joy of singing and making music together, the fun of finger painting and playing in shaving cream — all the while knowing they’re having just as much fun as they develop fine motor skills, learn self-control and sharing,” Alberts explained of the benefits of the courses.
Adults can also join in on the fun during family night courses. Whether it’s math, science or a new experiment, LabSpace will provide knowledge and pizza as families get to spend quality time together.
“When our son showed an interest in robotics types of activities, we searched to find a place to explore this interest, and LabSpace was a jewel of a discovery,” mother Kelly L. Benson said. “We have participated in several events and classes and our family always feels welcome and we learn so much. We love the comfortable atmosphere and the mix of one-time events and multi-week classes. No matter which activity we are doing, we feel supported and our children feel free to explore and learn with items that are difficult for most kids to have access to.
“Robotics, engineering and general STEAM activities can be challenging for parents to invest in financially, not to mention, the baseline knowledge necessary to assist children with beginning coding concepts, etc. We are so impressed with the technology LabSpace has to offer while keeping the experiences so affordable and accessible.”
Although LabSpace already offers a variety of courses for families to enjoy, they still have plans grow over time.
“We hope to continue to grow the diversity of classes that we offer to better serve our students,” Alberts said. “We are planning programs to attract students from around the state. Our Girl Scouts robotics classes have been very popular and are attracting troops from Booneville, Columbia and the Lake of the Ozarks.”
To find more information about LabSpace courses and view a schedule of their upcoming camps and events, visit labspacerobotics.com or call them at 573-645-0800.