Spring Robotics & FLL Skills Lab

Robotics & FLL Prep

The Spring Robotics & FLL Skills Lab is a 14-week after-school program where students in grades 4–8 build foundational engineering, coding, and teamwork skills using LEGO SPIKE Prime robotics kits. The program splits time equally between hands-on robotics fundamentals and direct preparation for FIRST LEGO League (FLL) competition.

To keep the energy high, the curriculum includes creative “fun builds” from RoboCamp and FLLCasts sprinkled throughout — projects like a Dancer Robot, Catapult Launcher, Arcade Game Console, and a Labyrinth Game that reinforce real engineering skills through play.

Students who complete the spring lab are directly prepared to join our competitive FLL team in the fall. The program culminates in a family showcase where students demo their robots, present their Innovation Projects, and celebrate 14 weeks of growth.

Program Spring Robotics & FLL Skills Lab

Ages Grades 4–8 (ages 9–14)

Category Robotics & FLL Prep

Schedule Thursdays, 4:30–6:30 PM

Dates March 19 – June 25, 2026

Platform LEGO SPIKE Prime

Class Size 8–12 students

Location 10 Carpenter Avenue, Newburgh, NY

Cost Scholarships available

Enroll on AfterSchoolHQ →

What Students Learn

Learning outcomes

LEGO SPIKE Prime robot design, building, and programming
Motor control, sensor integration, and autonomous navigation
Mechanical design: gears, levers, linkages, and attachments
Advanced coding: functions (My Blocks), variables, loops, and conditionals
FLL competition skills: Robot Game strategy, mission sequencing, and timed runs
Innovation Project: identifying real-world problems and proposing solutions
FLL Core Values: teamwork, discovery, inclusion, and gracious professionalism
Presentation and public speaking for judges and families

14-Week Curriculum

Program structure

The program is divided into four phases, each building on the last. Fun builds from RoboCamp and FLLCasts are woven into every phase to keep sessions creative and engaging.

Weeks 1–4 · Foundations

SPIKE Prime Basics

Motors, sensors, mechanisms, and precision driving. Fun builds: Dancer Robot, Larvy Caterpillar, Catapult Launcher.

Weeks 5–8 · FLL Skills

FLL Introduction & Innovation

Robot Game strategy, mission solving, and Innovation Project research. Fun build: Spirograph Art Machine.

Weeks 9–12 · Competition Prep

Advanced Skills & Mock Competition

Multi-mission programming, robot design optimization, Core Values, and a full mock competition. Fun builds: Arcade Game, Joystick Crane.

Weeks 13–14 · Showcase

Final Polish & Family Showcase

Final refinements, presentation rehearsal, and a family showcase event with live robot demos and awards. Fun build: Labyrinth Game.

Gallery

In the studio

Students building robots in the Spring Robotics Lab

Instructor

Meet your instructor

👤

[Instructor Name]

Spring Robotics & FLL Skills Lab Instructor · Newburgh Creates

For Educators

Teacher resources

Curriculum guides, session plans, materials checklists, and program materials for Spring Robotics & FLL Skills Lab instructors are available in the teacher portal.

Access Teacher Portal →

Ready to join?

Enroll in Spring Robotics & FLL Skills Lab

Open to students in grades 4–8 in the Hudson Valley. Thursdays, 4:30–6:30 PM, March 19 – June 25, 2026. Scholarships available — no student is turned away due to cost.

Enroll on AfterSchoolHQ → Ask a Question →