Unleash your creativity with our exciting STEAM educational course, where Minecraft's blocky characters come to life as toys! Join us for an eight-session journey into toy design and manufacturing for aspiring young designers ages 8-13. With PCL (polycaprolactone), a kid-safe biodegradable plastic, you'll be able to imagine/design/draft/prototype/manufacture your very own toys, including human characters like Steve and Alex as well as animals...even the elusive axolotl.

This course is a great starting point to develop 3D problem-solving skills and foster ownership over your creations. You'll learn to make improvements to existing designs, creating toys with more moving joints (as well as how those joints actually work) and custom modifications that surpass, in some cases, store-bought products. The skills you acquire in this program, especially in working with PCL, will seamlessly cross over with our other blocks, enabling you to build on your knowledge in various STEAM disciplines.

(Note: If your aspiring designer is over 13 or has non-Minecraft interests in toy manufacturing, please reach out to us so we can discuss possible accommodations/modifications.)

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

Engaging Challenges: Experience a stimulating and ever-evolving curriculum that presents exciting challenges tailored to your aspiring designer's age and skill level. Each session introduces novel concepts and thought-provoking tasks, ensuring a consistently fresh and dynamic learning environment.

Project-Based Learning: Immerse yourself in hands-on projects where you'll create your very own toy figurines, regardless of whether they're human, zombie, chickens, or even chicken zombies! Learn the entire process of designing, drafting, and manufacturing skills while crafting eye-catching toys with articulating joints to bring your imaginative ideas to life.

Iterative Design: Discover the invaluable lessons of testing and iteration as you refine your toy prototypes through a series of design cycles. This iterative process will instill in you a deep understanding of the importance of feedback and continuous improvement.

Mold-making with Safe and Innovative Materials: Delve into the world of plastics manufacturing using silicone molds and kid-safe casting materials such as biodegradable PCL plastic (aka polycaprolactone). Learn about the intersection of creativity and sustainability as you craft toys with moving joints that are both safe for play and friendly to the environment.

Expert Guidance: Benefit from the guidance of experienced instructors who are passionate about fostering creativity and innovation. Our dedicated team will be by your side, offering mentorship and support as you navigate the exciting challenges of toy manufacturing and design.

Flexible Schedule: Our program offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate various commitments. Choose from [Specify Schedule Options: Weekly Sessions, Weekend Workshops, etc.] to fit your preferences.

(Note: Safety and age-appropriate challenges are central to our program's philosophy. Materials and supplies are included in the program fee.)