MKR LAB

Welcome to MKR LAB, a new makerspace in Northern Westchester

MKR LAB offers science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) classes & workshops. Our goal is to give students the tools they need to unlock their creativity in designing the tech they want to see, enabling them to be creators, not mere consumers. We explore coding, robotics, engineering, physics, electricity and circuitry, graphic design, game design and much more.

MKR LAB Now Open @ Lewisboro Elementary This September

Our new on-going programs for elementary, middle and high school students are up and we have workshops on the schedule for days school is closed. All classes and workshops can be found on our calendar. Mondays and Thursdays we'll also have Open Lab time from 3 - 3:30 pm. JJMS students can take the bus (#18) straight from school and join us then to work on individual projects, tinker, or get some homework done. Or they can help us test out new products and experiments. There's no charge for this Open Lab time. JJHS students also can take bus #18 straight to MKR LAB at LES. Increase Miller students also can take the bus (#7) right to our maker space.

Student-Centered Approach

Our age and grade guidelines are just that: guidelines. As parents with 3 kids of our own, we know first-hand that kids don't all grow and mature at the same rate. We also know that interest and determination are big motivators, and so we are flexible. If you're unsure whether a class will be a good fit, contact us and we'll help you out

Build it From Scratch

One of our goals is to unleash students' creativity. To maximize that, we like to use widely available components and open source languages whenever possible. Students learn how every single component works and how to incorporate it into projects. We give them the tools they need to build whatever they can imagine.

Engineering Design Process = Grit

We look for opportunities to engage students in the engineering design process. Students are excited to use their creativity and are invested in the outcome when they do. We emphasize iteration: testing out a design, observing what works and where we can improve, then redesign, test and repeat. This develops grit, perseverance, and the self confidence that comes with knowing you can achieve your goals.

College-Level Content

In our classes using the Raspberry Pi, microcontrollers, including Arduino, and our IOT (Internet of Things) workshops, students will be doing projects often done at colleges. We will push the limits of what can be done with microcontrollers and students who are ready can edit code to maximize functions or they can simply modify the physical design. They can code with object-oriented techniques or simply make LEDs flash. It depends on student interest and ability. We can meet students where they are. These classes are designed to complement local schools' AP Computer Science and Robotics classes. And yes, we open them up to middle schoolers too because we know they can do the work.

ABOUT US

Clark Landis has developed derivatives trading systems for banks and other financial institutions. He has a passion for programming and pushing technical boundaries. Clark holds an MS in computer science from Columbia University, an MS in physics from Yale, and a BA in physics and math from Columbia University. Sarah Landis is the head trader of private hedge fund specializing in the volatility markets. She also is a certified yoga teacher, one-time webmaster and lifelong maker. We have 3 children together.

QUESTIONS?

Have a question or suggestion? Is there a specific class you want to see? We want to know! We're also available to bring STEAM projects to local groups. Type "mailing list" in the Question/Comment section below and we'll add you to our mailing list.

INSPIRING STEAM CREATORS