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.

All classes and workshops can be found on our calendar. MKR LAB is in the former Lewisboro Elementary School building at 79 Bouton Rd. in South Salem, NY. Find us at the left-most entrance.

Register now for Session 2

New classes and workshops for November 1 through the end of December are up on our calendar with full descriptions. Saturday, Oct. 27 is a day of workshops so you can sample a few of our classes. We also are offering workshops Nov. 1, 6, 8, 12, and 13, when local schools are closed or close early. Find those directly on our interactive calendar. We're excited to offer community classes, open to students and adults. We are responding to requests from adults, mostly our students' parents, for classes that are open to them. And we're very excited to offer Open Lab time. This is a drop-in time to come use the maker space for your individual projects. We'll be on hand if you need advice or supplies.

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