KID’S ENGINEERING CLASS: PROGRAM DETAILS
Any 2nd week $50 off • 3rd week $75 off • 4th+ week $100 off
• A five-day, Monday to Friday program:
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day
• Optional extended care:
8:00 – 9:00 a.m. $60 per week and/or
4:00 – 6:00 p.m. $120 per week
• Bring your own lunch to Lasell University.
• Apply for our Counselor in Training (CIT) program:
Rising 10th-12th grade students call (315) 773-5673
• Limited to 12 children, separate sessions for rising 5th-7th and 7th-9th grades
• Save with two or more weeks
• Scholarships available, call (315) 773-5673
• Child to instructor & assistant ratio is 6:1 or less
• Your instructor: TBA (A Scientist, Engineer, and/or Scholar)
OUR 2025 INSTRUCTOR
Patrick Brennan
Physics major at Roanoke College (GPA: 3.9/4.0)
Patrick is a research assistant in Roanoke College’s Materials Lab, using scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy to investigate nanomaterials. He helped his team finish second nationally in the NASA Starshade Competition—presenting at JPL and Stanford—and is a member of the Society of Physics Students with interests in mechanical engineering and nanotechnology.
On campus, he serves as President of the Honors College student body and the Mock Trial team, is music director of the acapella group “Roanotes” and rehearsal assistant for the choir, holds awards in both music and physics, and is an Eagle Scout. With years of experience mentoring younger students, he’s eager to begin teaching.
STEM Program Curriculum
We start with an overview on how hydraulics work within simple machines. Children then experiment with the build components in the makerspace to see how they connect and work together. A photo tour of an earth moving machine is used so your child can see its features close-up. They might also choose to model one of its hydraulic systems.
- Learn more
We also work with 1:50 scale models of Caterpillar machines for a hands-on perspective on machine design. We explore the design process and consider safety, ethics, selling an idea, cost to build, cost to maintain, and specifications.
“My child really enjoyed the program and he learned a lot! We’re looking forward to next summer, maybe for more than one week.”
– parent
“I appreciate the blend of hands-on experience with the teaching about physics. My son is really enjoying the sessions.”
– parent
“My children came home every day full of ideas and eager to return the next day. Hydraulics was unlike any other program — in the best possible way.”
– Anita Raman, mom
“This is such a fantastic program! My son loved every single minute. Edge on Science is such a hidden gem. We’re so happy we found it and will come again!”
– Cindy C., mom
An actual hydraulic cylinder, motor and a pump are provided so that our budding engineers can have a go at taking them apart. Along the way, parts are identified. Close examination reveals how they were made. When the children are done with them, the cylinder and pump are reassembled. Engineers determine the specifications for hydraulic components. By taking these apart, your child literally gets hands-on, with those specifications!
Why choose this engineering makerspace?
Our scale models of earth movers give context, strengthening your child’s understanding of how a hydraulic system can be used to do work. Children are introduced to the idea of engineering principles, and how they are applied to inventing a machine. Hands-on tinkering is an important part of the process, freeing the imagination and helping to view a problem in different ways. The makerspace components help hone your child’s spatial perception and ability to envision the geometry, the overall form, and the function of the machine they are creating and building. Finally, children are eager to share their STEM creations, simultaneously developing their social and communication skills and reinforcing what they have learned.
Claim your child’s spot in this makerspace
Calling all mechanical engineers!
