ROBOTICS 1
Grades 3-5 Monday
In this course, students will use Dash and Dot robots to learn computer science and robotics in a fun interactive way in the classroom. We will
use the robots to learn computer science concepts such as sequencing, spatial reasoning, loops and conditionals. The students will be using
two different applications that were developed specifically for these robots. The first application, called Blockly, is a drag and drop visual
programming tool that is used by schools around the world. The second application, Wonder, is a picture based language designed for
students to tinker and experiment with real world robotics. Students will have opportunities to work in small groups where they serve as
programmers, robot handlers and recorders. The lessons will incorporate STEM concepts (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) to
create solutions using the robots.
MAD SCIENCE Grades K-2 Monday or Thursday
Theme: Secret Spies and Space Ships
Children engage in exciting hands-on activities, watch spectacular demonstrations, and participate in inquiry-based discussions. For more
information, please visit their website at http://www.madscience.com/westchester
DANCE – HIPHOP Grades K-2 Monday
This dance class will provide an introduction to hip hop dance for children ages 5-9 which features kid-friendly exercises and choreography
that focus on rhythm, musicality, body isolations, and basic footwork. Instructors will break down choreography, plus add games, activities
and music history. The class will highlight coordination, body awareness, self esteem and confidence and a fun and non-competitive
environment. Please bring water, fitness sneakers/rubber-soled shoes, and wear comfortable clothes
FINE ARTS All Grades Monday
Students will learn specific details about individual artists and focus on many fine art skills and personal creative expression. They will
practice using ink, crayons, charcoal, soft pastels, acrylic and watercolor materials, just to name a few. This is an opportunity for students to
enjoy and be inspired by various artists in history, and recreate finished paintings, prints, etching and sculptures. They can also design trading
cards, posters, framing and art books.
GAGA onsite in the gym Grades 2-5 Monday
Kids go gaga for Gaga! Join Mr. Delgado and Mr. Jeremy who will facilitate students in our very own gaga pit in the gym for 1 hour of Gaga-
fun! Gaga is a fast paced, high energy game played in an octagonal pit with a soft foam ball, that combines the skills of dodging, striking,
running, and jumping, while trying to hit opponents with a ball below the knees. Players need to keep moving to avoid getting hit by the ball.
Dress: Please wear sneakers and comfortable clothing. Children whose shoes are not appropriate for the gym will not participate.
BASEBALL offsite at Sluggers Academy All Grades Monday
Batter up! Sluggers Baseball Academy (SBA) will introduce baseball to new players and will continue to develop experienced players. The
academy will cover skills in pitching, hitting, base running, and infield play and more. Fun and innovative drills improve your child’s ability
and increase his/her confidence. Students will be divided into groups according to their ability and age. For more information, please visit
their website at http://www.nysluggers.net
SBA will pick up the children at Lower Lab and drive to their complex located less than 4 miles from school (728 East 136th Street, Bronx),
where they will have one hour of baseball instruction. The bus will arrive back at Lower Lab at 4:45pm. Pick-up is from Lower Lab.
Dress: Please wear sneakers and comfortable clothing.
MUSIC K-2 Tuesday
This unique class, modeled after the highly individualized Music House approach, will be taught by the original Founder/Director Meryl
Danziger! Through hands-on experiences, each child will discover and nurture his/her own inner musician. Guided exploration of string,
mallet, keyboard and percussion instruments will help students learn the basics of improvisation, playing by ear and music literacy. Activities
will include singing, drama and songwriting. This comprehensive musical adventure will lay the foundation for all future music appreciation.
For more information or questions, please contact her at mdanzigernyc@gmail.com
SPORTS Grades K-1 (3-4pm), Grades 2-5 (3-5pm) Tuesday
Simply Sports is back! Promoting Fun… Friendship… and Fair Play. Each week, Simply Sports coaches will lead the children in a variety of
sports activities designed to keep them ALL moving! Games for younger children include dodgeball, kickball, soccer and more. For the older
kids, they will also play flag-football. For more information visit their website at https://simplysports.net
There will be two classes run concurrently with the different age groups. Grades K-1 class runs from 3 – 4pm and grades 2-5 run from 3 -5
pm. In nice weather, they may play outside in the school yard or the “L” yard near the 95th street entrance.
DRAMAZONE – Theatre Grade K-2 Tuesday
DramaZone® Musical Theatre Show Class – Sound of Music K-2 from 3-5 pm.
The hills are alive with the all time favorite musical The Sound of Music, here at Lower Lab! Taught by the pros at the DramaZone, this class
culminates in a show for Friends and Family at the end of the semester. Each week children learn singing, dancing and acting! All talents
welcome and groups numbers are emphasized, those with experience may be featured. Dancing teaches coordination, singing teaches
rhythm and improves math through counting, while acting increases speech and diction. Sign up and have a blast while there is still room
available! No experience necessary, all talents welcome. Dress: Comfortable clothing and sneakers for all! Shorts under dresses required. No
experience necessary.
SOCCER Grades K-1 Wednesday
Have fun with your classmates in our soccer class with Simply Sports! Promoting Fun… Friendship… and Fair Play. For more information visit
their website at https://simplysports.net. Class will be held outside in the school yard or the gym.
NEWSPAPER CLUB Grades 1-5 Wednesday
Are you interested in being part of the Lower Lab Kids Newspaper? Join this club if you want to write about topics that are happening in
school, worldwide events, poetry, comics, and stories. You will write, edit, publish, and takes photos and videos that will be shared with the
school community.
This club will be facilitated by Lower Lab teaching assistants and with Ms. Perez, our Assistant Principal as an Advisor and Chief Editor.
STOP MOTION ANIMATION – Mythical Creatures Grades K-2 Wednesday
Theme: Mythical Creatures, Made Up Monsters, and Magical Unicorns
Students will create their own repertoire of mystical creatures! They will come up with names, characteristics, and designs for these new
beings. They will then use professional grade animation software and equipment to bring these creatures to life!
COMPUTER SCIENCE 1 Grades 1-2 Wednesday
This course will offer 1st and 2nd grade students a formal introduction or chance to review computer science education by teaching them
block based programming using course 2 of code.org, scratch jr, Kodable and dash & dot robots. Students will be expected to complete
stages 1 to 6, 9, 10, 12 to 16 and 18 of course 2 from code.org. Students will complete stage 17 creating a digital story with the possible
theme of a “Digital Footprint. By the end of this course, students will be able to demonstrate how to complete a program using appropriate
blocks, correct sequence and optimal number of blocks. Computer Science practices will include algorithms, sequencing, loops, debugging
and events.
Computer Science 1 follows the same curriculum as Spring Semester 2017.
COMPUTER SCIENCE 2 Grades 3-5 Thursday
This course will offer 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students an opportunity to explore more sophisticated text block based programming. Students
will build on content vocabulary and practices. Computer Science practices will include algorithms, sequencing, loops, debugging, events and
conditionals. Students will use course 3 of code.org, codemonkey, pencilcode.net and dash & dot robotics. By the end of this course, students
will be able to demonstrate how to complete a program using appropriate blocks, correct sequence and optimal number of blocks. Students
will also be able to communicate to the teacher and peers a clear understanding of computer science practices.
Computer Science 2 follows the same curriculum as Spring Semester 2017.
GO All Grades Wednesday
For a new challenge in strategizing and game-playing, try Go! One of mankind’s oldest and cleverest games, Go is getting a new round of
attention with current challenges from artificial intelligence and a recent documentary (https://www.surroundinggamemovie.com/) – but kids
will be drawn to the thrill of finding ways to surround their opponent. It might look simple at first but the complexity will pull you in! Our Go
class will be taught by highly ranked, professional Go player Mingming Yin, who is also president of the New York Go Association and coach of
the MIT Go club.
Spanish Grades K -2 Wednesday
Teaching Spanish to children at a young age will give them a big advantage in their future and a full immersion program is the most natural
way to learn a language.
Spanish After School will introduce children to the Spanish language through interactive immersion activities in a fun and safe environment.
We will incorporate games (digital technology and physical), songs, movies and stories to introduce alphabet, sounds, vocabulary and
conversational Spanish. Spanish is taught by Emmanuelle Bordas, Spanish teacher at Lower Lab.
ICE SKATING OFF-SITE-City Ice Pavilion Grades K-5 Wednesday
The Skating School at City Ice Pavilion will take your child’s skating to new heights! City Ice Pavilion’s private van will pick up your child from
Lower Lab and take him/her to the ice rink (located just over the bridge in Long Island City) for skating instruction. Skates will be provided. In
order to skate, helmets are mandatory and must be brought from home. There are 30 minutes of instruction and 30 minutes of free skating,
which will run from approximately 3:50 – 4:50pm. Depending upon the level of skill, figure skating and/or basic hockey skills may be offered.
Children are in separate classes depending on their abilities. For more information, please visit http://www.cityicepavilion.com/
The bus will arrive back at Lower Lab at approximately 5:15. Please allow for delays based on traffic conditions. Children will be dismissed to
parents or caregivers directly from the van and school representatives are not present. On-time pick-up is a must!
LEGO FUN Grades K-2 Thursday
Have fun with your friends and play with Legos. This class will introduce teamwork, observation, creative thinking and problem-solving skills
all while encouraging the use of creativity and imagination to build the most amazing creations!
FLAG FOOTBALL OFF-SITE/school yard/TBD Grades 3-5 Thursday
Through the spring semester, students will develop positional skills (catching, throwing, and route running just to name a few), build their
self-confidence, as well as increase their speed and agility. Our curriculum is designed to maximize time and most importantly, to keep
children engaged and having fun! Each class will begin with warm ups and stretching, a “lesson of the day”, and games to help put these
newly learned skills into practice! For more information about Huddle Up NYC or Coach Rob you can go to www.huddleupnyc.com.
Location: TBD/possibly Marx Brothers Playground or Lower Lab yard. Pick up is from Lower Lab at 4:45 pm.
TENNIS OFF-SITE at Sheridan Fencing Academy Grades K-2 Thursday
Our QuickStart tennis program for starting your children grades K –2nd in learning the fundamentals of tennis in our fun and exciting
program! This class will utilize a Quickstart modified tennis court which is a 60ft long court, enabling your child to accelerate his or her
learning and skills. The class will be an introduction for junior novice players consisting of grip techniques, stroke production, enhancement of
motor skills and racquet skills, tennis etiquette, and rules of the game. Our kid friendly instructors teach the ground rules of tennis in a
socially fun environment. Emphasis is placed on teaching the enjoyment of tennis with positive reinforcement while getting the kids ready for
the next level. Our goals are: 1) to develop the child’s athletic skill so he or she learns to enjoy the game 2) to learn the fundamentals of
tennis and 3) to promote an attitude whereby the child has the desire and courage to learn something new.
Pick-up is from the Sheridan Fencing Academy (1801 1st Ave. between 93rd
and 94th St.) at 4:00pm or from school at 5pm with enrollment in
aftercare.
CHESS All Grades Friday
New York City Chess’s philosophy in Chess Instruction is to emphasize sport and fun and to provide as much chess instruction as benefits each
child. By doing so and by providing supervised, spirited play, children associate Chess with fun, allowing larger numbers of them to become
proficient and perhaps ultimately excel in the great game of Chess.
In keeping with this principle New York City Chess has created a special curriculum for Lower Lab that ensures each student will continue to
come back for more and to love it! For more information, please visit their website at http://www.chessnyc.com/
Beginners: Grades K & 1:
For our youngest students, a Head Start Chess Program without the added pressure of older children in the room. Kindergarten children
can be moved to higher level classes after a few weeks of evaluation and instructor approval.
Intermediate: Grades 1 – 5:
Students will enjoy games, some chess history, and fun “tournament like” activities. They receive training according to their individual
levels, and will be split into groups based on age and instructor recommendation.
Advanced: Grades 2 – 5:
This group will enjoy more advanced instructions, tactical game plans, tournament preparation and fun-filled chess activities. Children
will be split into groups based on instructor recommendation. Children in the advanced class should be a USCF member and participate
in weekend tournaments throughout the school year.
YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS – Drama Zone Grades K-2 Friday
Let your creative juices flow for the youngest playwright. Children write, direct and act in their very own creations. Guided by our
Expert DramaZone Staff children learn the art of story telling based on favorite plays, fairy tales, and modern media all for the Youngest
Playwright! Kindergarteners and all grades are welcome as you are never too young or too old to create your own plays! This class is rounded
out with fun improvisational theater games to spark the creative spirit. All exercises develop speech, imagination, confidence, public speaking
and quick thinking. Whether you are shy or you like to be out in front this class offers something for everyone.
ROCK BOULDERING OFF-SITE Steep Rock Bouldering Grades 2-5 Friday
Children will be escorted to Steep Rock Bouldering. It’s a boutique climbing gym located at 1506 Lexington Ave (near 97th Street) that caters
towards kids’ love for climbing walls. Steep Rock offers bouldering for different skill levels and abilities and is an excellent environment for
kids to challenge themselves mentally and physically. With carefully thought out climbing routes, seamless padding throughout the gym, and
skilled staff, Steep Rock ensures that all have an excellent time, and get a great work out too. For more information, please visit their website
at http://www.srbnyc.com/. Class runs from 3-4 pm. Optional extended care until 5pm is included with this class. Pick-up is from Lower Lab
at 5pm or at Steep Rock at 3:55 pm.
ROBOTICS 2 Grades 3-5 Friday
In this course, students will build on their knowledge and experiences from Robotics 1 by using advanced computer science concepts such as
nested loops, debugging, function calls and conditionals that enable Dash to make a variety of choices. Students will work in smalls groups to
complete missions in the Wonder League Robotics competition. For this competition, students will be required to complete at least three
challenges per mission using Dash and Dot in either the Wonder or Blockly applications. Students will also write about their experiences in a
log book. In addition to completing Wonder League challenges, students will receive cross-curricular, project based lessons that apply coding
concepts to Math, Science, English Language Arts, Social Studies and Art.
MUST HAVE TAKEN ROBOTICS 1 to take ROBOTICS 2.
MANDARIN
Beginners Grades K-3 Monday
Mandarin Language classes for absolute beginners at Lower Lab! China Institute – one of the premier Chinese cultural institutions and
Mandarin schools in New York will be teaching this course. This Monday class welcomes children who have no prior Mandarin experience.
China Institute has a well-developed curriculum progression that engages children through thematic units. In this class, with a size no more
than 12 students, students will have a fun learning experience in an interactive environment through a variety of age-appropriate activities,
games, songs, etc. In addition to listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, students will also develop social skills and learning habits
through our program.
Intermediate/Advanced All Grades Thursdays
Mandarin language classes continue at Lower Lab! Our Thursday Mandarin classes provided by China Institute are for returning students from
Spring 2017 Thursday classes, or students who either speak Mandarin at home with families or caregivers, or who have prior Mandarin
learning experiences. With theme-based curricula, the small-sized classes will be further divided by age and proficiency levels, and will be
taught through age appropriate activities with a dynamic, interactive approach. The curriculum is designed to develop and reinforce language
skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing related to everyday life situations.
EXTENDED CARE – Lower Lab TAs All Grades Mon-Fri
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays from 4:00 – 5:00 pm
This option is only for students enrolled in the afterschool program with a class that concludes between 4:00 and 4:30pm. Students will have
quiet time in a classroom to read, do homework, play games or chat with friends. TAs will supervise the students. Children must be picked
up by 5:00pm from a Lower Lab classroom. There is no busing home.
Please note, information contained in this brochure, including dates, schedules, policies and procedures, is subject to change, in the sole
discretion of the After School Program.
LIONS RUNNING CLUB Grades 2-5 Monday, Tuesday
Lions Running Club: Tuesday at at 7:30 am to 8:00 am for grades 2-3
This club will provide our 2nd and 3rd grade students with additional physical activities that develop proper running technique, pacing,
athletic skills and race strategy. We will introduce students to track and field activities such as distance races, sprints, long jump, shot put and
relays. Students will set a personal goal to run a total of 6 miles by the end of school year. We will also mix PE friendly games into our lessons
such as castle ball, capture the flag and wacky relays. Students are required to wear athletic attire and bring a water bottle to the gymnasium.
This club is highly recommended for students that want to compete in organized races and New York Road Runner Jamborees. The overall
goal of this club is to make running and athletic games fun and exciting for students.
Lions Running Club: Monday at 7:30 am to 8:00 am for grades 4-5
This club will prepare our 4th and 5th grade students for participation in the New York Road Runners Developmental Track and Field Series
this spring. We will review proper running technique, pacing, starts and race strategies. In addition, students will set a personal goal to run a
total of 13 miles in the class. We will train using a variety of lesson formats such as fitness circuits, distance runs and interval training.
Students will practice all the events offered in a track meet such as 100 meter, 200 meter, 400 meter, long jump and shot put. We will use
both static and dynamic stretches to improve flexibility as well as muscular exercises that improve core strength. Students are required to
wear athletic attire and bring a water bottle to the gymnasium. This club is highly recommended for students that wish to compete in the All-
City Track Championships at Icahn stadium.
The Lions Running Club is not a part of the Afterschool program. Please contact Mr. Goodman at mgoodman@lowerlab.org with any
questions.