In 2013, Jennifer Romanoff, Ed.M., had a lightbulb moment when she and her husband were playfully discussing the idea of leaving his job to play with magnetic tiles instead. This sparked the idea for Genius Gems, an innovative space for children to learn through play. Each visit to our facility brings something new and exciting, with our hands-on, creativity-based activities designed to foster critical thinking and collaboration with peers. Our curriculum is based on the 4 P's - projects, passion, peers, and play - and was developed by an experienced educator. We are inspired by the work of MIT Media Lab Professor Mitchell Resnick, who argues that the world needs more designers, thinkers, and innovators. At Genius Gems, we strive to foster these skills in our young patrons, so that they may be prepared to meet the challenges of the future.
Join children ages 4-6 in this drop program for a 2 hour drop off program for STEM experiments, a science story, snack time and free play with science activities and experiments. This spring, we will garden on our outdoor terrace, and learn about the plant lifecycle in the process! We will also grow and hatch butterflies. Children must be at least 4 years of age by the first day of class to participate. This is a drop off program. Courses will be different, students can attend one or more times (Mondays, 9:30-11:30, Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30). Monday and Tuesday will offer different activities; you can sign up for one or both days. Please pack a water bottle and snack. There is no class on Memorial Day.
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SPRING 2023 CODING AND ROBOTICS (NJ) (K-2nd Grade)
This class is designed as a continuation of the current session, and we also welcome new students in kindergarten through second grade to the exciting world of programming! Students will use block coding and symbol-based programming tools such as MIT Media Lab program Scratch, and robots such as Ozobot, Sphero and Dash to learn a beginning foundation in coding. Through the use of app-based coding programs, students will be able to code robots to move, light up and speak, and they will also be able to design digital stories, games, and gain a foundation for the basics of coding. This class is a continuation of the current K-2nd curriculum. New students that wish to join the class should have a basic foundation in beginner reading. They should be able to read sight words and basic sentences.
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SPRING 2023 ENGINEERING CLASSES (NJ) (1st-3rd grade)
Calling all engineers and inventors! Learn about the intersection of art and engineering through a series of hands-on engineering projects. Engineers will learn about LEDs, circuitry, batteries, motors, and the exciting world of 3D printing. An art component is incorporated into many of the projects. New and continuing students are welcome; the projects will be different from the previous semester.