---

Spring registration is underway for Sprockets,  a collaboration between Cowerks and Lakehouse Music Academy.

Sprockets, a children’s computer science and technology enrichment [STEM] program, will offer courses and a summer camp program for kids ages 6 to 12, officials announced Wednesday.

“It was only after conducting a few Hour-of-Code events for ages 4-14 that left the students, parents, mentors and organizers buzzing with excitement, that it became undeniable that there needed to be space there for kids too,” said Cowerks cofounder Bret Morgan in a written statement.

Cowerks is a collaborative workspace for freelancers and programmers that offers adult workshops and courses at their space in the Lakehouse Academy building.

The debut series includes an Intro to Computer Science, a course that will explore programming through computerized and “unplugged” activities, Morgan said.

With the use of visual building block commands, students participate in play, experiments and problem solving tasks as they create lines of codes. The “unplugged” activities include everything from choreographed dance moves to instructing teammates on how to create art with a set of commands, Morgan said.

“I see the Sprockets courses as an open door leading to a long road paved with opportunities,” Nina Saporta said in a written statement.

Saporta will be leading the first iteration of the Intro to Computer Science course, Morgan said.

“As a mother, computer programmer, and teacher, I’ve been able to observe the impact that learning Computer Science concepts has on kids,” Saporta said. “Critical thinking and problem solving are lifelong skills that become second nature when introduced at a young age. Gaining a solid foundation in computer science will be the launching platform for these students regardless of which field they pursue.”

The course will be split into three 4-week long sessions beginning May 4.

Two summer camp sessions will be held in June and July, Morgan said. The 4-day intensive Computer Science overview will incorporates portions of the longer program.

Developing programs include: Intermediate Computer Science, Advanced Computer Science, Intro to Making with Littlebits, Intro to Electronics with Arduino, Intro to 3D Printing and Scanning, Computer Science for Middle School, Intro to Game making, Intermediate Game making and Advanced Game making, Morgan said.

For more information visit www.LearnWithSprockets.com.

——————————————–

Follow the Asbury Park Sun on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

---