Chess
Chess-Ed will once again provide this exciting, dynamic, and professional chess instruction that lifts each student to a new level of expertise. Students will enjoy an engaging weekly lesson with supervised time to play with classmates. Students will grow their knowledge of the game from the basics of chess through opening theory, middle-game tactics, and end-game combinations. Students’ vocabulary and math skills will grow as well. Studies confirm that the student who plays chess does better academically. Playing chess increases IQ performance, improves memory, uses analytical and critical thinking skills, teaches problem-solving, responsibility, sportsmanship, social skills, and more. 

Soccer
Through fun drills and mini-games, children will learn basic soccer skills such as dribbling, passing, and shooting, emphasizing teamwork and fair play.  

At 1000 Watts Sports, we offer a comprehensive range of sports programs designed to foster the development of young athletes. Our mission is to instill a lifelong passion for physical activity, emphasizing teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Each session begins with a dynamic warm-up involving games and a stretching routine tailored to the sport. Following that, we will focus on gameplay. When introduced correctly, sports build hand-eye coordination, athleticism, and self-esteem. Our experienced coaches lead structured sessions that focus on developing physical fitness and strategic thinking, tailored to cater to children of all skill levels. We provide a supportive and inclusive environment where young athletes can thrive and grow physically and emotionally. By joining our programs, participants can develop essential life skills, such as sportsmanship, respect, and time management, while enjoying the many benefits of physical activity.

Bake Shop
Bake Shop is a fun exploration of tasty treats. From cupcakes to crepes, each week, we tackle a new recipe with lots of room to be creative while learning the fundamentals of measuring, mixing, reading recipes, fractions, and working together. Of course, your young chef will enjoy their sweet treat at the end of each class. A materials fee of $100 will be applied.

The Craft Corner
Welcome to the Craft Corner! In this space, we will use different art mediums to express our unique personalities, joys, and favorite things. We’ll explore various materials and techniques, from painting, drawing, sculpting, and collage. Students can experiment with colors, shapes, and textures, allowing their unique personalities to shine through their creations and create something beautiful. We will use our experiences, favorite songs, family photos, and the changing weather to maintain our inspiration and purpose.
 

Afro-Latin Dance
This class will teach the roots and fundamentals of Afro-Latin dance styles such as Merengue, Salsa, and/or Bachata. We will learn dance choreography, which will be performed at the end of the session! Maria Torres, a professional dancer, counselor at ESH, and dance/movement therapist, will lead this class. The class will incorporate activities fostering self-esteem, creativity, and expression.

Art Lab with Easel Art Studio
Art lab is a class where we explore various art making. Students will discover and play with various mediums, from drawing and painting to sculpture and printmaking. 

Karate
Our dojo has been bringing the art of Shotokan Karate to Lab for almost 15 years–instilling discipline, confidence, and self-defense skills in young minds and led by experienced black belt instructors (Sensei Jay, Sensei Alex, and Sensei Vikky). Enso Shotokan Karate offers a safe and inclusive environment where children can learn this traditional martial art's fundamental techniques and principles. Students will develop strength, agility, and coordination through focused training sessions while enhancing their mental focus and self-awareness. At Enso Shotokan Karate, we embrace the values of respect, perseverance, and integrity, creating a supportive community that encourages personal growth and teamwork. Through our carefully crafted curriculum, students will progress through belt levels, setting and achieving goals while building self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment. Join us at Enso Shotokan Karate and embark on a journey of self-discovery, physical fitness, and martial arts mastery. 

Whiffle Ball
This class will introduce the fundamentals of whiffle ball in a supportive, active environment. Students will learn basic skills like throwing, catching, and batting while enjoying friendly games and teamwork. The goal is to create an engaging experience that fosters a love for sports, builds confidence, and encourages cooperation.

Beginning Violin 

Introduce your child to the basics of violin playing through the Suzuki method of education. The Suzuki method originated in Japan, emphasizing repetition/review, listening, parental involvement, and community learning. Students in this introductory course will learn how to hold their instruments, play beginner pieces, and experience the joy of music-making with friends. The material will be repeated, so students who took the class during the winter term should not register for the spring term.
Violin rental from William Harris Lee & Co. is a requirement for participation unless your child already has a violin.
This class is not affiliated with the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools Music Department or curriculum.

Improv
Get ready to shake out the nerves and take the stage as a confident and collaborative performer! In this improvisational theatre class, you’ll learn to take action onstage with bold choices as you create characters, laugh-out-loud scenes, and confident, unscripted storytelling. Lab’s newest improv troupe will host a mini improv show right in your classroom on the last day of class!

Sculpture
If you dream it, we can build it! Join Easel Art Studio as we create amazing pieces of art using a wide range of materials, such as clay, plaster, wire, and various recyclable materials, to create 3D projects. We will sketch out our ideas, figure out materials, and sculpt to transform a flat drawing into a 3D masterpiece.

STEAM Challenge Island - Disaster Island
Give your child an unforgettable after-school experience with Challenge Island! This exciting, screen-free program offers learning and fun through hands-on, themed STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) challenges. Inspired by the bestselling I Survived book series. Our Disaster Island program brings famous historical events to life with thrilling engineering challenges. Each week, your child will join a STEAM Team of fellow explorers to tackle exciting challenges, such as surviving the Titanic disaster. These imaginative, problem-solving adventures will spark curiosity and build skills in teamwork, creativity, and engineering. Kids will work together to design, build, and create solutions to these real-world challenges, developing essential life skills like collaboration, leadership, and critical thinking. Challenge Island fosters confidence and curiosity, all while keeping kids engaged in a fun, hands-on environment.

Flag Football
Does your child love football? Join us for flag football, led by Lab school teacher Luke Murphy. We will practice sportsmanship and have healthy competitions while playing the sport we love. Classes will include instruction on fundamentals, scrimmages, and team building. We can't wait to have you with us for Thursday Night (afternoon) Football Lab School Style!

Karate
Our dojo has been bringing the art of Shotokan Karate to Lab for almost 15 years–instilling discipline, confidence, and self-defense skills in young minds and led by experienced black belt instructors (Sensei Jay, Sensei Alex, and Sensei Vikky). Enso Shotokan Karate offers a safe and inclusive environment where children can learn this traditional martial art's fundamental techniques and principles. Students will develop strength, agility, and coordination through focused training sessions while enhancing their mental focus and self-awareness. At Enso Shotokan Karate, we embrace the values of respect, perseverance, and integrity, creating a supportive community that encourages personal growth and teamwork. Through our carefully crafted curriculum, students will progress through belt levels, setting and achieving goals while building self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment. Join us at Enso Shotokan Karate and embark on a journey of self-discovery, physical fitness, and martial arts mastery. 

Little Sprouts: A Journey into the Plant World!
Get your hands dirty and watch your knowledge grow in this exciting journey into the world of plants! In "Little Sprouts," we'll explore the amazing world of plants, from tiny seeds to flourishing flowers. We'll learn about the different parts of a plant, how they work together, and what plants need to thrive. Best of all, we'll become real-life gardeners by building our very own mini-greenhouse, planting seeds, and documenting their growth throughout the course! This class offers a fun and engaging way for young learners to connect with nature, develop a love for science, and cultivate their very own green thumbs.

Basketball
Participants will focus on fundamental basketball techniques, including dribbling, shooting, and passing, and engage in activities tailored to enhance coordination and confidence.

At 1000 Watts Sports, we offer a comprehensive range of sports programs designed to foster the development of young athletes. Our mission is to instill a lifelong passion for physical activity, emphasizing teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Each session begins with a dynamic warm-up involving games and a stretching routine tailored to the sport. Following that, we will focus on gameplay. When introduced correctly, sports build hand-eye coordination, athleticism, and self-esteem. Our experienced coaches lead structured sessions that focus on developing physical fitness and strategic thinking, tailored to cater to children of all skill levels. We provide a supportive and inclusive environment where young athletes can thrive and grow physically and emotionally. By joining our programs, participants can develop essential life skills, such as sportsmanship, respect, and time management, while enjoying the many benefits of physical activity.

Lego Robotics
This junior robotics course uses a hands-on approach to STEM discovery. Students learn valuable coding concepts while tapping into their imaginations to create and program robots. Step by step, we build various cool Lego robots based around a motor and controller. Then, kids use a block-based programming language to make their creations come to life! It’s educational, cool, and FUN!

Passport to Cooking
Young chefs will learn the basics of cooking in this fun, creative class designed to encourage and engage kids while teaching skills that inspire a lifetime of joy in the kitchen. As they cook, students learn about culture, foodways, and language through food. Kids will enjoy a delicious tasting of their creations at the end of each class. All classes are vegetarian and nut-free. We can accommodate most allergies with notice. Materials fee of $100 will be applied.

Robotic Challenges
Sign up for this exciting new opportunity to design and build programmable robots using motors, sensors, gears, wheels, and other technical components. Students will learn to build, test, troubleshoot, and revise their creations to improve robot performance and participate in specific challenge events (mystery mazes, speed racing, trailer-load pulling, line-following courses, etc.). Join Lab’s Middle School Computer Science teacher, Jeremy Schwartz, in fun and engaging activities to gain practical, hands-on experience and apply critical thinking skills in programming, engineering, problem-solving, and teamwork using the LEGO EV3 Mindstorms Education program.  New projects will be introduced every term so students can up every session!

Voices on the Rise
Does your child love to sing? Making music is always more fun with friends! Join Ms. Code and Mrs. Henricks for an hour of singing beautiful and challenging music. Voices on the Rise will engage in ensemble singing focused on complex songs with partwork. This is a great alternative to private voice lessons for young children. We will learn techniques for breathing, expanding our singing range, and blending sound, all while participating in fun new songs. Singing together will become even more joyful as we apply purposeful movement to strengthen musicality. Children will learn diverse songs, rounds, and arrangements, culminating in an “informance” to showcase our learning to family and friends.

Computer Programming Challenges
Learning how to write computer programs to solve problems and create innovative digital artifacts, students participating in the “Computer Programming Challenges” activity will have fun and interact with an engaging challenge-based program. The instructor for this class will be Lab’s Middle School Computer Science teacher, Jeremy Schwartz, and the class will take place using desktop computers in a Computer Lab space. Whether a student is just starting with coding or has some programming experience, this after-school activity class can help everyone take their skills to the next level. Students can register to expand their knowledge and develop new understandings in a supportive and engaging environment. Students will have repeated opportunities to select from various simple to complex programming challenges, ranging from game design, data processing puzzles, calculation and computation riddles, etc.

Additionally, students will explore coding using block- and/or text-based languages, such as Scratch and/or Python. The curriculum for each term session will be different, allowing interested students the option to sign up for this same class in the fall, winter, and/or spring of the school year, as the content will not be repeated. Students can explore new and different critical thinking and problem-solving challenges each term.

Creative Minds Crafting Lab
Unlock your creativity with our fun and engaging Crafting Class!  Students will explore various crafting techniques, including collage, beadwork, recycled art, painting, fabric crafts, clay creations, and nature crafts. Each session is designed to develop fine motor skills, foster artistic expression, and encourage problem-solving while having fun. Our hands-on projects allow students to create beautiful art, emphasizing safety and following instructions. The class culminates in a Craft Showcase, where students can display their masterpieces. Join us for an exciting journey of creativity and imagination! Materials fee of $100 will be applied.

Creative Crafting & 3D Printing
Led by Lab’s Makerspace teacher, students will be challenged to move, build, change, and/or protect something to complete a task, using everyday items to create unique solutions. With a new daily challenge, innovation, design thinking, and team building will be practiced in each session! And talking about making things, students will also be introduced to the world of 3D designing and 3D printing at the school's maker space to fabricate cool items!

Dance Fusion
Join Sonia Perez in this very fun class. Students will move their bodies and learn choreography. They will also explore various dance styles and techniques. Dancing is very beneficial for overall health. Students will work on developing a growth mindset about dance. The goal of the class is for students to create choreography and have fun! 

Percussive Patterns: Artworks inspired by Robert Earl Paige
In this class, students explore the concept of repetition in art. Inspired by the iconic motifs by AfriCobra artist Robert Earl Paige, students will interpret Paige’s designs in their own ways, as well as create original patterns to decorate their art pieces, including painting, printmaking, sculpture, and even an immersive installation featured in the upcoming LabArts exhibit. We'll start with a visit to the Smart Museum to see Paige’s art exhibit, “Give the Drummer Some.” The title comes from James Brown's “Funky Drummer,” the most widely sampled piece of music in pop history. It is in this spirit that Paige invites us to copy his designs and use them in new ways. We’ll brainstorm ways to decorate Lab as an extension of this show, as one of the goals is to expand throughout the UChicago campus and beyond!

Fashion Forward: Digital Design Lab
Ignite your child’s creativity where style meets technology! This exciting program is perfect for young designers with a flair for fashion. While classes are conducted in person, students will use dynamic online design tools to bring their ideas to life, experimenting with fabrics, colors, and styles in a digital format that mirrors the professional fashion world. Throughout the program, students will explore the fundamentals of fashion design, from sketching and digital patternmaking to understanding fabric textures and seasonal trends. Working hands-on with tablets or laptops, they’ll develop their unique style and create virtual mock-ups of clothing, accessories, and costume pieces, all with guidance from experienced instructors. No prior design experience is necessary – just bring a love for creativity and self-expression! Alongside design skills, students will enhance their problem-solving abilities, practice teamwork, and build confidence as they showcase their work to peers. Join us for a journey that combines in-person engagement with innovative online tools to explore the world of fashion like never before!

Flag Football
This session focuses on the fundamentals of flag football, including passing, catching, and defensive strategies. Participants will engage in structured drills and practice games to enhance their understanding of the sport.

At 1000 Watts Sports, we offer a comprehensive range of sports programs designed to foster the development of young athletes. Our mission is to instill a lifelong passion for physical activity, emphasizing teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Each session begins with a dynamic warm-up involving games and a stretching routine tailored to the sport. Following that, we will focus on gameplay. When introduced correctly, sports build hand-eye coordination, athleticism, and self-esteem. Our experienced coaches lead structured sessions that focus on developing physical fitness and strategic thinking, tailored to cater to children of all skill levels. We provide a supportive and inclusive environment where young athletes can thrive and grow physically and emotionally. By joining our programs, participants will be able to develop essential life skills, such as sportsmanship, respect, and time management, while enjoying the many benefits of physical activity.

Python Quest: Story Adventure
This is an excellent introductory Python class! Students can employ creative skills to create their own Choose Your Adventure Game! Students use Python to code their own story, which changes depending on their choices while playing. Kids learn computer programming concepts like input/output, type casting, variables, random number generation, and conditional statements while creating an exciting, customized adventure.

Passport to Cooking
Young chefs will learn the basics of cooking in this fun, creative class designed to encourage and engage kids while teaching skills that inspire a lifetime of joy in the kitchen. As they cook, students learn about culture, food ways, and language through food. Kids will enjoy a delicious tasting of their creations at the end of each class. All classes are vegetarian and nut-free. We can accommodate most allergies with notice. A materials fee of $100 will be applied.

Ceramics
Students are invited to make both sculptural and functional pieces out of clay, such as bowls, cups, and sculptures—like animal figurines and pretend food. The instructor will fire the clay pieces in the kiln, and then the kids will have some options for glazing or painting them. A materials fee of $100 will be applied.

 

The Earth Guardian's Club
In this class, students will become champions of environmental stewardship. They will gain an understanding of the important connections between humans and the Earth. They will explore topics such as rock formations and fossils, learning what these features reveal about the changes that occur on our planet over time. Additionally, students will engage in an exciting hands-on project where they will recreate Antelope Canyon, learning about the significance of this land, which belongs to the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation.

Students will also investigate the remarkable adaptations of pigeons, discovering how these birds thrive in urban areas. They will participate in various projects, including building pigeon nests and going on a birdwatching adventure to observe them in their natural habitat. They will express their artistic side by designing and crafting pigeon-themed t-shirts. Furthermore, students will participate in gratitude circles that focus on the importance of water as a life source and connect with nature through a wellness Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku (forest bathing). Through these activities, students will enhance their understanding of the interconnectedness of life on Earth and the significance of conservation. The overarching goal is to instill in students an appreciation for the animals and the Earth they live on and to foster a commitment to safeguarding their natural habitats.

Mobile App Design
This introductory app development course guides students through designing and programming multiple apps while teaching coding fundamentals such as variables, data type, flow control, debugging, and object-oriented programming. Through creative thinking, problem-solving, testing, and technical skills, students will be encouraged to think about the why for each kind of app and be inspired to create every time they have a great idea! Projects include: C creating a rhythm game (similar to Guitar Hero), word games, and clicker games. Prior coding experience is not required.

STEAM Challenge Island - Disaster Island
Give your child an unforgettable after-school experience with Challenge Island! This exciting, screen-free program offers learning and fun through hands-on, themed STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) challenges. Inspired by the bestselling I Survived book series. Our Disaster Island program brings famous historical events to life with thrilling engineering challenges. Each week, your child will join a STEAM Team of fellow explorers to tackle exciting challenges, such as surviving the Titanic disaster. These imaginative, problem-solving adventures will spark curiosity and build teamwork, creativity, and engineering skills. Kids will work together to design, build, and create solutions to these real-world challenges, developing essential life skills like collaboration, leadership, and critical thinking. Challenge Island fosters confidence and curiosity, all while keeping kids engaged in a fun, hands-on environment.

Track
Each session begins with a center circle stretch, setting the tone for focus and flexibility. This is

followed by a dynamic warm-up tailored to the day's event, preparing the kids physically and mentally. The central portion of the class focuses on practicing or competing in specific track and field events, such as the 100-yard sprint, 200-yard sprint, 400-yard sprint, 100/200/400 relays, discus, shot put, hurdles, and more. Coaches ensure every activity is engaging and creative. The program concludes with a fun and friendly track and field meet, allowing participants to showcase their growth and celebrate their achievements.

Advanced Elementary Acting: Intro to Improv
Get ready to shake out the nerves and take the stage as a confident and collaborative performer! In this improvisational theatre class, you’ll learn to take action onstage with bold choices as you create characters, laugh-out-loud scenes, and confident, unscripted storytelling. Lab’s newest improv troupe will host a mini improv show right in your classroom on the last day of class!

Chess
Chess-Ed will once again provide this exciting, dynamic, and professional chess instruction that lifts each student to a new level of expertise. Students will enjoy an engaging lesson each week with supervised time to play with classmates. Students will grow their knowledge of the game from the basics of chess through opening theory, middle-game tactics, and end-game combinations. Students’ vocabulary and math skills will grow as well. Studies confirm that the student who plays chess does better academically. Playing chess increases IQ performance, improves memory, uses analytical and critical thinking skills, teaches problem-solving, responsibility, sportsmanship, social skills, and more.

Karate
Our dojo has been bringing the art of Shotokan Karate to Lab for almost 15 years–instilling discipline, confidence, and self-defense skills in young minds and led by experienced black belt instructors (Sensei Jay, Sensei Alex, and Sensei Vikky). Enso Shotokan Karate offers a safe and inclusive environment where children can learn this traditional martial art's fundamental techniques and principles. Students will develop strength, agility, and coordination through focused training sessions while enhancing their mental focus and self-awareness. At Enso Shotokan Karate, we embrace the values of respect, perseverance, and integrity, creating a supportive community that encourages personal growth and teamwork. Through our carefully crafted curriculum, students will progress through belt levels, setting and achieving goals while building self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment. Join us at Enso Shotokan Karate and embark on a journey of self-discovery, physical fitness, and martial arts mastery.

Ultimate Frisbee
Ultimate frisbee is a fun, fast-paced team sport that emphasizes teamwork and good spirited play. In this class, we will learn the basic skills and rules through drills, games, and scrimmages. All skill levels are welcome!! Each class will consist of a new skill or game, some practicing, and a scrimmage to end the day. Practices will be taught by professional players and coaches, and will include agility and Randy Moss deep cutting drills, throwing and catching practices, and lots of fun game play.