Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia

Course Descriptions

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia

A Fun Variety Of Programs To Enhance Learning

Finding positive-focused activities, that also help your child learn, is notoriously hard. Brainy Bytes™ offers exciting technology-based STEM/STEAM programs through ONLINE & IN-CLASS programs including after-school & home-school classes, summer camps & year-round camps and weekend workshops.  We even have online and onsite birthday parties and private events.

Rather than offer you the same boxed lesson plans that you can find everywhere else, we take pride in offering unique, one-of-a-kind programs that are designed to be engaging, informative, and flexible to meet the needs of every child.

Browse through our programs and see for yourself what sets Brainy Bytes apart.

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia

Classes

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia

Grades K-3

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia
NEW FOR 2023 - 24
Jr Builders

A ONE-OF-A-KIND COURSE offering ZERO-screen time coding & robotics. You don’t have to be in front of a computer to learn coding.

Buildy Bot makes programming and building easy for kids. With building pieces and tools designed for small hands and a unique block coding board, children can can enjoy hands-on/minds-on exploration.  Each week will bring a new challenge and a chance to invent and create. This is the perfect course to encourage continued exploration in STEM.

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia
NEWLY UPDATED
Jr Ozobotics with EVO

Taking robotics in a whole new direction! One robot…. 2 ways to program and explore!

Your K-2nd grader will have a blast using EVO’s color-coding and drag-n-drop programming to complete fun challenges each week. We combine art and technology to teach real-life skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and ingenuity. 

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia
Jr Media Design

This tablet-based course offers two exciting ways to bring stories to life! First we will learn the importance of structure in storytelling through the creation of comic books using LEGOs and visualizer software. Then we will continue our creative learning as we explore the world of animation by producing and directing our own animated movies. Storytelling was never this much fun! Students will be able to share all their creations with family and friends.

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia
Jr Programming

*Online or In-Class Flexibility*

Introduce your child to technology and simple programming with this exciting tablet-based course. Students will create interactive images, computer games, and story animations.

While they are busy creating and having fun, students will be learning basic programming skills and will take away critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will benefit them long after the course is over.

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia
Adventures In STEAM

*Online or In-Class Flexibility*

Ages 5-7   Grades k-2

Explore the world of STEAM as we delve into science, technology, engineering, art and math with hands-on projects focused on creativity and ingenuity. From science experiments, coding quests and engineering builds to salty art and Archimedes’ bathtub…we cover it all in this class. The course will end with our very own science fair where each student will showcase their favorite creation.

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia
Jr Circuits

Bring art, music and more to life with circuits and programming. We are very excited about our new class that will help students see how STEM can be a part of every aspect of their lives. Students will work in pairs to design and program circuit based game devices, drum sets, interactive artwork and so much more. Inventors, artists and music lovers will enjoy these weekly challenges as creativity and technology come together.

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia
Lego Story Books

Offered in two age groups: K – 2nd  and 3rd – 5th

Storytelling was never this much fun! Utilizing LEGO®s and comic book software, we will students will create their own graphic storybooks.

Participants will build stories with storyboards, create & capture scenes and add special effects, all while learning the key components of storytelling (going hand-in-hand with their Language Arts studies). Each student will receive a link to printable versions of all their creations to take home.

Projects vary based on age group.

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia

Grades 3 - 5

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia
NEW FOR 2023 - 24
Lego Robotics: With Spike Prime

With a hands-on/minds-on approach, students are encouraged to work in teams of two and brainstorm in order to find creative solutions to weekly challenges. Through a process of selecting, building, testing, and evaluating, they will improve their problem solving skills to accomplish exciting and fun robotic tasks. You will use your new skills to meet project-based challenges such as creating remote controls, smashing barriers and facing off with your opponents in a LEGO® Sumo Battle.

You don’t need any experience with robotics or programming to begin your robotic adventure.

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia
Offered In Two Grade Ranges: 3-5 And 6+
Graphic Design

*Online or In-Class Flexibility*

Art and technology collide in this fun and imaginative course. Emphasizing real-world learning, after you have been introduced to the tools for the job you will step into the life of a graphic designer. Your task will be to create the projects requested by your clients and then present your creations for consideration. Projects may include ads, posters, promotional items, gifs and more. Put your creativity to work in this artistic and collaborative course.

*This course is offered in two grade levels. Projects vary depending on age group*

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia
LEGO Story Books

Offered in two age groups: K – 2nd  and 3rd – 5th

Storytelling was never this much fun! Utilizing LEGO®s and comic book software, we will students will create their own graphic storybooks.

Participants will build stories with storyboards, create & capture scenes and add special effects, all while learning the key components of storytelling (going hand-in-hand with their Language Arts studies). Each student will receive a link to printable versions of all their creations to take home.

Projects vary based on age group.

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia
Offered In Two Grade Ranges: 3-5 And 6+
Game Creation 101

Why just play video games when you can learn to code your own?! Using Scratch 3, you will learn how to create your very own games from beginning to end. Learn essential programming terminology and skills as you build multiple games with varying play styles. Students will receive a link to all the class creations at the end of the course so you can share your fun, one-of-a-kind games with your friends. You must have minimal experience using a computer to take this class. No programming experience required.

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia
Offered In Two Grade Ranges: 3-5 And 6+
Stop-Motion Movie Making

Want to learn how to make your own stop-motion brickfilm? This class is for you! Using the Stop Motion Studio app and other software tools, you will bring LEGOs to life, creating multi-scene movies with transitions, titles, credits, sound effects, and narration.

Students receive a link to all the class creations at the end of the course.

The stories are up to your imagination. With a huge assortment of sets to choose from, this course can be taken again and again with new creations every time!

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia

Grades 6 & Up

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia
Offered In Two Grade Ranges: 3-5 And 6+
NEW Graphic Design

*Online or In-Class Flexibility*

Art and technology collide in this fun and imaginative course. Emphasizing real-world learning, after you have been introduced to the tools for the job you will step into the life of a graphic designer. Your task will be to create the projects requested by your clients and then present your creations for consideration. Projects may include ads, posters, promotional items, gifs and more. Put your creativity to work in this artistic and collaborative course.

*Projects vary depending on age group*

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia
Offered In Two Grade Ranges: 3-5 And 6+
Stop-Motion Movie Making

Want to learn how to make your own stop-motion brickfilm? This class is for you! Using the Stop Motion Studio app and other software tools, you will bring LEGOs to life, creating multi-scene movies with transitions, titles, credits, sound effects, and narration.

Students receive a link to all the class creations at the end of the course.

The stories are up to your imagination. With a huge assortment of sets to choose from, this course can be taken again and again with new creations every time!

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia
Offered In Two Grade Ranges: 3-5 And 6+
Game Creation 101

Why just play video games when you can learn to code your own?! Using Scratch 3, you will learn how to create your very own games from beginning to end. Learn essential programming terminology and skills as you build multiple games with varying play styles. Students will receive a link to all the class creations at the end of the course so you can share your fun, one-of-a-kind games with your friends. You must have minimal experience using a computer to take this class. No programming experience required.

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia
3D Computer Animation

Create your own animated story while you learn basic Java programming concepts. We will teach you how to build your own animated world while introducing basic object-oriented programming terminology and concepts like algorithms, functions, and conditional statements. No previous experience required.

This class is great for anyone interested in art and computer animation. Students receive a link to all the class creations at the end of the course.

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia
Minecraft Mod Design

Let’s create our own world….within the world of Minecraft® that is. Design your creatures, blocks and any other item you can imagine. We will learn to code in JAVA that will allow us to create and control whole new worlds that we can share with our friends. You’ve been playing Minecraft for years, now it is time to take the next step while learning valuable programming tools you can apply anywhere.

Participants must have their own PC Minecraft account login & password. (This is done through MOJANG and does cost an extra fee)

Classes are offered during the regular school year and provide flexible after-school and home-school supplemental education.  Course grades may vary by location.

Camps

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia

Ages 5-8

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia
Full Day & Half Day Camp Options
**NEW for 2022** Exploring Jr Robotics

If your young children dream of creating and inventing with robotic systems then this is the camp for them!

JUST FOR SUMMER CAMPERS! Each day is a new adventure theme including Space, Dinosaurs, Shapes-n-Such, Music and Minecraft. We will use the NEW Buildy Bot zero-screen time coding systems to learn exciting and new ways to build and program mechanical creatures!  But that is just half the camp…. campers will also explore programming and coding with the very tiny and very cool OZOBOTs.

Will your team be up to the challenge of inventing, programming and creating to achieve new tasks and missions every day?

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia
Full Day Camp
Exploring Jr Creation

We have combined two of our favorite programs, Jr Programming and Comic Book Creation, into one amazing camp. Learn early coding skills while programming games, puzzles, interactive scene clips and more with tablet-based, drop-down programming. Use LEGOs and your imagination to create comic books with story visualizer software. Your campers will love exploring and creating in this hands-on/minds-on camp. No prior experience needed.

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia
Full Day Camp
World Of Jr Engineering

If your child loves to invent, program, or just see how things work, then this is the camp for them! We will introduce the world of engineering in our everyday lives. From mechanical and civil to environmental and electrical, each day will explore a different field of engineering. Campers will create in robotics, art, programming and more while learning how engineering is a vital part of their world and how they can make a difference.

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia

Ages 8-11

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia
Full Day & Half Day Camp Options
**NEW for 2022** Exploring Robotics

This camp provides an amazing introduction to robotics and programming utilizing LEGO SPIKE and Ozobot robotic systems.  Each day is a new adventure theme including Pokemon Challenge, Olympic Competition, Music Day, Space Fun, and Super Hero Day.

Fun for campers of all ability levels! Each day will bring a new challenge in STEM that will test your skills with both SPIKE and Ozobot. Campers will be introduced to a new way to look at robots and programming while collaborating and competing in a team setting.

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia
Full Day Camp
Two Levels Offered For Ages 8-11 And 12+
Game Overload

Get ready for a full week of game programming “overload.” Starting from the very beginning, we will explore the basics such as creating sprites, objects, events and actions, health, gravity, designing your levels and more. Then go deeper into the platform game programming to take your game making to a new level.

NEW SKILLS include quest-based game creation, advanced sprite responsiveness, interactive environments, multi-weapon capabilities and more. This camp will provide hours of creative time for you to build exciting, professional looking games you can play with your friends. Students receive a link to all the class creations at the end of the course. You must have minimal experience using a computer to take this class.

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia
Full Day Camp
LEGO Story Telling

In this camp, we bring Comic Book Creation and Stop Motion Movie Making together for a full week of story creation. Campers will work together to make their very own storybooks and short films. Using Legos, cameras, story visualizer, and animation software the campers will bring their imagination to life.

While they are having fun bringing their stories to life, they are also learning valuable language arts skills such as plot, setting and the process of good story writing. Each camper will receive a link to all the book and movie creations made in the camp.

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia
Full Day Camp
Mod & Code

We have combined two favorites, Minecraft and Game Making, and offered them in one GIGANTIC camp that introduces Minecraft Mod Design and Video Game Creation! Now you will rule the Minecraft and gaming world with your own mod and game creations.
No programming experience required. At the end of camp, participants will receive a link to all the game creations and the opportunity to continue modding at home.

Campers must have their own Minecraft Java Edition account login & password. (This is done through MOJANG and does cost an extra fee) Laptops not required, but campers may bring their own – Windows 7 or newer, or Mac.

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia
Full Day Camp
Minecraft Mod Design

Want to learn how to make your own stop-motion brick film? This camp is for you! Learn what makes a great movie… it is so much more than just taking pictures. Using the Stop Motion Studio app and other software tools, you will bring LEGOs to life, creating multi-scene movies with transitions, titles, credits, sound effects, and narration. Students receive a link to all the class creations at the end of the course.

The stories are up to your imagination. With a huge assortment of sets to choose from, this course can be taken again and again with new creations every time!

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia

Ages 12 & Up

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia
Full Day Camp
Two Levels Offered For Ages 8-11 And 12+
Game Overload

Get ready for a full week of game programming “overload.” Starting from the very beginning, we will explore the basics such as creating sprites, objects, events and actions, health, gravity, designing your levels and more. Then go deeper into the platform game programming to take your game making to a new level.

NEW SKILLS include quest-based game creation, advanced sprite responsiveness, interactive environments, multi-weapon capabilities and more. This camp will provide hours of creative time for you to build exciting, professional looking games you can play with your friends. Students receive a link to all the class creations at the end of the course. You must have minimal experience using a computer to take this class.

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia
Full Day Camp
Minecraft Mod Design

Let’s create our own world….within the world of Minecraft that is. We will learn to code in JAVA Script that will allow us to alter and control the world within Minecraft. You’ve been playing Minecraft for years, now it is time to take the next step while learning valuable programming tools you can apply anywhere. At the end of camp, participants will revive a discount code with the opportunity to continue modding at home.

Campers must have their own PC Minecraft account login & password. (This is done through MOJANG and does cost an extra fee) Laptops not required, but campers may bring their own if they prefer – Windows 7 or newer, or Mac.

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia
Full Day Camp
Minecraft Mod Design

Want to learn how to make your own stop-motion brick film? This camp is for you! Learn what makes a great movie… it is so much more than just taking pictures. Using the Stop Motion Studio app and other software tools, you will bring LEGOs to life, creating multi-scene movies with transitions, titles, credits, sound effects, and narration. Students receive a link to all the class creations at the end of the course.

The stories are up to your imagination. With a huge assortment of sets to choose from, this course can be taken again and again with new creations every time!

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia

Day Camps & Activities

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia
Lego Robotics: With Spike Prime

Our day camps and activities offer an opportunity for you child/student to explore STEM and everything Brainy Bytes has to offer…. in byte size chucks.

Online or onsite, these courses are perfect for those 1-day school breaks or a weekend workshop.

For experienced students and newcomers alike! Courses range in age and ability and can include game-making, Minecraft, robotics, movie making and more.

Courses will vary. Visit our registration page to see a current listing.

Our summer and year-round camps offer exciting, hands-on activities that work alongside our school programs. Course ages may vary by location.

Online Courses

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia

Online Camps & Classes

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia
NEW Graphic Design Class

Ages 8-11 & 12-15  Grades 3-5 & 6-8

Written to provide online or in-class flexibility.

Art and technology collide in this fun and imaginative course. Emphasizing real-world learning, after you have been introduced to the tools for the job you will step into the life of a graphic designer. Your task will be to create the projects requested by your clients and then present your creations for consideration. Projects may include ads, posters, promotional items, gifs and more. Put your creativity to work in this artistic and collaborative course.

*This course is offered in two age levels. Projects vary depending on age group*

Computer required for instructor-led sessions. All installation information will be provided before the sessions starts.

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia
NEW Adventures In STEAM Class

Ages 5-7   Grades k-2

Written to provide online or in-class flexibility. 

Explore the world of STEAM as we delve into science, technology, engineering, art and math with hands-on projects focused on creativity and ingenuity. From science experiments, coding quests and engineering builds to salty art and Archimedes’ bathtub…we cover it all in this class. The course will end with our very own science fair where each student will showcase their favorite creation.

Computer required for instructor-led sessions. Experiment supplies will be needed each day (markers, scissors, glue, yarn…etc). A “shopping list” along with all software installation information will be provided before the session starts. 

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia
Mini Coders (Class & Camp)

Ages 5-7

This combined-learning online course (instructor-led and self-directed) is a great introduction into critical thinking and beginner coding. It is specifically tailored for our younger programmers. Explore the world of programming and creation with kid-friendly, tablet-based software.

Computer required for instructor-led sessions. Scratch Jr is a tablet/iPad based program. All installation information will be provided before the sessions starts.

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia
Comic Book Creation (Class & Camp)

Ages 5-7 or 8-11

Use your imagination to create comic books with story visualizer software.  Participants will learn editing and storytelling skills in this combined-learning online course (instructor-led and self-directed) as they use their own manipulatives (think LEGOs, stuffies, transformers…you name it) to capture and tell their story. 

Computer required for instructor-led sessions. The visualizer platform is a tablet/iPad based program. All installation information will be provided before the sessions starts.

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia
Minecraft Adventures Camp

Ages 8-11

Let’s take your Minecraft skills to the next level. In this combined-learning online course (instructor-led and self-directed) participants will hone their skills and even learning new skills as they explore mod creation to make the Minecraft world their own. Computer required for instructor-led sessions. All installation information will be provided before the sessions starts.

Campers must have their own Minecraft Java Edition account login & password.(This is done through MOJANG) Computer required for instructor-led sessions. All installation information will be provided before the sessions starts.

Course Descriptions, Brainy Bytes Central Virginia
Game Coders (Class & Camp)

Ages 8-11 or 12+

If you think playing computer games is fun, think what a blast learning to program your own games will be. In this combined-learning online course (instructor-led and self-directed) you’ll learn how to create sprites, objects, events and actions, while using drag and drop programming. Create exciting, professional-looking games you can play with your friends.

You must have access to a Window 8 or higher computer (NOT Mac compatible) and have minimal experience using a computer to take this class. Downloads and resource files will be provided before the sessions start.

New Brainy Bytes online courses provide both instructor-led and self-directed learning from the comfort and convenience of your home… or anywhere. Enjoy fun STEM programs that are easy on both parents and participants. Ages and courses will vary.