Project Based Learning Electives provided by the Berrien Springs Virtual Academy
RoboTZ Jr. Academy: ROBO LABZ
Spring 2026
All students must complete a project for this class.
- Instructor: Tanya Kimmey (Coach JoJo)
- Email: goteamrobotz@gmail.com
- Location: SMC Niles Campus. 33890 US-12, Niles, MI 49120. Rm 147
- Format: In-person
- Website: RoboTechZone.org
ROBO LABZ: Grades K-3
Day/Time: Thursdays 2-3pm
Classes begin January 8th, 2026
Course Description: RoboTZ Jr. Academy ROBO LABZ brings robots to life for young learners using the VEX 123 program, the perfect entry point into STEM and robotics. Students will discover basic coding, sequencing, problem-solving, and cause-and-effect thinking without requiring screen time. This course builds foundational engineering skills through guided play, exploration, and teamwork.
*This course is adaptable for returning or advancing students with teaching levels:
Jr. EXPLORERZ (K-1)
Jr. INNOVATORZ (2nd grade)
Jr. ENGINEERZ (3rd grade)
RECOMMENDED: Pair this class with the STEM LABZ course for students looking to build a stronger foundation in STEM!
*Please note: it is important to make as informed a decision as possible when choosing your student's Community Resource classes. Most locations will allow a student to drop a class after one meeting, at no charge if it wasn't a good fit for the student, but not all. Some classes plan ahead based on the number that have signed up and have purchased materials, hired teachers, etc. and there might be a fee for class time or materials given to the student if the student drops after one or two meetings. The school cannot pay for classes that students do not complete, so choose wisely; if you do not take the class off of your student's schedule by the deadline, you may be asked to pay for the class time incurred prior to dropping the class.
Teacher of Record: Tom Hurst
