MiniMakers Program

Big ideas, tiny builders.

Hands-on STEM for kindergarteners through 2nd graders — where curiosity becomes confidence, one project at a time.

Grades K–2 Ages 5–7 No reading required
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Young child engaged in hands-on STEM building activity
Innovative & Fun

Where discovery starts.

The MiniMakers program at STEMForce Academy introduces young learners to the joy of discovery through hands-on, play-based STEM experiences designed specifically for early childhood development.

Through guided exploration, students build early problem-solving and critical thinking skills, strengthen fine motor coordination, and pick up foundational engineering concepts — all while collaborating with peers in a supportive, encouraging environment.

No reading required. Just curiosity, a few good ideas, and a lot of fun.

What They’ll Learn

Building blocks for future innovators.

Each MiniMakers session blends play, exploration, and gentle challenge to develop the skills that matter most at this age.

Learning Through Play

Games and puzzles introduce pattern recognition, sequencing, and the first taste of problem-solving — without a worksheet in sight.

Block-Based Coding

Using Blockly, MiniMakers write their first programs by snapping colorful blocks together — coding made for pre-readers and beginning readers.

Hands-On Building

Snap, stack, and connect. Early engineering projects develop fine motor skills and an intuition for how things fit together.

Teamwork & Confidence

Small groups, big encouragement. Students learn to share ideas, take turns, and feel proud of what they build together.

The K–12 Mission Path

A journey that grows with them.

MiniMakers isn’t the end — it’s the beginning of a 12-year roadmap through robotics, coding, and engineering.

1
Grades K–2

MiniMakers

You are here. Play-based STEM, block coding, foundational skills.

2
Grades 3–8

Code Agents

Real coding, robotics missions, and engineering challenges.

3
Grades 9–12

STEM Operatives

Advanced robotics, automation, and applied programming.

★
Beyond

Innovators

College-ready problem solvers heading into STEM careers.

The Details

What’s included.

Everything your MiniMaker needs to thrive — included with membership.

Schedule & Format

  • Session length:60–75 minutes
  • Meets:Weekly after school + Saturday options
  • Class size:Small groups, low instructor-to-student ratio
  • Location:The Academy, 213 W. King St., Martinsburg

What’s included

  • All STEM materials, kits, and tech provided on-site
  • Trained early-childhood STEM instructors
  • Curriculum aligned with early elementary learning
  • Progress updates so families can see what’s growing
  • A clear pathway into Code Agents when they’re ready
Parent FAQ

Common questions.

Does my child need to read to participate?
No reading required. The entire MiniMakers curriculum is designed for pre-readers and beginning readers, using visual cues, hands-on materials, and block-based coding that doesn’t depend on text.
What ages is MiniMakers for?
Grades K–2, typically ages 5–7. The format and curriculum are tailored specifically to early childhood development — short attention spans, big imaginations, and the need to move and explore.
Do they need any tech experience or supplies?
Nope. All materials, devices, and supplies are provided at The Academy. Your child just needs to show up curious.
How is this different from a regular after-school class?
MiniMakers is a structured pathway, not a one-off enrichment activity. Every project is designed to build toward foundational STEM skills — so when your child reaches 3rd grade, they’re ready to step into Code Agents and continue leveling up.
What happens after MiniMakers?
Once your child reaches 3rd grade, they advance seamlessly into our Code Agents program, where they’ll move from block-based coding into real programming languages, robotics, and engineering challenges.
How do we get started?
Hit the Enroll button at the top of this page, or get in touch with us first if you’d like to ask questions or schedule a visit to The Academy. We’d love to show you around.

Ready to start the mission?

Spots fill quickly — especially the after-school slots. Enroll now, or reach out with any questions.

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