Brick by Brick, Mt Pleasant

At Brick by Brick, owners Kendra and Matthew Randall have developed programs for all ages around the customizable world of Lego models, encouraging kids to hone their STEM skills—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—through imaginative building projects. By guiding students through hands-on construction work, they and their staff of certified teachers convey concepts that range from simple counting to the physics of a pulley system.

All curriculums are centered around age-appropriate activities. Sessions for 2- to 4-year-olds are designed to hone motor skills by stacking large foam blocks. From there, classes steadily progress in complexity: 5- to 7-year-olds begin working with rolling vehicles, whereas 8- to 10-year-olds can motorize their models. The most advanced lesson focuses on computer-guided robotics, and tasks groups with creating a robot that can navigate a maze or packed middle-school dance floor on its own. Weeklong summer camps also result in creations that adhere to a motif. Under the Sea participants undertake marine-themed projects, and burgeoning directors compose a short film to conclude Stop Motion Animation Movie Making Camp.

In addition to hosting their onsite sessions, birthday parties, and open-play hours, Brick by Brick instructors travel to more than 40 area schools to lead enrichment programs. These visits still adhere to the business's central philosophy of teamwork, imagination, and analytical thinking, a framework backed by Matt's career as a professional engineer.