Proposed offering
Building & mechanical engineering
Explore this program
Explore motion, force, balance, and simple machines by making structures and mechanisms that do a job.
Try the build demo →Information for adult parents, guardians, educators and host organizations. Workshops and inquiries are not yet open.
Proposed hands-on learning · Alexandria & DC region
Science, building and coding for K–5.
BrightBlocks is planning small-group workshops for families, educators and host organizations in the Alexandria and Washington, DC region. Learners will build a model, test an idea and revise their work with Nick’s guidance.
Workshops are not yet open for booking. Prices are approved; kits and launch details are still being arranged.
Imagine the experience
Scene 1 of 5: Build something that moves.
Illustrated workshop ideas · use the arrows to explore
01ImagineAsk “what if?”
02BuildMake an idea real
03TestNotice what happens
04ImproveTry a new approach
05ShareShow what you learned
Explore the possibilities
Planned workshop activities
Explore the planned activities below. Workshops are still in development; these examples are not confirmed courses or products for sale.
Proposed offering
Coding games & robotics
Explore this program
Start with picture-and-symbol commands, then grow toward visual block coding and projects where code brings moving ideas to life.
Read about the coding pathway →Proposed offering
Invention & innovation challenges
Explore this program
Choose an everyday problem, sketch an idea and build a model to test it.
Proposed offering
CAD & 3D printing
Explore this program
Move from a sketch to a digital model, then explore how a design can become a physical object.
Proposed offering
Age-appropriate AI exploration
Explore this program
Discuss how a system uses patterns and where its answers can go wrong. This planned activity does not use an online AI service.
Mobile workshops · planned launch
Small groups. Big discoveries.
Nick brings guided building, science, and coding activities to your location. Choose the time and depth that fit your group.
Prices below are in USD for the whole group, per visit—not per child. Initial sessions are limited to five learners. Kits are planned purchases; sessions are not yet open for booking.
A first discovery
Small-group discovery visit
$295 / visit
A focused introduction to a hands-on science or building challenge.
What this visit includes
- Guided activity led by Nick
- Use of suitable BrightBlocks kits during the visit
- Setup and cleanup of the activity materials
- Time to build, try an idea, and talk about what happened
Kits and reusable models remain with BrightBlocks after the visit.
More time to explore
Guided Science or coding workshop
$395 / visit
More time to build, test, debug, and improve a science or coding project.
What this workshop includes
- Guided instruction led by Nick
- Use of suitable BrightBlocks kits during the visit
- A guided challenge and time to experiment
- Setup and cleanup of the activity materials
The extra time supports a deeper activity; the initial group limit stays at five. Kits and reusable models remain with BrightBlocks.
Future expansion
Larger-group workshop
From $495 / visit
A future option as BrightBlocks adds kits and confirms staffing.
Future workshop details
Larger-group sessions are not currently offered. Participant limits, activity design, equipment, and any assistant needed will be confirmed before this option becomes available.
The starting price is $495; the final quote will depend on the agreed group size and scope.
How kit sharing works
One or two learners per kit is preferred. Up to five may share a kit as a guided group when the activity allows, with everyone taking turns. The initial visit limit is five learners total; a separate kit for every child is not promised. Nick plans to add more kits as demand grows.
Location, equipment & launch details
BrightBlocks is planning visits in the Alexandria and Washington, DC region, with a current student focus of K–5. An appropriate activity and kit plan will be agreed for each group.
Travel, parking, tables, space, and any tablet, computer, or internet needs will be discussed before a booking or final quote is confirmed. Any additional charges would be identified at that time.
Dates and booking availability are not yet confirmed. This Site does not currently accept bookings, payments, or inquiry submissions.
Planned resources
More ways to build, explore, and discover.
BrightBlocks plans to incorporate LEGO Education Science and Computer Science and AI kits for grades K–8. Planned resources are not yet available for enrollment.
Planned resources · K–8
Computer Science and AI kits
Kit plan & grade bands
- K–2 — planned for the Academy’s current K–5 focus
- Grades 3–5 — planned for the Academy’s current K–5 focus
- Grades 6–8 — possible future expansion resources only
These kit categories are part of Nick’s plans. Exact kits and availability remain to be confirmed.
Planned resources · K–8
Science kits
Kit plan & grade bands
- K–2 — planned for the Academy’s current K–5 focus
- Grades 3–5 — planned for the Academy’s current K–5 focus
- Grades 6–8 — possible future expansion resources only
These kit categories are part of Nick’s plans. Exact kits and availability remain to be confirmed.
Current program focus: K–5. Grades 6–8 kits are for a possible future expansion, not a current middle-school offering.
Planning status & independent brand information
BrightBlocks currently focuses on kindergarten through fifth grade. The grades 6–8 kits are being considered only for a possible future expansion; no current middle-school program is offered here.
LEGO Education is named only to identify the planned kits. BrightBlocks is independent and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by LEGO or LEGO Education. Graphics on this Site are original BrightBlocks illustrations.
Exact kit names and availability will be confirmed before workshops open.
A proposed coding pathway
From first commands to real code.
A flexible path for learners in kindergarten through fifth grade. Students can take on challenges when they are ready; grade level never sets a ceiling on what they can try.
Experience 1 · Starting point
Emoji Coding Adventures
Use familiar symbols to explore sequencing, patterns, loops, and basic logic. Explore what a sequence of commands does.
Experience 2 · Visual programming
Block Coding Studio
The planned progression introduces events, variables, loops, conditionals, and reusable custom blocks with meaningful names.
Experience 3 · Text coding
Python Code Masters
Move from visual blocks to editable Python. Practice variables, loops, conditionals, functions, lists, debugging, and small movement projects.
Experience 4 · Make it interactive
JavaScript Mission Control
Later activities may introduce JavaScript through bounded animations and projects. Online student access and webpage editing are not available in this release.
The coding pathway describes planned workshop learning. Online student activities are not included in this business release.
A peek at a possible challenge
What learners might build
These illustrative units show the kind of open-ended design process BrightBlocks may offer. They are examples, not confirmed curriculum.
Illustrative unit
Can you make it move?
Challenge & learning details
Challenge: Design a small machine that moves a lightweight object from one place to another.
Possible build: A wheel, lever, or gear-powered mover.
Explore: Motion, force, friction, and mechanisms.
Test & improve: Observe where motion slows or slips, then adjust one part at a time.
Illustrative unit
Build a bridge that holds.
Challenge & learning details
Challenge: Create a span that can support a growing load while using a limited set of materials.
Possible build: A beam or truss bridge model.
Explore: Stability, shapes, load paths, and material choices.
Test & improve: Add weight gradually, notice weak points, and reinforce the design.
Illustrative unit
Invent for everyday life.
Challenge & learning details
Challenge: Think of a small everyday frustration and imagine a tool that could help.
Possible build: A model, organizer, or simple assistive tool concept.
Explore: User needs, sketches, iteration, and material constraints.
Test & improve: Explain the idea, try a task with the model, and gather feedback.
Interactive learning lab
Try a tiny design cycle.
A short, staged bridge challenge makes the imagine → build → test → improve loop visible. It is a browser demonstration, not a real structural test.
A staged browser demo
Can the span hold its pretend load?
Start with a simple bridge. Notice what happens, add a support, then run the staged test again.
Ready when you are. Run the first test to see what this model does.
Illustrative interaction only. The response is scripted; it does not measure real structures or provide engineering guidance.
How learning works
Predict, build, test and explain
A learner predicts how a model will move, tests it, changes one part and explains what happened. This is an example of the planned learning process.
More about the BrightBlocks idea
BrightBlocks Innovation Academy is a proposed learning business where young creators can explore engineering, technology, and invention by imagining, making, testing, and improving ideas.
Room for different ways to participate
Activities can be presented with clear steps, visual examples, choices in how to contribute, and time to think. Families and hosts can raise accessibility questions as future offerings are planned. Specific accommodations and services are not yet established.
Start with a question
Students look closely, wonder how something works, or define a design challenge.
Explore and make
Try materials, tools, models, or digital designs with guidance and room for choice.
Test, notice, revise
Use what happens as information. Adjust the design and try again.
Share the thinking
Describe the result, explain a decision, and celebrate what the process taught.
“The first version is a beginning. The next idea often comes from testing it.”
The BrightBlocks approach to making and learning.
About the founder
Meet Nick Shabrack.
Nicholas “Nick” Shabrack is developing BrightBlocks Innovation Academy around a long-standing interest in making, design, and learning. His experience spans technology education, engineering, CAD, 3D printing, and theatre, along with supporting students with disabilities.
Nick’s approach connects creative ideas to practical projects: sketch something, build a model, notice what works, and make the next version stronger.
For families & host organizations
Planning a visit for your family or organization
BrightBlocks is exploring ways to bring hands-on engineering enrichment to families and community partners across the Alexandria and Washington, DC region.
For families
Explore future project-based learning opportunities and ask questions as the program takes shape.
- Share what kinds of builds spark curiosity.
- Ask about experience levels or accessibility needs.
- Get details once offerings are confirmed.
For potential hosts
Community organizations may be able to host a future BrightBlocks experience, subject to planning and confirmation.
- Enrichment sessions · proposed
- Hands-on workshops · proposed
- Seasonal camps · proposed
Before visits can open: launch dates, materials, accessibility arrangements, locations, registration, supervision, and host requirements. Initial group limits and base prices are listed in workshop pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Good questions are part of the build.
Find the current plans, prices and launch status here.
Does a student need prior engineering or coding experience?
No prior experience is required for the proposed approach. Activities would be designed to introduce ideas through guided challenges, with room for different starting points. Specific program levels still need to be confirmed.
What materials or tools would students use?
Materials and tool access have not been finalized. Each future program should explain what is provided and whether families need to bring anything.
Can families ask about accessibility?
Yes. Families and host organizations can raise accessibility questions during planning. Specific accommodations, staffing, and services have not yet been set, so please ask before relying on a particular arrangement.
When and where will programs take place?
Base prices and initial group limits are listed in workshop pricing. Dates, schedules, locations, and booking availability still need to be confirmed. BrightBlocks is being planned for the Alexandria and Washington, DC region.
How can I hear about future offerings?
Check the launch status below. An adult contact method will be added when inquiries open.
Does BrightBlocks offer therapy or individualized services?
BrightBlocks is being developed for educational enrichment only. It does not promise therapy, individualized services, or therapeutic outcomes.
Launch status
Workshops are in development.
Dates and locations are not yet confirmed. Bookings, payments, and interest submissions are not open.
For adult family members and potential hosts
An approved contact method and booking details will appear here when available. For now, explore the program ideas and approved workshop prices.
Privacy and this business release
This page has no inquiry form, student accounts, advertising, analytics scripts or payment collection. The bridge illustration and carousel run in your browser.
The hosting provider will receive technical request information when you load the page, such as your IP address. The final provider, retention details and an adult privacy contact must be confirmed before launch. This review copy does not provide student activities.