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The best makerspaces for kids and teens in Shanghai

From robots to 3D printers, these makerspaces are a great way for kids to get their STEM fix

By Christopher House Posted: Tuesday March 19 2019

Gadgets and gizmos are all the rage in China right now, so perhaps it’s no surprise that there’s been a massive increase in the number of makerspaces – areas for creators, inventors and science and tech enthusiasts to get together, share ideas and, well, make stuff – cropping up in Shanghai. There are spaces for makers of all ages, but if you’re looking for somewhere for your kids develop their STEM skills, here are five picks where they can get in on the makerspace action.

KC Robot Lab

In just one year, KC Robot Lab has managed to amass over a hundred students, and offers courses in robotics, coding, laser cutting and 3D printing. Students from five to 16 years old learn the ins and outs of electronics, programming, engineering and more in the lab’s close-knit classrooms of no more than six students. The weekly classes are 1.5 hours per session, and though primarily taught in Mandarin, English-speaking tutors are available. Call to schedule a free trial class.

3337 Hongmei Lu

GoNew

GoNew is geared toward children three to 14 years old and offers courses mainly in chemistry and physics. Younger students learn the fundamentals of basic chemistry and get to do simple chemical reactions, while older students take part in more involved experiments. Weekly classes, usually lasting one-and-a-half hours, are taught in Mandarin, while smaller sessions with English-speaking tutors are subject to availability. Contact the centre for a free trial course to learn more.

36 Guobin Lu

MOOCXING

MOOCXING has been around since 2013 and focuses on robotics and programming for children seven to 18 years old. Students can learn coding languages like Python and C++, as well as gain experience working with 3D printers and robots. Class sizes are generally small and taught in Mandarin, though it’s possible to set up one-on-one classes in English depending on tutor availability. Call for price information or to schedule a 200RMB trial course.

251 Caoxi Lu

Join-in Youth Creative Lab

Join-in works with children between three to 12 years old. Students can learn to program robots and other gadgets here. Class sizes are small, with around three to six students each, and one-on-one tutoring available. Weekly courses range from one to three hours depending on the student’s age and classes are taught in Chinese with English-speaking tutors subject to availability. Classes are around 9,600 per year. Call to set up a free trial.

2669 Xietu Lu

GAIA Space Center

This makerspace’s classes are divided into three categories: ‘Baby Science’, basic science for three year olds; ‘Hands-on Science’, general science classes for children four to 12 years old and ‘Programming’, basic robot programming courses for children seven to 12 years old. GAIA also hosts birthday parties, weekend activities and summer/winter camps. The weekly bilingual classes come in a 48-week package, last one-and-a-half hours each and are generally around 14 students per class. Call for price details or to schedule a free trial class.

168 Shangnan Lu

The best art classes for kids in Shanghai

Have your kids flex their creative skills at these regular classes and one-off workshops

By: Annabelle Chan Posted: 1:18 pm, 17 September 2018