Creative art & technology curriculum
 Join in-person & online for total flexibility
 Learn with AJ studio learning app 24/7
“When learning is purposeful, creativity blossoms. When creativity blossoms, thinking emanates. When thinking emanates, knowledge is fully lit. When knowledge is lit, economy flourishes.”
– A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

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  All sessions are available in-person 
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  Saturday lessons are on  26 Jul, 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Aug, 6, 13, 20 Sep
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  There are no public holiday this term
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 We create fresh new lessons weekly, images here are for inspirations and indications only, of the level and content of this course.
 2025 Term 3
Lab Challenge™
 Lab 501™  
The Science of Optics and Illumination
$410 NZD
Sat
              Trial Session

AGE

8 - 14

60

Minutes

9

SESSIONS

26 JUL

20 SEP
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This term, we’re bending, bouncing, reflecting, and refracting our way into the curious world of light.

From ancient mirrors to modern lasers, light has helped humans explore, express, and invent. In Lab Challenge™, we’ll dive into the science behind optical illusions, reflections, lenses, and solar energy. We’ll ask: How does a mirror work? Why do shadows stretch and shift? Can we bend light to make things invisible, or use it to power something useful?

We’ll design and build our own light-based inventions, tinker with materials that bounce and bend light, and explore systems that absorb, reflect, or transmit energy. Along the way, we’ll work with prisms, fibre optics, solar panels, coded light patterns, and more.

Whether we’re building a solar-powered device or crafting a working periscope, each project invites us to think like scientists, invent like engineers, and design with purpose. This module beautifully complements our Art course Through the Looking Light, which explores how artists use light to reveal, hide, and transform. When taken together, the two offer a rich, cross-disciplinary journey, perfect for curious minds who love making connections and seeing the world from more than one angle.

What's included?
  • Video
  • Text material
  • Quizzes
  • Certificate
Lab Gear & Materials

As each session is uniquely developed for each individual student to achieve and progress. You will work with diverse mediums. All use of lab gear and supplies are included.

AJ Studio Learning Content

All learning materials are available for students enrolled full term via the Studio website. Please login and click on 'My' to locate your sessions.

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Frequently asked questions
FAQ 1 What happens if I miss a class?
If you feel sick, please stay home and apply a catch-up lesson at a later time. Or, if you feel well enough, please join your session online via our app or this website. Regrettably, we can only provide catch-up lessons within your enrolled term based on availability. Any unused credit cannot be carried over to the following term.
FAQ 2 What's your refund policy in a nutshell?
For the fairness of the other students, for our clever tutors who provide the lessons that you love, the studio cannot offer a refund if you change your mind. Our in-studio workshops are strictly made up of the limited number of students enrolled before the start of each school term and have the appropriate resources allocated to accommodate the optimal learning experience for all students in the course. To ensure the staff and supplies can be maintained for the course, payment for their use cannot be refunded so that the remaining students may continue the learning and development they paid for. In the event of Covid-19 restrictions, workshops will resume online. No refund can be issued if you decide not to participate in online sessions.
FAQ 3 What do I need to bring to class?
If you are joining the workshop in person, just bring your lovely self! If you are a private lesson student, feel free to bring your own device, please allow half to one lesson period for your tutor to have your device set up to the studio standard. If you are joining online, great! Ensure your device is fully charged, and check with your tutor beforehand about what supplies you may need to prepare.
FAQ 4 Which class should I join?
Choosing a class that suits your age group would be a great way to start. Your tutor will advise you if moving up or down a level may be more beneficial for your child. Check out the 'Find My Workshop' page for more details.
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