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CODES AND RESTRICTIONS: Some events have restrictions and codes and will give a warning.

Resistriction: This means the event is restricted to only allow certain groups such as members or specific groups. Be sure you are logged in using your member account. Member applicants may be excluded from some sign off classes with a long waitlist.

Codes: This means the member waitlist is still being processed. Hover over the Resources menu to view the waitlist process. Check back in 24 hours to see if seats are open. Contact support@nova-labs.org if the code is not released within 24 hours.

This Month's Featured events

  • AC_P: Knives Out: The Transcendent Joy of a Truly Sharp Knife

    • 12 Sep 2024
    • 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Nova Labs (The Studio), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
    • 0
    Registration is closed

    Sharp knives are essential tools for every kitchen. They are easier to use, safer, and more precise. Yet many of us neglect our knives.

    This hands-on class will teach you how to sharpen a knife properly. It will discuss inexpensive tools like whetstones and basic techniques anyone can master. It will also discuss more advanced techniques.

    Please bring one of your kitchen knives to use for practice.

    Instructor: Steve Fritzinger is the composites steward, woodworker, chef instructor, bread-maker, and cosplay expert. Questions about this class? 

    Show details

  • EL_P01: Intro to Basic Electronic Circuits (Online)

    • 12 Sep 2024
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Online event
    Register

    *** Live Mentor Class *** (Not a pre-recorded session)

    Hands-on learning with real components, breadboard, and testing equipment, makes great connections for using the electronics tool bench, ours or yours.

    Students are introduced to the basic electronics concepts using TinkerCAD's amazing electronics simulator. Build and experiment with electronic circuits in a visually accurate, functional simulator that is designed for easy use. No components to buy, no soldering. With TinkerCAD you can learn to work with a variety of components, breadboards, test instruments, sensors and there are even Arduinos and displays you can program (not covered in the basic class).

    Note: The 4 classes in our basic electronics series (EL_P01, P02, P03, and P04) along with a successfully mentored project earns the Nova Labs Basic Electronics Microcertification.

    Prerequisites: None. *This is an adult class, but beginners of all ages are welcome.

    Before Class: Sign up for a free TinkerCAD before class.
    • TinkerCAD is a web based simulator, you do not have to download anything. You do have to make an account with login. After you are logged in, the circuits is below the 3D CAD.
    • Register for an account: Go to web page www.tinkercad.com
    • Log into TinkerCAD; it will help if you have also accessed TinkerCAD Circuits (below the “3D Designs” option) and looked at the interface.

    Zoom Link: Available upon registration only. The link is also sent in 2 reminder emails. Email us at support@nova-labs.org if you do not receive it within 15 minutes of registration. Contact us at least 1 day before the class if you did not receive the 3 emails.

    ***Your instructor, Nick Carter, is donating all proceeds for this class to Nova Labs. You may contact him at nick.carter@nova-labs.org.

    Show details

  • EV_P: Ceramic City: SEASONAL CERAMIC TRAYS

    • 16 Sep 2024
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Nova Labs (Events Bay), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
    • 9
    Register

    It’s summer time! Enjoy it with seasonal ceramic trays made by your hands. Neat, fun and easy to make with molds and patterns, inspired by your favorite fruits or veggies.

    Join us for a creative journey into the world of ceramics. In this hands-on course, participants will learn how to work with clay to create a colorful and organic set of trays. 

    In one session, you will create and glaze pieces learning about the ceramic process. Later we are going to do two firings so two weeks later you can have your own ceramic trays ready to use with your food. A fun experience for people who like to have their personalized details at home. 

    Prerequisites: No previous experience is needed. 

    Level of difficulty: Beginner

    Instructor: Rocio Illanes and Ann Mcqueary are both Ceramic Artists

    Materials and Equipment Provided 

    • White clay
    • Roll of toilet paper, little towels 
    • Paper patterns 
    • Paints, brushes, and water cups 
    • Placemats 
    • Buckets with water 
    • Underglazes for ceramic 
    • Basis ceramic tools
    Show details

  • AC_P: Paper Engineering and Pop-up Structures

    • 21 Sep 2024
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Nova Labs (Classroom 2), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
    • 4
    Register


    Put that geometry knowledge to work for you and get started in the art of making pop-up paper structures!

    Learn about and experiment with v-folds, parallel folds, converging creases, and more. A few basic skills are all that is needed to gain an understanding of the wonders of paper pop-up engineering, and start designing your own creations. 

    During the second part of the class we will assemble a precut pop up card to take home and celebrate  summer.

    This activity is accessible to all ages. Adult/child teams are strongly recommended for children younger than 11 or children with little experience making. An adult/child team will only build one card and pay for one registration. 

    Prerequisites: ability to use scissors, fold and crease paper. Level of difficulty: intermediate 

    Age requirement: 11+ (or with adult)

    Instructor: Fabiana Cesa is a maker educator. She has taught for the Nova Labs MakerSchool for the past three years.


    The class must have 3 participants sign up to run. If this does not happen those who have paid will be issued a full refund.







    Show details

  • RO_P: Intro to Robotics: Design and Build an XRP Robot

    • 21 Sep 2024
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030 (Classroom 1)
    • 4
    Register

    Explore the world of robotics and learn to build and code your own robot. Curriculum is hands-on, mentored so suitable for Adults all the way to ages 8+. Curriculum is tailored to each person's level.

    Must purchase the kit: XPR Robotics Kit $95 via Nova Labs

    Using the Experiential Robotics Platform (XRP) Kit, students will learn the fundamentals of engineering and programming. This is a beginner friendly, hands-on experience that will build confidence in a world that is increasingly more digital. Students will experience mechanics, electronics, design and programming.  This is a great entry into learning how building a robot works in a tangible way. 

    Students will build (and keep) an XRP robot and program it using Python to solve a unique game challenge. By programming their robots to perform simple tasks, students learn logic skills that translate into more difficult programming tasks.

    Students are encouraged to sign-up for additional sessions to modify and code their XRP robot to increase its capabilities. Each session will focus on solving a unique game challenge where students will expand and improve their programming skills. 

    Prerequisite: Ages: 8+ to Adult.

    *Ages 7-11 with parent/guardian. Parent/Child can share a kit or buy 2. See instructor for details.

    Instructor: Kelly Smith + Mark Smith-Guerrero 

    Show details

  • WW_P04: Basic Wood Bowl Turning on the Lathe

    • 22 Sep 2024
    • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Nova Labs (Woodshop), 1930 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax VA
    • 0
    Registration is closed


    Your instructor for this class is Steven.

    If the door is locked, come to the side door at the woodshop.

    In this class, we'll explore design concepts and techniques needed to transform a piece of wood into an attractive and functional bowl. Process fundamentals will include:
    - design fundamentals
    - wood selection
    - options for workpiece holding
    - shaping the exterior and interior
    - sanding, finishing, decoration

    Prerequisite :
    – WW Lathe Safety & Tool Sign Off
    – Recent turning experience (attendance at a WW/Lathe Open Office Hour is strongly recommended)Mandatory Safety Dress Code: Closed-toed shoes, short sleeves, no loose clothing, and hair tied back. Must wear a mask at all times. Optional: Hearing protection, particle filter, or dust mask.

    Show details

  • CC_S: Matsuura CNC Metal Mill Safety Sign-off

    • 22 Sep 2024
    • 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Nova Labs (Classroom 1)
    • 1
    Register

    Do you want to have the ability to sculpt a solid block of metal to tolerances of a human hair? This workhorse of milling, the Matsuura MC-510V CNC Mill, is fitted with modern CAD and CAM software, using Fusion 360. 

    We will be following the Titans of CNC Mill Building Blocks free online course, available at https://academy.titansofcnc.com/category/mill-building-blocks.

    Sign-off: Matsurra

    You must complete the follow-on practice project to receive the sign off. 

    Prerequisites: This class must NOT be your first metalworking experience. CAD and/or machining experience preferred, but not required. Metal Shop Basic sign-off class is also preferred to give you more experience with machining.

    Mandatory Safety Dress Code: Metal Shop dress code enforced. Comfortable closed-toe shoes; no jewelry; no loose clothing; long pants, and hair/beard tied back. DO NOT wear synthetics.

    Note: Must arrive within 15 minutes of sign off class start time.

    Instructor:
    Justace Cluteer

    Show details

  • TS_P: Marble and Make Your Own Leather Snap Card Wallet!

    • 23 Sep 2024
    • 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
    • Nova Labs, (The Studio), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
    • 5
    Register

    Learn leather working basics and craft a leather snap card wallet! Discover marbling, cutting, stitching, and finishing techniques in this hands-on class.

    Craft your own leather wallet from scratch!

    Dive into the world of leatherworking by crafting a sleek, minimalist snap card holder wallet. You'll get to master essential skills including cutting, assembling, gluing, hand stitching, and finishing your leather wallet. And best of all, you'll walk away with a stylish, everyday wallet and hands-on experience.

    Plus, you'll get to marble (dye) your own leather (like in the picture) for your wallet. 

    No experience is required. Perfect for beginners eager to explore leathercraft! Participants must be at least 15 years old (those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult).

    So how will the class work?

    You'll start by marbling your leather pieces. We'll then dive into a little about leather and its characteristics before we dive into getting our hands working! You'll get to glue, assemble, cut, and finish your wallet.

    Prerequisite: Age 18+

    Darsh Khanna is the instructor for this class and the founder ofDAK Leather. He is a Product Designer by day and a passionate hobbyist by night, exploring everything from woodworking to leatherworking.

    In 2021, seeking a standout groomsmen gift, Darsh discovered leatherworking through countless YouTube videos. This rabbit hole of YouTube videos sparked the creation of DAK Leather. Now, Darsh designs and crafts a diverse range of leather goods and has shared his love for the craft through classes like this one. The biggest joy is seeing the excitement in class when participants are shocked by the leather good they created!

    Show details

  • EL_P04: Intro to LEDs, RGBs, and NEOPIXELS

    • 26 Sep 2024
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Online event
    • 4
    Register

    This class will introduce students to LEDs, how they work, different kinds available and how to control them. TinkerCAD examples will be used to illustrate how LEDs are used in circuits and how to control their illumination using Arduino UNO. The class cover single color and RGB discrete LEDs, LED strips, and NEOPIXELS.

    Note: The 4 classes in our basic electronics series (EL_P01, P02, P03, and P04) along with a successfully mentored project earns the Nova Labs Basic Electronics Microcertification.

    Prerequisites: None. *This is an adult class, but beginners of all ages are welcome.

    Before Class Sign up for a free TinkerCAD account before class so that you can take full advantage and follow along on your screen.

    • TinkerCAD is a web based simulator. You do not have to download anything. You do have to make an account with a login.
    • Register for an account: Go to web page www.tinkercad.com
    • Log into TinkerCAD; it will help if you have also accessed TinkerCAD Circuits (below the “3D Designs” option) and looked at the interface.

    Zoom Link: Available upon registration only. The link is also sent in 2 reminder emails. Email us at support@nova-labs.org if you do not receive it within 15 minutes of registration. Contact us at least 1 day before the class if you did not receive the 3 emails.

    ***Your instructor, Nick Carter, is donating all proceeds for this class to Nova Labs. You may contact him at nick.carter@nova-labs.org.

    Show details

  • RO_P: Intro to Robotics: Program Challenge Session

    • 28 Sep 2024
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA (Classroom 2)
    • 4
    Register


    Explore the world of robotics and learn to build and code your own robot. Curriculum is hands-on, mentored so suitable for Adults all the way to ages 8+. Curriculum is tailored to each person's level.

    In this follow-on lab, students learn to modify and code their XRP robot to increase its capabilities. Each session will focus on solving a unique game challenge where students will expand and improve their programming skills. 

    ==>>Prerequisite: Intro to Robotics: Design and Build an XRP Robot

    Students must bring their kit to each session: XPR Robotics Kit $95 via Nova Labs

    Instructor: Kelly Smith & Mark Smith-Guerrero 

    Show details

  • TS_S: Stained Glass Sign-off

    • 29 Sep 2024
    • 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • Nova Labs at 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030 (The Studio)
    • 6
    Register

    Techniques demonstrated for working with stained glass to make a customized panel. Our stained glass artist will assist you in creating your own design and color combinations so you can take home an inspired piece as a keepsake to display your skill or give as a gift.

    Take the class with your friend or partner. This is an excellent choice for a couples maker-experience class. 

    Safety: Wear closed toe shoes and safety goggles (available to borrow)

    Sign-off: Stained glass

    Prerequisite: none

    Instructor: Enrique Granados, stained glass artist and innovator

    Show details

  • CS_P: Epoxy Resin Light Art Sculpture (2-days)

    • 5 Oct 2024
    • 12 Oct 2024
    • 2 sessions
    • Nova Labs (The Studio), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
    • 5
    Register

    Learn to make custom resin light sculptures suitable for gift giving, decorating, or night lights. You will learn the basics of resin casting, and resin coloring with alcohol inks. After you complete both sessions, you will be able to take further steps in exploring advanced techniques and make other customized art light sculptures for your friends and family.

    This two-part, hands-on class is split into two 3-hour sessions to allow time for resin curing. Be sure that you can attend both sessions.

    All casting materials will be provided. 

    Prerequisites: None

    Safety and clothing: Materials used in this class will permanently stain clothing. Dress accordingly. 
    Show details

  • EL_P01: Intro to Basic Electronic Circuits (Online)

    • 10 Oct 2024
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Online event
    Register

    *** Live Mentor Class *** (Not a pre-recorded session)

    Hands-on learning with real components, breadboard, and testing equipment, makes great connections for using the electronics tool bench, ours or yours.

    Students are introduced to the basic electronics concepts using TinkerCAD's amazing electronics simulator. Build and experiment with electronic circuits in a visually accurate, functional simulator that is designed for easy use. No components to buy, no soldering. With TinkerCAD you can learn to work with a variety of components, breadboards, test instruments, sensors and there are even Arduinos and displays you can program (not covered in the basic class).

    Note: The 4 classes in our basic electronics series (EL_P01, P02, P03, and P04) along with a successfully mentored project earns the Nova Labs Basic Electronics Microcertification.

    Prerequisites: None. *This is an adult class, but beginners of all ages are welcome.

    Before Class: Sign up for a free TinkerCAD before class.
    • TinkerCAD is a web based simulator, you do not have to download anything. You do have to make an account with login. After you are logged in, the circuits is below the 3D CAD.
    • Register for an account: Go to web page www.tinkercad.com
    • Log into TinkerCAD; it will help if you have also accessed TinkerCAD Circuits (below the “3D Designs” option) and looked at the interface.

    Zoom Link: Available upon registration only. The link is also sent in 2 reminder emails. Email us at support@nova-labs.org if you do not receive it within 15 minutes of registration. Contact us at least 1 day before the class if you did not receive the 3 emails.

    ***Your instructor, Nick Carter, is donating all proceeds for this class to Nova Labs. You may contact him at nick.carter@nova-labs.org.

    Show details

  • AC_P: Skull Piñatas

    • 19 Oct 2024
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Nova Labs3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
    • 1
    Register


    November 1st is Día de Muertos ( Day of the Dead), a colorful Mexican holiday where people celebrate and remember their loved ones.  Come to Nova Labs to make paper maché piñatas to broaden this tradition and to learn a few paper engineering techniques.

    Everybody who signs up for this class will take home a small finished piñata (and an unfinished one, if everything goes as planned, that will be dry and ready to decorate the next day).

    Paper maché will get messy.  Please dress appropriately.  This activity is accessible to all ages, but the youngest children will need some adult help.

    Member/Non-Member Price $40/45 per piñata-making-person. 

    Classroom Two

    Maximum 6 registered attendants.

    Prerequisites: none. Level of difficulty: easy 

    Age requirement: 9+ 


    Instructor: Fabiana Cesa is a maker educator. She has taught for the Nova Labs MakerSchool for the past three years.

    The class must have 3 participants sign up to run. If this does not happen those who have paid will be issued a full refund.


    Show details

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Nova Labs, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization,
EIN 45-3796580.
Contributions are tax-deductible.