Launch Lab/ Play Lab

Launch Lab: Build It. Brand It. Sell It

(12 Weeks - Middle School Entrepreneurship)

In Launch Lab, students become real-world creators and entrepreneurs. Over 12 weeks, they will take an idea from concept to marketplace; designing a product, developing a brand, and preparing to sell at the annual Merry Makers Market in December.

Students will explore the fundamentals of entrepreneurship through hands-on projects, including product design, pricing, budgeting, marketing, and customer experience. Along the way, they will prototype, test, revise, and refine their ideas while building confidence in communication and decision-making.

The course culminates in a live selling experience at the Merry Makers Market, where students showcase and sell their products to the community, gaining business experience in a supportive environment.

Key Skills Developed:

• Product design and iteration

• Branding and visual identity

• Basic budgeting and pricing strategies

• Marketing and persuasive communication

• Sales skills and customer interaction

• Creative problem-solving and resilience

Play Lab: Design It. Test It. Master It.

(18 Weeks - Middle School Game Design & Strategy)

In Play Lab, students dive into the world of games, not just as players, but as designers and strategists. Building on creative and critical thinking skills, students will analyze how games work, explore different game mechanics, and develop strategies across a variety of game types.

Throughout the course, students will design and prototype their own original games, ranging from board games to card games and beyond. They will playtest, refine rules, and learn how to create engaging, balanced experiences for others.

By the end of the course, each student will have developed a fully playable game and a deeper understanding of strategy, systems thinking, and design.

Key Skills Developed:

• Understanding game mechanics and systems

• Strategic thinking and decision-making

• Rule creation and logical structuring

• Iterative design and playtesting

• Collaboration and constructive feedback

• Creativity and innovation

Pricing

Launch Lab/ Play Lab combine to create a full year course. The monthly program fee for the course is $60 a month

The total material fees for the class are $75 paid directly to Sheramy. The fees are broken down as follows:

Launch Lab Materials Fee: $30 

Covers shared supplies (prototyping materials, packaging basics, labeling tools, display materials). Students will also need to purchase or supply materials specific to their individual product. Guidance will be provided to keep projects age-appropriate and budget-conscious.

Play Lab Materials Fee: $45
Covers shared materials such as cardstock, printing, basic game components, and prototyping supplies.