Where Curiosity Clicks: Inside the Heart of UP Robotics

As we gear up for our bustling summer sessions here at UP Robotics, with the happy sounds of LEGO® bricks clicking and robots whirring just around the corner, I wanted to take a moment to reflect. I’ve been thinking a lot about what makes this place so special – not just for me and my co-founder, but for our incredible instructors, and most importantly, for all the wonderful students and families who build, learn, and grow with us here in Bethesda.

Fine-tuning an FTC robot during the build season.

It all started quite simply, really, when we began teaching our own kids about robotics. We’ve seen firsthand that almost magical moment when a complex idea suddenly clicks, when a challenging build finally works, or when a programmed robot takes its first independent "steps." It’s a spark unlike any other, and it’s what fueled our desire to create a space where more kids could experience that same thrill of discovery and creation.   

This "Two Dads" ethos isn’t just our origin story – it’s the soul of UP Robotics. It shapes every class, every project, and every student interaction. Our classes are infused with that same personal passion and genuine excitement that got us started. We’re not just teaching robotics; we’re sharing something we truly love– and we believe that makes all the difference. Our mission is to inspire a love of science, technology, engineering and math by  teaching them to be creative problem solvers and future innovators.   

Collaborative brainstorming session: FLL team strategizes around the game table.

What I hear from so many families who join us, and what we feel deeply ourselves, is a desire for something more than just a technical class. It’s about nurturing their natural curiosity until it blooms into full blown excitement, helping them learn that challenges are just fun puzzles waiting to be solved, and letting them feel that wonderful, empowering spark of "I can do this!" That’s the environment we strive to create every single day, inspired by our own journeys as parents and lifelong robotics enthusiasts.  

We build this spirit into everything we do. When a child joins one of our FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL), FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC), or VEX teams, it’s about so much more than just the competition. It’s about the teamwork, the brainstorming (fueled by snacks and pizza, of course!), the shared triumphs, and learning how to bounce back from setbacks together. It’s about how we guide each team and class to collaborate and think creatively under pressure together.

Our classes and camps offer a similar journey: one focused on exploration and personal discovery at each child’s own pace but also hands-on, high-energy fun, making sure that learning STEM skills feels like the best kind of play. Even our birthday parties are designed to be memorable, engaging, and (ssshh don’t tell the kids)  educational!   

That’s the heart of UP Robotics. It’s built from the passion for STEM of two dads, amplified by a team of equally dedicated instructors, all focused on sparking that innovative spirit in your child. We believe it’s an amazing journey, and we are both excited and honored to share it with your family.