2017 Summer Camps (Registration now Open)
- EV3 Level 1 (June 26 -30) -- -- Introductory class, learn the basics of robot building and EV3-G programming
- Tanks & Walkers (July 17 - 21) -- -- Design and build robots using different locomotion methods
- Programming Camp (July 24 - 28) -- -- General computer programming focused on making games
- Intro to Arduino (July 31-Aug 4) -- -- Introduction to electronics through Arduino, DIY maker activities
- FLL Focus (August 8 -12) -- -- Robot design, game strategy, programming tips and lots of game practice
EV3 Level 1
Introductory camp for students new to robotics. Students will learn the fundamentals of the EV3 robotic platform. This includes general design and building techniques as well as introducing the EV3 graphical programming language. While learning how to program their robots, students will apply their new understanding to challenges of increasing difficulty. Friendly robot competitions will include driving courses, maze navigation, sumo bots and others. (Grades 4 - 8)
Tanks & Walkers
This camp will focus on building both tanks and walking robots. Students will investigate both the similarities and differences between wheeled, tracked and walking style robots including the pros and cons of each. While building their robots, students will explore performance improvements by adjusting for ground clearance, tread types, friction, traction, stability, etc. and the different methods of control and navigation. Walker examples may include various animal based designs as well as classic STAR WARS style robots. Stronger previous Lego building skills (Mindstorms and/or Technic) are necessary for this camp (Grades 4 - 8)
Programming Camp
A first camp for students to learn to code. General computer programming techniques will be investigated as the students use two popular graphical programming languages, Scratch & Stencyl, to create their first programs. Starting small, students will become familiar with the programming environment and add complexity to their programs throughout the week. Students will be placed in appropriate groups based on their experience level. In addition to creating flash and desktop games, advanced students may wish to create both Android and/or iOS games for their personal devices. Scratch (Grades 3 - 8) Stencyl (Grades 6 - 12)
Intro to Arduino
This camp will introduce students to the world of electronics through the Arduino, a powerful open source hardware platform. In addition to learning some of the basic fundamentals of electronics, participants will build, program and test different electronic circuits. Emphasis will be placed on understanding core concepts and hardware techniques. This camp is created to help students learn the electronic skills necessary to enter the "Maker" movement. Focused students will leave with the necessary skills to continue on their own. (Grades 6 - 12)
FLL Focus
In preparation for the upcoming FLL season, this camp will focus entirely on the FLL robot game. Working as a team, the students will work on all aspects of the robot game including: robot, jig & attachment design, game strategy, programming design, and competition tips. Past competition robots will be reviewed and several different robot designs will be built. An overall game strategy will be developed by the team and then used on one of the previous FLL competition game sets. In addition, students will learn the basics of Lego Digital Designer, a CAD drafting system, to create digital drawings of their robot designs. (Grades 4 - 8)