🚀 Summer Tech Camp 2025

Overview:
Students participate in exciting Olympic-themed STEM challenges using LEGO Spike Prime. They will design, build, and program robots to complete tasks like racing, precision pushing, ramp climbing, and sensor-triggered actions.

Key Learning Objectives:
– Understand principles of simple machines, motion, and force.
– Develop basic robotic programming skills using the SPIKE Prime app.
– Strengthen collaboration, teamwork, and communication skills.
– Boost creativity under time constraints through friendly competition.

Activities Include:
– Training Camp: Practice building motorized carts, grabbers, and light-triggered robots.
– Qualifying Challenges: Timed events like Ramp Climb Challenge, Precision Push, and Line Follow Test.
– Final STEM Olympics: Team-based multi-task obstacle course combining all learned skills.

Outcomes:
– Increased confidence in engineering design and problem-solving.
– Practical experience programming motors and sensors.
– Positive competitive spirit focusing on perseverance, innovation, and fun!

Tackle complex engineering problems using Spike Prime, focusing on innovation and teamwork.

Overview:
This beginner-friendly robotics class introduces young learners to building, programming, and creatively designing robots with LEGO Spike Prime. Students will complete themed challenges and build robots with unique personalities while learning fundamental engineering concepts.

Key Learning Objectives:
– Understand the basic components of a robot (motors, sensors, structure).
– Build functional robots and modify designs for specific goals.
– Program simple behaviors using visual block-based coding.
– Strengthen creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork through hands-on exploration.

Activities Include:
– Session 1 – Meet the Robot: Build a basic robot and learn movement programming.
– Session 2 – Animal Bots Challenge: Build an animal-inspired robot with creative decoration and motion.
– Session 3 – Obstacle Navigation: Add sensors and code robots to navigate simple mazes.
– Session 4 – Free Build: Students design and build their own unique robot creations.
– Session 5 – Showcase & Celebration: Robot parade and awards for creativity and engineering.

Outcomes:
– Build confidence in STEM and robotics through playful problem-solving.
– Gain foundational skills in design thinking, programming, and teamwork.
– Encourage creative expression through robotics and engineering challenges.

Program autonomous robots using sensors, loops, and conditionals to complete advanced tasks.

Overview:
Students dive into the world of coding through Scratch, learning to create interactive stories, fun animations, and simple games. They will build creativity, storytelling, and logical thinking while learning the basics of programming in a playful environment.

Key Learning Objectives:
– Understand foundational coding concepts: sequences, loops, events, and conditionals.
– Navigate the Scratch interface and use coding blocks effectively.
– Design interactive projects combining visuals, sound, and animation.
– Develop problem-solving, planning, and digital storytelling skills.

Activities Include:
– Session 1: Create first animations by moving sprites and adding dialogues.
– Session 2: Build interactive stories with multiple scenes and broadcast events.
– Session 3: Code simple games using events like key presses and mouse clicks, with scoring.
– Session 4: Remix and customize Scratch projects, adding creativity with loops and conditions.
– Session 5: Final showcase: students present and share their own interactive Scratch projects.

Outcomes:
– Build a strong foundation in programming logic.
– Gain confidence in designing and coding creative digital projects.
– Express imagination and storytelling through coding.
– Prepare for further exploration in game design and computer science.

Students dive into Python programming, learning syntax, variables, loops, functions, and basic projects like calculators and simple games.

Overview:
Students learn to design and build their own 3D games using Roblox Studio’s drag-and-drop environment. Through hands-on projects, they create interactive worlds, learn game mechanics, and experience the basics of user experience design.

Key Learning Objectives:
– Navigate the Roblox Studio interface and use core building tools.
– Understand fundamental game design principles: environment, goals, and interaction.
– Create interactive terrain, parts, and objects using drag-and-drop features.
– Learn to set win conditions, checkpoints, and interactive elements.

Activities Include:
– Session 1: Introduction to Roblox Studio, creating basic maps with terrain and spawn points.
– Session 2: Build environments and interactive objects like trampolines, doors, and buttons.
– Session 3: Define win conditions and design simple games (mazes, obstacle courses).
– Session 4: Students design their own mini-games using templates or original ideas.
– Session 5: Polish and publish their games to share and showcase to peers.

Outcomes:
– Gain confidence in game design and 3D environment building.
– Understand how interactivity and player experience shape game design.
– Build foundational skills for future coding in Lua and advanced game development.

Students learn Lua scripting inside Roblox Studio to create custom game mechanics, interactive elements, and full Roblox experiences.

Overview:
Students explore basic engineering principles and digital logic through creative builds in Minecraft Education Edition. Using Redstone components, students design and build functioning machines, contraptions, and obstacle courses.

Key Learning Objectives:
– Understand Redstone components and their role as digital circuits.
– Build and experiment with Redstone-powered doors, lights, and triggers.
– Practice engineering design thinking and systematic problem solving.
– Strengthen creativity, collaboration, and communication through group builds.

Activities Include:
– Session 1: Redstone basics: light a lamp, open a door using switches.
– Session 2: Create AND, OR, NOT logic gates and build functional doors or traps.
– Session 3: Design elevators, farms, or secret passageways using Redstone.
– Session 4: Team engineering challenge: build a complex Redstone machine.
– Session 5: Showcase builds and present designs to classmates.

Outcomes:
– Build a strong foundation in digital logic, circuits, and mechanical design.
– Develop problem-solving strategies and project planning skills.
– Gain confidence expressing technical ideas creatively.
– Prepare for future studies in coding, electronics, and robotics.

Campers modify Minecraft using coding and modding tools, customizing gameplay, items, and environments while learning programming logic.

Overview:
Students dive into 3D design using Tinkercad, learning how to model creative and functional objects ready for 3D printing. They’ll explore dimensions, scaling, and design thinking while creating models that can be turned into real-world prints.

Key Learning Objectives:
– Understand the basics of 3D modeling and additive manufacturing.
– Use Tinkercad tools to design simple and complex objects.
– Apply measurement, scale, and precision in designs.
– Practice creative problem-solving and prototyping through hands-on projects.

Activities Include:
– Session 1: Introduction to 3D design; create name tags and simple models.
– Session 2: Design a useful desk tool such as a keychain, phone stand, or cord holder.
– Session 3: Creative Challenge: Build a mini buddy, creature, or robot.
– Session 4: Learn about tolerances; design a snap-fit object or moving part.
– Session 5: Final Project: Students design and export a custom object for printing.
– Session 6: Showcase and reflection on final printed models.

Outcomes:
– Gain foundational skills in CAD (computer-aided design) and digital fabrication.
– Develop spatial reasoning and measurement accuracy.
– Build confidence in prototyping and iterative design.
– Get inspired about engineering, 3D printing, and future tech careers.

Students explore 3D art and animation by learning Blender basics—creating characters, objects, and scenes from scratch.

Overview:
Students explore what Artificial Intelligence is, how tools like ChatGPT work, and how AI is used responsibly in education and life. Through hands-on activities, they gain critical digital literacy and interact with real AI models in fun, safe ways.

Key Learning Objectives:
– Understand the basics of AI and how language models like ChatGPT function.
– Explore real-world applications of AI in research, creativity, and learning.
– Discuss ethics, misinformation, and responsible AI use.
– Develop critical thinking about when and how to use AI appropriately.

Activities Include:
– Part 1: Introduction to AI concepts and examples of AI in everyday life.
– Part 2: How ChatGPT works: patterns, training, strengths, and limitations.
– Part 3: Group activity using ChatGPT for brainstorming, learning, or researching.
– Part 4: Discuss responsible AI use with real-life scenarios and role-play.
– Wrap-up: Personal reflection worksheets on AI use and limitations.

Outcomes:
– Gain foundational knowledge of AI tools and digital literacy.
– Learn to use AI responsibly and ethically.
– Strengthen creativity, critical thinking, and self-awareness about technology.
– Prepare for a future where AI is a collaborative partner in learning and work.

Students discover machine learning concepts through activities like building simple AI models, training datasets, and understanding how machines learn.

Overview:
Students are introduced to core robotics concepts through hands-on beginner-friendly challenges using LEGO Spike Prime kits. They will build, program, and test robots designed to navigate paths, follow lines, and solve mini engineering tasks.

Key Learning Objectives:
– Understand basic robotics principles: sensors, motors, and movement.
– Learn visual, block-based coding for robot control.
– Practice systematic testing, debugging, and problem-solving.
– Strengthen collaboration, perseverance, and creativity in engineering tasks.

Activities Include:
– Session 1: Meet the Robot: Build and program simple robot movements.
– Session 2: Line Following Challenge: Program robots to follow a colored path.
– Session 3: Maze Navigation: Navigate a taped maze using sensors and logic.
– Session 4: Free Build: Create original obstacle courses and complete challenges.
– Wrap-up: Present designs and reflect on building and programming successes.

Outcomes:
– Build confidence with robotics basics.
– Understand how coding and sensors interact in real-world systems.
– Practice teamwork, resilience, and creative design.
– Prepare for intermediate robotics, AI, and engineering programs.

Campers build robots that autonomously navigate mazes and compete in sumo battles, applying problem-solving, strategy, and engineering skills.

Overview:
Students learn the art of stop-motion animation by crafting clay characters, designing scenes, and creating their own animated short films. They combine storytelling, creativity, and technical skills using basic stop-motion apps and hands-on techniques.

Key Learning Objectives:
– Understand frame-by-frame animation and storyboarding fundamentals.
– Design clay characters, props, and creative set pieces.
– Capture, edit, and enhance animations with basic filming techniques.
– Strengthen visual storytelling, collaboration, and digital creativity.

Activities Include:
– Session 1: Introduction to stop motion and mini animation challenge.
– Session 2: Brainstorm, storyboard, and build clay characters.
– Session 3: Animate first scenes using tripods and stop-motion apps.
– Session 4: Finish animation, edit, and add optional music/sound.
– Session 5: Final showcase: share projects and celebrate creative achievements.

Outcomes:
– Build confidence in creative storytelling and technical design.
– Develop fine motor skills through clay sculpting and filming.
– Understand pacing, sequencing, and digital editing basics.
– Foster teamwork, patience, and creative self-expression.

Students create sophisticated animations and videos, learning techniques in visual storytelling, frame-by-frame animation, and professional editing basics.

Overview:
Students explore creative storytelling using AI as a writing partner. Through interactive prompts, brainstorming, and guided activities, they create short stories, poems, and imaginative pieces while learning to balance human creativity with AI-generated ideas.

Key Learning Objectives:
– Inspire storytelling creativity by collaborating with AI tools.
– Understand narrative structure, character development, and dialogue.
– Learn how to use AI for brainstorming, editing, and idea generation.
– Reflect on the ethical use of AI in the creative writing process.

Activities Include:
– Session 1: Brainstorm characters, settings, and plots with AI.
– Session 2: Plan stories using plot pyramids and start first drafts.
– Session 3: Develop deeper character backstories and dynamic dialogue.
– Session 4: Edit drafts using AI feedback tools for clarity and style.
– Session 5: Share completed stories and reflect on the creative journey.

Outcomes:
– Build confidence in creative writing and narrative design.
– Learn to work critically and ethically with AI writing assistants.
– Strengthen structure, dialogue, and editing skills.
– Foster creativity, imagination, and thoughtful technology integration.

Campers use AI tools to generate story ideas, build characters, and craft interactive or branching story paths, blending creativity and technology.

Overview:
Students experience the magic of numbers through fun games, math tricks, riddles, and puzzles. They build confidence in mental math, pattern recognition, and logical reasoning while discovering how playful and powerful math can be!

Key Learning Objectives:
– Strengthen number sense, place value, and operations through games.
– Recognize patterns in multiplication, squares, divisibility, and digit sums.
– Learn famous math tricks like the “1089” mind-reading trick.
– Develop estimation, logical thinking, and problem-solving strategies.
– View math as creative, engaging, and empowering.

Activities Include:
– Session 1: Fun riddles, mental math warm-ups, and number magic like 1089 trick.
– Session 2: Explore patterns in multiplication tables, squares, and digit sums.
– Session 3: Visual math with grids, number lines, and number spirals.
– Session 4: Mind-reading math tricks and estimation games.
– Session 5: Team challenges: logic puzzles, quick-fire questions, and mini quizzes.

Outcomes:
– Improved mental math speed, confidence, and accuracy.
– Stronger pattern recognition and reasoning abilities.
– Positive mindset toward math as a fun and creative subject.
– Prepared for deeper exploration into algebra, geometry, and number theory.

Students develop logical thinking and strategic skills through chess, learning openings, tactics, endgames, and problem-solving techniques.

Overview:
Students dive into the world of puzzles, patterns, and logic games to boost critical thinking, spatial awareness, and strategic reasoning. Through hands-on activities like tangrams, number patterns, mazes, and logic grids, students sharpen their minds in a fun and collaborative environment.

Key Learning Objectives:
– Strengthen pattern recognition, sequencing, and logical reasoning.
– Build critical thinking through visual, number, and logic puzzles.
– Improve problem-solving perseverance and teamwork.
– Foster creativity through playful mathematical and spatial challenges.

Activities Include:
– Session 1: Explore visual and number patterns; complete sequences.
– Session 2: Solve tangram puzzles and develop spatial reasoning.
– Session 3: Work through logic grids and deduction games.
– Session 4: Puzzle Olympics: rotate through stations with mazes, sudoku, domino puzzles, and more.

Outcomes:
– Students approach problems systematically and creatively.
– Learners develop persistence and teamwork in facing challenges.
– Students discover the fun and excitement of patterns, puzzles, and math thinking.

Campers tackle coding challenges involving algorithms, data processing, and simple AI projects, moving beyond basic programming into real-world applications.

Overview:
Students dive into 3D design using beginner-friendly tools like Tinkercad. They learn how to create digital models from scratch, modify designs, and prepare their creations for 3D printing. The focus is on building spatial awareness, creativity, and real-world design thinking.

Key Learning Objectives:
– Understand the basics of 3D modeling and simple CAD software.
– Apply spatial thinking, scaling, and dimensioning in projects.
– Develop original ideas into printable designs.
– Learn the fundamentals of the 3D printing workflow.

Activities Include:
– Introduction: What is 3D modeling? Real-world applications and Tinkercad demo.
– Software Exploration: Hands-on tutorial using basic shapes, group, align, resize, and rotate tools.
– Creative Challenge: Students design original models like dream toys, useful tools, or new creatures.
– Preparation: Review for printability and export STL files.
– Optional Showcase: Print selected models and showcase student creativity.

Outcomes:
– Boosted confidence in digital design and technology.
– Improved spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills.
– Understanding of how digital ideas turn into real-world objects.
– A strong foundation for engineering, design, and innovation fields.

Students program and pilot beginner-friendly drones, learning coding, physics of flight, and drone racing challenges.

Overview:
This beginner-friendly robotics course invites young learners to explore the foundations of robotics using LEGO Spike Prime. Through fun building activities, students will design creative robots, learn basic coding, and complete exciting themed challenges that encourage innovation and storytelling.

Key Learning Objectives:
– Understand robot components like motors, sensors, and structure.
– Build functional, themed robots using Spike Prime kits.
– Develop basic programming skills using block-based coding.
– Foster creativity and problem-solving through hands-on projects.
– Build collaboration, communication, and teamwork skills.

Activities Include:
– Session 1: Build a basic drive robot and program simple movements.
– Session 2: Create “Animal Bots” — robots that move like animals.
– Session 3: Navigate obstacle courses using sensors.
– Session 4: Free build: Students invent their own robot creations.
– Session 5: Robot Parade: Showcase student robots and award certificates.

Outcomes:
– Students gain early STEM confidence through creative robotics.
– Develop coding, design, and iterative problem-solving skills.
– Lay a foundation for more advanced robotics and engineering learning.
– Reinforce storytelling and presentation abilities through robot showcases.

Campers design and build complex robots capable of completing advanced tasks, combining engineering design, construction, and autonomous programming.

Overview:
Students design and build boats, bridges, and floating models using recyclable materials, craft supplies, and small electronics. They explore basic principles of buoyancy, balance, propulsion, and simple circuits while testing their creations in water!

Key Learning Objectives:
– Understand concepts like buoyancy, balance, propulsion, and electric circuits.
– Practice design thinking and hands-on engineering problem solving.
– Apply creativity using recyclable materials, 3D printed parts, and electronics.
– Collaborate in small teams to design, build, and improve models.
– Test, observe, and iterate designs for better performance.

Materials Used:
– Recyclable materials: bottles, cartons, caps, etc.
– 3D printed parts: propellers, rudders, paddle wheels.
– Small DC motors (3V–6V), battery holders, switches.
– Hot glue guns, waterproof tape, craft sticks, rubber bands.
– Tubs/kiddie pools for testing boats.

Activities Include:
– Design Phase: Sketch plans and brainstorm ideas.
– Build Phase: Construct boats with buoyant and stable designs.
– Power Phase: Add motorized propulsion or paddle mechanisms.
– Test Phase: Launch and race boats, observe movement and stability.
– Reflection Phase: Improve designs based on testing results.

Outcomes:
– Build confidence in basic engineering and creative problem-solving.
– Gain practical understanding of scientific concepts like buoyancy and propulsion.
– Foster innovation and teamwork through iterative design.
– Have tons of fun while building working models that float and move!

Students assemble and program an Arduino-based smart car, learning electronics, sensor integration, and basic autonomous navigation.

Students explore fun hands-on projects combining simple engineering builds and introductory AI concepts like recognizing patterns or making smart machines.

Campers work on advanced projects integrating engineering builds with AI components, like smart robots or decision-making machines.