Collection: (OLD) Summer Camp Held at the University of Massachusetts (Amherst)

In this camp, students dive into robotics engineering with the Dash Robot. The adventure starts with a narrative-based challenge and building an environment for their Dash robot to navigate. Students will then move to programming Wonder robots to achieve various objectives and solve challenges. Throughout the camp, students will tackle narrative-based challenges, sharpening their critical thinking and problem-solving skills while building confidence and enhancing technological proficiency.

This engaging course allows students to build critical digital literacy and coding abilities through ScratchJr. Participants will master the basics of block-based programming, bringing their stories and game concepts to life with sequences, loops, and conditionals. While boosting their creative and analytical skills, students will explore how to craft compelling narratives, design unique characters, and develop captivating gameplay.

Set off on an exploration and creativity spree with our LEGO Innovators. This engineering and design program immerses students in the world of engineering and architecture, providing a hands-on approach to learning with LEGO kits. Participants will delve into fundamental structural design and construction techniques, boosting their spatial understanding and fine motor abilities as they create amazing LEGO constructs.

This vibrant course allows students to delve into a wide array of scientific concepts, from the depths of marine biology to the vastness of astronomy. They'll ignite their curiosity and gain a comprehensive understanding of these diverse scientific fields through engaging activities and projects. Students will also apply engineering principles and design thinking to various practical challenges and themed adventures, learning to conceptualize, plan, and create innovative gadgets that reflect their scientific learning.

This engaging course offers students the opportunity to delve into the world of advanced robotics using SPIKE Prime kits, focusing on both mechanical and software engineering aspects. Participants will be introduced to building and programming robots through block-based coding, providing them with a deep understanding of the interaction between different robotics components. By addressing intricate robotics challenges, students will refine their analytical and problem-solving abilities through continuous iteration of their designs.

Dive into a creative and dynamic adventure with GameCraft: Coding & Interactive Design with Scratch. This captivating course aims to provide students with expertise in block-based programming and game development utilizing Scratch. Participants will explore key aspects of game design and creation, including programming fundamentals, interface design, and engaging narrative techniques, laying the groundwork for advanced digital skills and technological innovation. As they design their own interactive games, students will bolster their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, addressing hurdles with strategic thought and inventive solutions.

Throughout this course, students will sharpen their skills in constructing Minecraft worlds and coding within the MakeCode platform, mastering the art of programming dynamic elements, crafting intricate buildings, and altering gaming landscapes. This program merges imagination with technological proficiency, enabling students to design distinct game scenarios and embed stories within the Minecraft universe. They will delve into the fundamentals of game design and narrative construction, employing these concepts to forge captivating gaming experiences that highlight artistic storytelling through digital platforms.

This creative course provides students with a special chance to explore scientific concepts inside the enthralling world of Minecraft. With virtual hands-on experiments and tasks, students will gain a deeper comprehension of physics, chemistry, and biology, transforming intricate scientific theories into engaging and understandable lessons. This interactive method enhances their fascination with science while strengthening their digital literacy and problem-solving capabilities. As they traverse through Minecraft, students will employ critical thinking to carry out experiments and uncover new knowledge, promoting a dynamic educational experience.

Set off on an exploration of creativity and motion with Rube Goldberg® Machines: Inventive Engineering. This distinctive course invites students to unlock their creative genius by constructing imaginative machines designed to perform simple tasks through delightfully intricate and complex processes. Students will delve into the fascinating universe of Rube Goldberg machines, harnessing innovative thinking and basic principles of physics to devise and build these elaborate and whimsical devices. The journey fosters not only creativity and mechanical insight but also hones their problem-solving abilities. Additionally, the course serves as a hands-on introduction to physics in engineering, offering tangible experiences with forces, motion, and the mechanics of simple machines.

This course is part of a weeklong summer camp running Monday through Friday. Your child will learn in a small group setting on an inspiring university campus from an experienced instructor. An exciting daily schedule balances learning and exploration of this topic with a variety of outdoor and recreational activities within the larger camp setting. Lunch and aftercare options are available based on location.

This course provides students with a comprehensive journey through the world of animation, emphasizing character creation and motion principles. Participants will acquire practical skills in animation software, crafting lively and expressive characters that showcase both creativity and technical skill. The adventure progresses into the realms of imaginative storytelling and visual narration, utilizing a variety of techniques to develop compelling narratives and bring them to life through engaging animated sequences.

This rigorous camp spans a variety of programming languages, starting with block-based Scratch and advancing to text-based Python, to ensure students can master a range of coding languages and techniques. This holistic approach readies them for a variety of software development tasks across different platforms. Students will craft adventurous applications throughout the course while delving into design, user interfaces, and user experiences.

AI Creator Lab presents a distinctive opportunity for campers to explore the captivating domain of artificial intelligence (AI) and its utilization in crafting compelling multimedia narratives. Delving into AI-powered text generation, voice narration, music, and image creation, students will work with advanced tools like ChatGPT AI for crafting text, Eleven Labs for voiceovers, and other platforms for music and imagery, gaining practical experience in assembling their multimedia stories. This program immerses participants in the intersection of AI and multimedia storytelling, nurturing a profound appreciation for how technology can enhance creative endeavors.

In this program, students will develop advanced engineering and design skills by constructing their own Rube Goldberg machines. They will master the art of turning straightforward tasks into intricate, engaging processes, innovatively applying their creativity and technical knowledge. This interactive course underscores the practical aspects of physics, enriching students' comprehension of forces, motion, and the mechanics behind simple machines.

This course delivers an in-depth exploration of Minecraft modding and world design, leveraging Redstone, command blocks, and MakeCode to craft and alter interactive games and environments. It combines creativity with technical know-how, inspiring students to design, code, and narrate within Minecraft. Participants will turn their game visions into reality, blending artistic flair with coding acumen. They'll grasp coding fundamentals like logic, sequencing, and conditionals, making their creative concepts playable in Minecraft. This venture into game development boosts digital literacy and problem-solving abilities, preparing students for future endeavors in computer science and beyond.