Ann Arbor Summer Camp Sessions

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Robotics and Engineering: Ages 6-9

This course introduces young campers to robotics. They develop higher level thinking skills by programming LEGO models to move and interact. Each activity starts with a short animated story that has a problem to solve. Using language and literacy skills, campers follow the easy to use LEGO software program that guides them through a set of onscreen building instructions. After the model robot is built and connected to the computer, campers are shown how to write simple programs by dragging and placing pictures on the computer screen. Campers then run the and watch as the motors and sensors on their model animate their creations. We then challenge campers to extend their programs and models using their own ideas or other programming techniques taught.

In LEGO Physics, campers work in teams to build a variety of models with a special Science and Technology LEGO set. Working as a team, campers each assemble part of a model and then join their parts to complete the building project. The models demonstrate various physical science and technology concepts, including forces and motion, simple machines, measurement, energy, magnetism and more.

Campers will also experiment with their own designs during extension activities. For example after campers build two projects using gear ratios, we challenge them to design an egg beater. The story goes like this: Their grandmother does not like electric mixers but her arthritis makes it hard to scramble eggs with a fork. The campers are challenged to design an egg beater using gears to help out their grandmother. We test and improve the design in soapy water to see which ones make to most bubbles. This way campers incorporate physical science principles into their play.

Note: Campers only go rock climbing the second week (July 9-13).

LEGO = fun = learning!

AM sessions: 9:00AM - Noon.: Ages 6-9, Robotics and Engineering

Dates	cost
Monday, June 18 - Friday, June 22, 2012	$239

PM sessions: 12:30 to 3:30: Ages 6-9, Robotics and Engineering

Dates	cost
Monday, June 18 - Friday, June 22, 2012	$239

Full day sessions: 9:00 to 3:30: Ages 6-9, Robotics and Engineering

Dates	cost
Monday, June 18 - Friday, June 22, 2012	$479

Full day sessions: 9:00 to 3:30: Ages 7-9, Robotics and Eng. w/ Rock Climbing

Dates	cost
Monday, July 9 - Friday, July 13, 2012	$479

Robot Sumo and Rock Climbing: Ages 7-10

Campers use the LEGO Mindstorms NXT computer controlled robots to design and build their own Sumo Battle Bots. LEGO Mindstorms is a special set of LEGO that includes motors gears, sensor, a robot brain and tons of LEGO technic pieces.

In the ultimate test of the arena, robots battle in a 4 ft. diameter ring until one is pushed out. Campers are introduced to "outcomes driven" design. Through repeatedly trying their ideas in the arena they develop new strategies. Both mechanical (speed vs. power) and software (smart vs. simple) innovations are tested and refined.

* This * class is great for both beginners and returning students. No experience with LEGO Mindstorms programming and building is required. Campers who have taken this course can take it again and again to improve their design and programming skills in order to make the ultimate SUMO-bot.

In addition to the robotics activities campers are trained in knot tying and safety because they take two afternoon field trips to rock climbing. As with all our programs we go outside several times a day for inclusive group games and confidence building activities. On Tuesday and Thursday we will go to Planet Rock to go rocks climbing. On those days camps is extended to 5:00.

Full day sessions: 9:00 to 3:30(5:00):Robot Sumo and Rock Climbing Ages 7-10

Dates	cost
Monday, July 9 - Friday, July 13, 2012	$479
Monday, August 6 - Friday, August 10, 2012	$479

Experienced Robot Sumo and Rock Climbing: Ages 10-12

Campers that have experience with the LEGO Mindstorms NXT computer controlled robots and/or campers who have taken our Sumo courses will review the basics and be introduced to some new tricks.

Taking Sumo to a whole new level, they will learn how to program a sumo bot to battle using switches, logic blocks and other possible programming from both the common and complete pallet.

This class is great for both beginners and returning students. No experience with LEGO Mindstorms programming and building is required. Campers who have taken this course can take it again and again to improve their design and programming skills in order to make the ultimate SUMO-bot.

In addition to the robotics activities campers are trained in knot tying and safety because they take two afternoon field trips to rock climbing. As with all our programs we go outside several times a day for inclusive group games and confidence building activities.On Tuesday and Thursday we will go to Planet Rock to go rocks climbing. On those days camps is extended to 5:00.

Full day sessions: 9:00 to 3:30(5:00):Experienced Robot Sumo and Rock Climbing Ages 10-12

Dates	cost
Monday, July 9 - Friday, July 13, 2012	$479
Monday, August 6 - Friday, August 10, 2012	$479

Build your own Flying Robot! Ages 11-15

Is Dr. George Serious! Flying Robots?

For years now my campers have asked "Can we make it fly?" The NXT brick just weights too much so I have always had to say "Sorry. Maybe some day." Well someday has arrived!! Last year I say a quad copter up close for the first time. It was very cool but the price was still too high. About $1000 in parts!! But I started looking for alternatives. I wondered could I convert one of those little helicopters that they sell of the mall into a robot.

The first ones that I tried were hard to fly or couldn't lift enough to carry the additional weight of the sensors and robot brains. The ones that could lift enough were too expensive. I was stuck again until a friend told me about an indoor model that his daughter was having a great time with. The Syma S107 has built an electronic gyroscope and uses two counter rotating blades. The result is a very stable low cost flying robot platform.

I still had the problem of weight so I started doing my research. There is a group of people online who are modifying the S107 helicopter to fly longer and faster by removing weight. I bought two and started taking parts off one. I needed to remove 12 grams out of 38 grams. Next I needed to add the sensors. I used three sensors one pointing down to measure the distance to the floor so the robot could maintain altitude automatically and two pointing out in front at about 45 degrees to steer the robot about the house without running into anything. Finally I needed a brain. The NXT was way to heavy so I chose the Arduino Mini Pro weighting only 2 grams. They whole thing is the same as the original helicopter but it flies itself.

Safety is the most important thing at Rocks and Robots and this week is no exception. During this week, campers will learn how to safely and properly use simple hand tools and will always be closely supervised.

In camp each camper will work through the same modifications that I did and will learn to program their own copy of my flying robot. The best part is that they get to keep the robot when they are finished.

Full day sessions: 9:00 to 3:30(5:00): Ages 11-15, Flying Robots

Dates	cost
Monday, August 20 - Friday, August 24, 2012	$579

Location

Summer camp in Ann Arbor is at the same location as last year. Honey Creek Community School 1735 S Wagner Rd, Ann Arbor, MI‎ Click here to open a new window with a map.

Before and After Care

Before and aftercare are available for Summer Camp in Ann Arbor and are provided by the Honey Creek Community School. Honey Creek is located at the same address and will coordinate with our camp schedule.

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Phone: 734-645-0211