Ann Arbor Summer Camp Sessions

Half Day

Technology Classes

Mornings and Afternoons available

Ages 6-9

Robotics

WeDo Robotics: 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.

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

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

LEGO Physics: Ages 7-9

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 principals into their play.

LEGO = fun = learning!

AM sessions: 9:00AM - Noon.: Ages 7-9, LEGO Physics

PM sessions: 12:30 to 3:30: Ages 7-9, LEGO Physics

Full Day

Technology and Adventure Classes

9:00 - 5:00

Ages 7 to 12

Robotics

Rock Climbing

High Ropes

Sumo: Ages 7-9 and 10-12

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.

Our exciting high ropes challenge is available (in place of rock climbing) for campers old enough to be going into 6th grade. This course is challenge by choice meaning everyone is given a chance to push their comfort zone. Campers walk a tight rope and fly down a zip-line through the woods.

Before campers participate in the high ropes challenge, they are thoroughly taught how important safety is and how to maneuver throughout the various elements on the course. This is done through what is called "ground school" and every camper is taught and tested on this important safety procedure before they go up on the course.

Here is a video of campers going through ground school.

Sumo & Rock Climbing: Ages 7-9

Sumo & High Ropes: Ages 10-12

Experienced Sumo: Ages 8-10 and 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.

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.

Our exciting high ropes challenge is available (in place of rock climbing) for campers old enough to be going into 6th grade. This course is challenge by choice meaning everyone is given a chance to push their comfort zone. Campers walk a tight rope and fly down a zip-line through the woods.

Experienced Sumo & Rock Climbing: Ages 8-10

Experienced Sumo & High Ropes: Ages 10-12

Mindstorms Star Wars Adventure: Ages 8-11

Experience LEGO Mindstorms NXT robots in a whole new way, Podracer style! Campers will design, build and program their robots with one goal in mind: to be the fastest ever to compete in the Boonta Eve Classic! This is a cutthroat racing competition and campers will need to understand what designs make for a faster Podracer.

Building isn't everything though, they need to make their podracer efficient. This is where programming comes into the picture. Using multiple light sensors and learning complex programming icons such as nested loops, switches, logic blocks and data hubs, students will program their Podracer to follow the line marking the racetrack. The track courses get more and more challenging as they incorporate sharper turns and even right angles.

Racing is not all that we will do. The race track will be a sand colored canvas shaped into a desert scene. Like a small scale movie set. The robots, as Podracers will be equipped with video cameras that will that will capture the race as seen through the Podracers eyes. Campers can bring their own Star Wars LEGO to set up the scene for a movie that the campers will make and keep.

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.

Mindstorms Star Wars Adventure & Rock Climbing: Ages 8-11

BugBots and JunkBots: Ages 10-12

Bugs are one of mother nature's best designs. Whether it is the lucky lady bug, scary spider or the creepy crawly cockroach, these bugs make great inspiration for designing robots. During this week campers will take apart recycled computers and design, build and take home their own bugbots and junkbots.

Campers start by learning how computer parts are assembled by taking them apart with "finesse not force." We teach them about the electronic components inside the computers like LEDs, resistors, capacitors, integrated circuits, motors, gears and sensors. Next campers salvage parts to build their own robots.

Campers have several example designs to guide them, such as spinning robots, vibrating bristle bots, wheeled Bugbots and complex walking designs that are made by adding LEGO parts for legs. Robots can be light controlled, feeler controlled or crazy uncontrollable. Best of all, you get to take your bug-bots home with you! How sweet is that!

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.

BugBots and JunkBots & Rock Climbing: Ages 10-12

METAL Bots: Ages 12-15

Design, create and build a METAL battle bot that will compete in the ultimate, mega sumo battle of the summer! These are not your average sumo battle bots, these bots will be crafted using metal frames and other metal hardware.

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.

Because the battle bots will be made from metal, this week of camp will be held at the A2 Mech Shop where tools will be made accessible and more space is available to craft our battle bots. The A2 Mech Shop is also the headquarters for Rocks and Robots and our other two companies: Brain Monkeys and Flutterbot.

Enrollment is limited this week. Campers will be divided into two teams and each team will work to create their own battle bot. Each camper will receive a copy of the book "Build Your Own Combat Robot".

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.

METAL Bots & Rock Climbing: Ages 12-15

Flutterbot: Ages 12-17

Maze and Line navigation are events at many national and international robotics competitions. The founder of Rocks and Robots, George Albercook PhD. (Dr. G to his students), designed a robot called the Flutterbot, a competition level award-winning robot. In 2005 Flutterbots won first and third in the Canadian Robotic Games. In 2006 they won second and third. In 2007 a Flutterbot won first place in the firefighting competition. The Flutterbot has been featured in Robot magazine in 2008. We continued our winning streak in 2009 when we stormed Chibotica in Chicago and went away with several metals.

Campers in this session will build and program a Flutterbot robot. The Flutterbot was designed specifically as a teaching robot and students need no previous knowledge of electronics, robotics or computer programming. Campers will learn how to read schematics, use prototype breadboards and program in the powerful language C. This powerful language is like the Latin of computer languages and is the operating systems for UNIX and LINIX which run the world wide web. Through a series of increasingly complex programming challenges, student’s progress from simple commands to the ability to write sophisticated programs. Once they leave camp they are ready to compete at the international level!

Campers may choose to keep the robot for a reduced price of $174 (a savings of $76).

Our exciting high ropes challenge is available (in place of rock climbing) for campers old enough to be going into 6th grade. This course is challenge by choice meaning everyone is given a chance to push their comfort zone. Campers walk a tight rope and fly down a zip-line through the woods.

Flutterbot & High Ropes: Ages 12-17