West Bloomfield 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 program 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.

Age is just a guideline

AM sessions: 9:00AM - Noon.: 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! PM sessions: 12:30-3:30: Ages 7-9, LEGO Physics

Full Day

Technology and Adventure Classes

9:00 - 5:00

Ages 7 to 12

Robotics

Rock Climbing

Sumo: Ages 7-9

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.

Sumo & Rock Climbing: Ages 7-9

Experienced Sumo: Ages 8-10

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.

Experienced Sumo & Rock Climbing: Ages 8-10

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