The Apollo High School Engineering Academy is hosting a series of summer Tech Camps from June 27 to July 1 that are designed to prepare students entering grades 5-12 for higher-level science, technology, engineering and mathematics classes (STEM). This year’s camps are sponsored by the B.J. Killian Foundation, whose support will allow students to register for their first STEM-based camp for free.
Students may enroll in both morning and afternoon camps; however, a $100 fee will be charged for the second camp. Material fees will still apply for all camps.
Morning sessions are scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to noon and afternoon sessions are from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at Apollo High School (2280 Tamarack Road). A free lunch is provided for all campers from 11:30 a.m. to noon and a special T-shirt will be presented to each student.
“The critical thinking, creative problem-solving and collaboration skills that campers learn at these camps will benefit them for a lifetime,” said camp director Steven May, who also serves as engineering and technology instructor at Apollo High School. “STEM camp touches on different aspects of science, technology, engineering and math. Students have the opportunity to engage with ‘hands-on and minds-on’ learning activities that go beyond what is introduced during the school year.”
The camp schedule and class descriptions as provided are listed below.
STEM – morning and afternoon sessions available (grades 5-8)
This camp qualifies for the B.J. Killian Foundation scholarship
New and exciting activities await you! Though at first glance it may appear to be all fun and games, this summertime camp experience prepares students for high school science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) classes. The critical thinking, creative problem-solving and collaboration skills that campers learn at STEM Camp will benefit them for a lifetime.
Robotics – morning session (grades 5-8)
This camp qualifies for the B.J. Killian Foundation scholarship
Campers will be given an introduction to the world of VEX Robotics through the use of robots designed specifically for beginners to robotics. Campers will learn what all of the parts are available in VEX Robotics and how each one works. Campers will be given a series of challenges to program on a test bed and a mobile robot. The final challenge is to program a robot to be controlled remotely with an X-Box style controller in order to play laser tag with the flashlights and light sensors.
Minecraft – morning session (grades 5-8)
Cost is $100
Minecraft is a sandbox independent video game originally created by Swedish programmer Markus “Notch” Persson and later developed and published by the Swedish company Mojang. With its open mod concept, it didn’t take long for a teacher/programmer to make an educational version of the game! That’s what rising fifth- through eighth-grade students can enjoy from Minecraft summer camp as they use educational technology tools to build lands and structures from around the world.
Programming – afternoon session (grades 5-8)
This camp qualifies for the B.J. Killian Foundation scholarship
Computer programming is all around you! The websites you browse, your favorite video game, a rocket launching to Mars. Coding is telling something what to do through step-by-step instructions. Using Sphero Robot and a javascript-based app, you can learn to code, and program the Sphero robot to draw a picture, play a game, and run through a maze, adding extra items as we go along. Students will learn code through a variety of apps and languages throughout the week.
Arduino Camp – afternoon session (grades 8-12)
This camp qualifies for the B.J. Killian Foundation scholarship (there is a $40 fee for the kit)
In this camp, students will learn to create custom electronic devices using an Arduino Super Kit that is yours to take home at the conclusion of the camp. Projects will include electronic circuits, Arduino Programming Language, resistors, LEDs, buttons, buzzers, potentiometers and more. The final project for this camp promises to WOW!For more information about the camp and each session, visit http://ea-techcamps.weebly.com/ Click “Sign Up HERE” at the top of the page to reserve your space! Space is limited to ensure that all campers have a positive experience with dedicated staff supervision and guidance.
