Programs are open to all students in grades 4-8 next year
Apollo High School is hosting a series of summer Tech Camps designed to prepare students for higher-level science, technology, engineering and mathematics classes (STEM). The camps are open to all students who will enter grades 4-8 next year and are not limited to students attending DCPS schools. Cost of each camp is $106 and includes brown bag lunch, T-shirt and supplies.
Sessions are provided for both elementary (rising fourth- and fifth-graders) and middle school students (riding sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders). Morning sessions are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and afternoon sessions are from 11:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students may enroll in more than one camp. All camps are located at Apollo High School, 2280 Tamarack Road. Students must provide their own transportation.
“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.
The camp schedule and class descriptions are listed below.
June 8-12 morning and afternoon – Minecraft (middle school)
June 15-19 morning and afternoon – Graphics (elementary school)
June 15-19 morning – Programming (middle school)
June 15-19 afternoon – App design (middle school)
June 22-26 morning – STEM (elementary school)
June 22-26 afternoon – Aerospace (elementary school)
June 22-26 morning and afternoon – Robotics (middle school)
June 29-July 3 morning – STEM (middle school)
June 29-July 3 afternoon – Aerospace (middle school)
June 29-July 3 morning – Programming (elementary school)
June 29-July 3 afternoon – App design (elementary school)
July 6-10 morning and afternoon – Graphics (middle school)
July 6-10 morning and afternoon – Robotics (elementary school)
July 13-17 morning and afternoon – Minecraft (elementary school)
Minecraft – This camp involves an independent video game in which students use educational technology tools to build lands and structures from around the world.
STEM – Though at first glance it appears to be all fun and games, this camp prepares students for high school science, technology, engineering and mathematics classes.
Aerospace – Students will engage in hands-on activities and simulations that explore the growing field of aerospace engineering. Students will learn the principles of flight and design rockets, and will plan space launches and astronaut retrieval. Students will work in small groups and individually.
Robotics – Elementary students will learn basic programming skills on the Lego Mindstorms EV3 robots and how to engineer the most effective SumoBots using sensors, timers, motors and various design elements. Middle school students will also get a jumpstart on the annual VEX Robotics Challenge.
Graphics – Students will learn about the amazing field of computer graphics and graphic design, working with Adobe Photoshop to edit and enhance photos; and learn about digital make-up and how to create special effects. Adobe Illustrator will be used to create graphic designs and printing posters, badges and vinyl. The class will include an introduction to laser engravers, vinyl cutters and 3D printers.
Software – This camp will introduce students to the basics of computer programming, including graphics, loops, decision structures and more. Students will learn how to create their own programs.
App Design – The App camp will introduce students to the basics of creating apps for android devices, creating apps that involve graphics, loops, decision structures, phone functions and more.
To register for sessions or find more information about the camp and to watch informational videos about each session, visit http://areatechcamps.weebly.com/ Registration deadline is May 29 and fees must be paid upon registration.
For more information, contact Steven May at [email protected]
