Adventures in LEGO Robotics
Robotics Summer camp for kids
Course Description
The field of robotics engineering is a fun way to introduce children to mechanical engineering and computer programming. The world of robotics is a great STEM tool for students to bridge the gap between computer science and engineering.
Join Vision Tech Camps’ LEGO Robotics camp to take part in an incredible learning experience in robotics engineering. You will design and build robots using the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 system, the third generation robotics kit in the LEGO Mindstorms line, and use the easy and intuitive EV3 visual programming interface to get your introduction to programming. You will learn to incorporate motors, sensors, and the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 brick to build and design robots that can walk, talk, think, and do anything you can imagine.
Using the EV3 programming platform, you will program your robot to navigate multiple challenges to complete tasks. You will also use extra EV3 sensors to enhance your robotics adventures.
Information
Robotics Skills Learned
Campers learn to:
- Engineering concepts including pulleys, gears, and levers
- Hands-on technology experience using LEGO robotics
- How to program using a drag and drop block-based software
- STEM concepts including design iteration and testing
Prior LEGO Robotics Engineering Understanding
This camp requires no previous robotics or engineering experience. Each student will be provided their own robotics kit and computer but may be asked to work in teams for certain challenges.
Equipment and Software Used
In this camp, students will use the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 course set, and the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 Programming System. Students will get access to a laptop in order to program their robot.
Sample Day
Each day at Vision Tech Camps is carefully planned to ensure a personalized learning experience and to ensure that each student meets their individual goals. Our flexible schedule provides time for group instruction, one on one attention, project completion, and teamwork exercises.
7:30 am: Extended Care Check In
Early check-in for campers who have chosen the AM Extended Care Option – students can choose from a variety of pre-camp activities.
8:30 am – 9:00 am: Rolling Drop off
Check-in and pre-camp activities, including introductions & hardware & computer distribution
9:00 am – 9:15 am: Welcome and review of daily schedule
Students connect with instructors, ask questions, and instructors go over the course outline
9:15 am – 10:30 am: Core Tech Modules
This hour is reserved for work on course skills and may include small group learning, individual learning, or class-wide instruction depending on the particular tech modules being taught
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Break
Students can spend their free time having snacks, drinks, continue working independently, play, reading, or relax on the sofa
11:00 am – 12:00 pm: Core Tech Modules
This hour is reserved for work on course skills and may include small group learning, individual learning, or class-wide instruction depending on the particular tech modules being taught
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Lunch Break
Kids & teens who have ordered our Meal Plan will be provided their hot lunch. Other students may bring their own bag lunch and eat outside under the supervision of camp staff. Students may utilize nearby parks to play and experience the outdoors.
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm: Core Tech Modules
This period is reserved for work on course skills and may include small group learning, individual learning, or class-wide instruction depending on the particular tech modules being taught
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm: Break
Students can spend their free time having snacks, drinks, continue working independently, play, reading, or relax on the sofa
3:30 pm – 5:00 am: Core Tech Modules & Wrap Up
This period is reserved for work on course skills and may include small group learning, individual learning, or class-wide instruction depending on the particular tech modules being taught. Kids & teens wrap up the day’s projects.
5:00 pm – 5:15pm : Pick up Time
Parents pick up kids & teens who are not enrolled in extended care.
5:15pm – 6:15pm: Extended Care Pick Up Time
Students in extended care are picked up
Vision Tech Camps Instruction
Real Instruction. Quality STEM Summer Tech Projects
We believe that learning technology should be part of kids & teens summer camp experiences. Summer tech camps offer kids a relaxed and fun way to explore their tech interests and gain an edge for college or university. At Vision Tech Camps, we pride ourselves on building STEM curriculum with concrete learning goals, where teachers initially lead students through lessons with a projector, followed by students doing their own projects on their computers. This way, kids & teens learn the basics and go on to explore their interests, resulting in tech projects that students are proud to call their own at the end of the course.
Beginner through Advanced Students
Our STEM summer camps are designed to accommodate a wide skill range, challenging the most advanced students, while encouraging beginners to take that first step into the field. We achieve that through hiring instructors who are tech savvy, and a technology curriculum that is adjustable for all skill levels. In addition, our low student-to-instructor ratio, which is kept at 8:1 instructor to student ratio – *not* a staff ratio, allows plenty of personalized one-on-one attention during the summer course.
Comfortable & Private Facilities
Since we own our two tech camp facilities at Danville & Saratoga, students feel comfortable and at ease at our facilities. As these are our permanent summer camp locations, we are able to minimize technical difficulties ahead of time and provide the most advanced tech hardware, custom-built computers, and professional grade software to our campers for a more enjoyable summer tech camp.
The Best Computer Camp Instructors
Vision Tech only hires the most passionate and caring instructors who are also experienced in the individual course material they are hired to teach. We train each instructor personally and instill them with Vision Tech teaching practices and values, ensuring that all students have fun in our summer camps, learn skills, and most importantly are inspired to continue their journey long after they have left our summer tech camps.
FAQ
What is the LEGO EV3 Robotics System?
The Lego EV3 Robotics system is a complete erector style robotics kit made of specialized LEGO pieces, sensors, motors, and a specialized CPU known as the EV3 Brick that is made by the Lego Company for students to learn about robotics.
Do I need to bring a Lego Robotics EV3 Kit?
No, Vision Tech will provide EV3 kits for students to use at camp.
Does get my child get to keep the EV3 kit?
Unfortunately, the EV3 kits are for classroom use only. If the kids wish to continue working on their robots at home, they would need to purchase a LEGO EV3 Kit from LEGO.
Does my child need to have any programming or robotics engineering experience to enroll in this robotics engineering camp?
No, this camp curriculum is designed for students from beginner level to advanced level. Students with no experience will be given an introduction into both robotics & programming.
Is lunch provided at Vision Tech Camps?
Yes, if students select the meal plan option in our Danville and Saratoga locations. Otherwise, students are encouraged to bring a bagged lunch. Our meal plan is not available in the Piedmont location, unfortunately.
What will my child learn in this lego robotics summer camp?
Students will learn to build, design, and program their LEGO robots through a variety of challenges. Students will learn to include sensors, motors, and gears, and complex mechanisms into their designs to complete multiple robotics engineering challenges. Students will also learn the engineering iterative process to completing a new challenge. This camp is also good practice for students looking to participate in the First Lego League robotics tournaments.
My child is not within the age range of this camp. Is this camp appropriate for my child?
The age ranges provided are for informational and guidance purpose only. We feel that parents are the ultimate judge of where their child will comfortable. If parents are uncertain, we encourage parents to call us for appropriate recommendations on placement of their kids.
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