Robotics Engineering
WeDo Robotics
Course Description
In Vision Tech’s Robotics Engineering camp, kids will use the LEGO WeDo Robotics Kit to build LEGO models with motors and sensors, and program their creations using the WeDo visual drag-and-drop software. Kids will gain a strong understanding of programming concepts while having fun using the familiar LEGO components.
From the first day on, kids will start building their LEGO models like planes, boats, and rescue mechanisms, and then write programs to have their LEGO robots move and respond to their programs and sensors.
This camp engages children in hands-on technology experiments that focus on science, mathematics, social studies, and language concepts, using the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) concept. It allows young kids to start exploring simple robotics concepts at an early age in a fun and easy way. The drag-and-drop icon-based software provides an intuitive and easy-to-use programming environment suitable for beginners and experienced users alike. No prior experience in programming or robotics is necessary. At the end of the week, campers will take home photos of the robots they created.
Information
Robotics Skills Learned
Campers learn :
- Important STEM fundamentals and computer science concepts
- Foundational robotics and programming concepts
- Engineering skills by playing with motors and sensors
- Analytic and problem-solving skills
- How to sequence a computer program
- Write programs that make their robots respond to the surrounding environment through sensors
- To build and modify their robot designs with the goal of making their LEGO models move
Prior Robotics Understanding
WeDo Robotics Engineering Camp requires no previous robotics experience, just a little love for LEGOs. Each camper will be provided their own WeDo Robotics Kit and a computer. The Robotics curriculum is developed to ensure that students with varying learning styles and levels can accomplish the lesson goals. Beginners can advance sequentially through the lessons to gradually gain confidence and knowledge in Engineering and coding skills.
Equipment and Software Used
In this camp, students will use the LEGO WeDo Robotics set and the WeDo 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.
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