Summer Camps by Week

Course Overview

Workshop participants will be taught basic to intermediate level skills of the state-of-the-art photo imaging software – Adobe Photoshop!  The workshop will offer instruction on the following:

• Shapes, image editing & manipulation
• Marquee and selection tools
• Brush tools
• Specialty tools (eyedropper, Spot Healing Brush, Clone Tool, and more…)
• Saving and file management
• Simple animation (meme-building & rotoscoping)
• An introduction to the elements and principles of design

Additionally, students will be introduced to web-based, free alternatives to Photoshop that can be accessed and used on a web browser on any computer.

Students will use the computer lab desktop computers, but will be asked to bring a portable USB storage device (with at least 10 GB capacity) for saving & transporting files.

This is an introductory course.  Comfort with basic computer functions is helpful but not required.

If you enjoy working with static & dynamic images, or if you want to learn more, you’re going to have a

Course Overview

Discover the ultimate LEGO® challenge by combining LEGO® elements with an EV3 LEGO® MINDSTORMS® programmable brick, motors, and sensors to learn mechanical design, programming, strategy, innovation, robot performance, and innovative solutions to real-world problems.

Students will work as Scientists and Engineers, immersing themselves in motivating STEM activities that develop creative problem solving, communication, and teamwork skills.

This exciting space exploration curriculum includes: Learning Missions, Challenge Missions, and Research Projects. Each mission and project is a fun and engaging STEM learning opportunity.

Course Overview

In VEX Automation and Robotics (AR) students explore robotics and automation as they take on the role of interns, and work in teams to create prototypes to meet the needs of clients. They build and analyze mechanical systems and automate them with programmed input and output devices.

Students work as Scientists and Engineers, immersing themselves in motivating STEM activities that develop creative problem solving, communication, and teamwork skills.

Lesson 1: Automating Mechanisms

Students explore how gear trains and other mechanisms transfer movement in mechanical systems and design, build, and program automated systems to meet the needs of clients. In the end-of-lesson project, students can choose to design an interactive device to keep pets physically and mentally active, a spinning street sign to warn drivers to slow down and stop, or a high-speed dragster.

Lesson 2: Sensors and Systems

Students investigate the versatility of an optical sensor as a programmed input device. Students extend their knowledge of mechanisms as they design increasingly complex prototypes to serve the needs of users. In the end-of-lesson project, students connect inputs to outputs through programming to create effective solutions that help their communities.

Lesson 3: Create and Automate

Students design solutions using an automated mechanical system and the programming necessary for communication between the sensors, motors, and building components. Students pick their own problems or select problems that highlight their creativity and are of service to others. Throughout the unit students reflect on their growing skills and interests and explore careers in the field.

Course Goal

The goal of this course is to immerse students in STEM through the excitement of building and programming robots. Today’s tools will be used to shape the minds of tomorrow’s problem solvers.

How the Class Will Be Taught

This course will use a variety of instructional strategies to move students progressively toward a stronger understanding of automation and robotics and, ultimately, greater independence in engineering and programming. Students will be introduced to new topics through demonstrations or brief readings of mission objectives and suggested programming followed by the opportunity to put the concepts into practice. Each lesson or challenge will build upon the last. Students will be expected to work collaboratively to troubleshoot and to solve open-ended challenges.

Course Overview

This workshop introduces object oriented programming development and design using Python. Students will learn basic programming language concepts including Python syntax, input/output and control structures. Object oriented concepts will be introduced including Python classes that contain variables and methods. Students will focus on problem solving skills by program design and algorithm development using sound software engineering practices.

This course will start with the very basics, assuming that students do not have any previous Python programming experience. It does not require any other programming experience. This course will introduce basic programming concepts using the Python programming language.

Python (named after the British comedy troupe and not the snake) is an interpreted programming language originally developed by Guido van Rossum and used by companies in the Arts, Business and Education. Since its inception years ago, Python has become one of the most popular programming languages in commerce and gaming.

Course Goals and Learning Outcomes

• Develop Python programs that contain sequence, selection and iteration control structures.
• Develop Python programs that contain methods that may have parameters and a return type.
• Understand the concepts of Objects and Python classes.
• Work with PyGame, a set of Python modules designed for writing games.

Structure

This course is taught using classroom and lab instruction employing lecture/demonstration, in-class exercises, student participation, and class activities leading to a final project. Classes will include introductory concept presentations, followed by in-class exercises. While students are invited to bring their own laptops to class, the UCSD lab will have all necessary hardware and software installed for their use each day. Python is cross platform and may be run under Windows, Mac OS X or Linux.

Topics to be covered during the week

Module 1:       –Introduction to Python

                        –Introduction to the IDE environment

                        –Python keywords

                        –Primitive data types

                        –Input/Output

Module 2:       -Selection Control Structure

                        -Methods

-Algorithm Development

Module 3:       -Iteration Control Structure

                        -Algorithm Development

Module 4:       -PyGame Introduction

-Game Design and Implementation

Module 5:       -Final Project: Putting the pieces together.

Prerequisites:

• Must be a current high school student in grade 8-12.
• Successful completion of Algebra 1 or Integrated I.
• A basic understanding of computers.

Course Overview

In a world driven by technology, the ability to code is increasingly valuable and accessible. This camp is for beginners to more advanced students eager to explore coding creatively. This immersive camp introduces participants to programming fundamentals, guiding them through the creation of interactive games using JavaScript and the p5.play library. From novice to game designer, campers will delve into JavaScript basics, mastering variables, conditionals, loops, and functions. Through hands-on coding, they’ll craft their own games, honing skills in graphics, user input, mechanics, and collision detection. With a learn-by-doing approach, campers will showcase creations, receive feedback, and collaborate. By camp’s end, attendees will have a game project and foundational coding understanding, along with resources for further learning. Whether a student, aspiring developer, or coding enthusiast, this camp is your portal to the captivating realm of programming and game design, where ideas morph into interactive realities on screen. Join us and embark on your coding journey!