SUMMER CAMP
In the past we have hosted summer camps to teach CAD and FLL skills. We will not be able to do so going forward. While this is an unhappy consequence of fading support from volunteers (students, parents, coaches and mentors), we hope the future will bring renewed commitment and restore our ability contribute more STEM and STEAM activities for the students in our community.
SUMMER CAMP 2023
The 2023 summer camps hosted 42 students in three different programs in June and July:
Week 1 -- Beginner's OnShape camp taught students about FIRST Core Values and basic 3D modeling and 3D printing. Using outer space as our theme, students learned to make basic objects like robots, UFOs, rocket ships, and puzzle cubes.
Week 2 -- FLL camp students learned about FIRST Core Values and how to build and program a FIRST LEGO League robot. Into Orbit (the FLL game theme from 2018) was our theme, and students focused on four possible objectives from the game. Campers learned design and programming to make a robot capable of completing the challenges.
Week 3 -- Advanced OnShape camp taught higher level concepts of 3D modeling by making more complex design mechanisms. Advanced sketching tools like spline, inscribed and circumscribed polygons, and equal and normal constraints were presented. We also discussed assembly tools and robot concepts. We used old FTC games as a guide for mechanism projects for the campers to design mechanisms and mount them on drivetrains.
Summer Camp 2022
The Techno Titans team hosted two in-person camps in July. In addition to the main theme of each camp, students learned about FIRST Core Values -- ideas that represent FIRST's highest priorities and fundamental driving forces.
Week one camp was computer aided design (CAD) using OnShape, a free online software program. Students learned 3D modeling to design and create various concepts including a name tag, a penguin, original Minecraft characters, puzzle cubes, and modeling their own bedroom. The students used the lessons taught in class to create these ideas, culminating in a sandcastle contest. The winning sandcastle was printed on the 3D printer for the student designer.
Week two was a FIRST LEGO League (FLL) themed camp. Using LEGO Mindstorm EV3 robots, the students learned design, building, and programming to create a robot to compete in an end-of-week friendly competition. Each day the students would learn new design and programming concepts, and explore the FIRST Core Values. Each team learned about the Core Values and presented about them on the last day. Additionally, each team created a unique robot then programmed it to line trace, push blocks, make the lady LEGO swing on the swing, and traverse the ramp.
Overwhelming consensus for both camps was that playing Four Square outside with the class and Techno Titans was the best part!
Summer Camp 2021
We hosted two summer camps in July. First was a week-long virtual camp, held via Zoom. We taught students the basics of computer aided design (CAD) using OnShape, a free online software program. Students learned 3D modeling by creating their own design, and the basics of 3D printing. They even received a 3D printed model of their design.
The second week was an full day in-person camp that allowed students to learn the basics of design, building, programming, and competing in a FLL-type competition. Students worked in small teams to develop their idea, construct their robot, program the robot to perform a climb, manage a see-saw, and wind through a line tracking course.