2017
Day One: Introduction
Campers will have the opportunity to hear from Joe Maroney, a local area robotics expert. Mr. Maroney is a solutions engineer with cyber security and has a passion for teaching the STEM areas to youth. He will share information regarding robotics, the STEM areas, and the need for more students to explore those areas. Afterwards, the students will begin two separate projects: building a miniature robot, the Meccanoid 2.0, and creating Calculator Controlled Robots. Then, throughout the week, the students will work with Thomas University’s John Wolfhagen to build a prosthetic arm for a Thomas County Middle School student, who will receive the arm at the end-of-the-week’s celebration.
Day Two: Robotics in Art
After learning some basics about robotics, the students will travel to Florida State University to tour the Facility for Arts Research (FAR) Department. During their tour, they will learn how “the Facility for Arts Research (FAR), part of Florida State University’s College of Fine Arts, supports rigorous investigation and inquiry across artistic media and disciplines with a focus on technological innovation” (FAR, 2017). After touring the Fine Arts Department, the students will travel over to Florida’s Agricultural and Mechanical University, where they listen to a presentation on robotics, architecture design software (SketchUp) and laser cutting. The students will stay the night on the FAMU campus. Please have the students pack for an overnight stay.
Day Three: Dream Big: Engineering Our World
After their stay on the FAMU campus, the campers will head over to the Challenger Learning Center to participate in all-day event. First, the students will create their own EV3 Lego robot and watch it work. Afterwards, they view an IMAX movie, “Dream Big: Engineering Our World” in 3D. Finally, the students will end their experience with “Mysteries of the Unseen World” in the Digital Dome before heading back to Thomasville.
Day Four: Robotics in Action
Campers will continue to work on their Meccanoid 2.0 and Calculator Controlled Robots. After they have completed their robots, they will work on creating a series of tasks for the robots to complete. Then, during the afternoon block, students will have the opportunity to create an LED Holiday Card. They will learn how to design and build a device that converts one form of energy to another.
Day Five: Culminating Day
On the last day of camp, students will spend the morning finalizing their “thank you” letters and completing their projects. Then, in the afternoon, parents and friends are invited to attend a reception, highlighting the events of the week and where students will demonstrate how their own simple machine works.