Students will learn the proper way to handle computers and associated devices such as mice and keyboards. We will cover such “rules” as having clean hands, not having food or drinks around computers, how to handle CD’s, how to use a keyboard and mouse, how to click, double-click, “drag”, “select”, cut-and-paste, etc. We will also cover icons, shortcuts, “how to get around” in Windows, how to turn on and correctly power off a computer, how to insert a CD and “get it to come up” and how to know when to ask for help. We will use educational software as the means to these ends, to the greatest possible extent. We feel this is a very valuable course because this material is either glossed over or never formally addressed.

We will show students a wide variety of educational software in areas such as Math, Reading, Writing, Spelling, and more! We feel that educational software is an exciting way to supplement students’ learning, especially because it’s so much fun, and because students pick up so many skills by using the large variety of software that’s available. For example, all software of this kind “exercises” small motor skills so students become adept at more advanced computer skills such as mouse dragging and cursor movement. This software also hones skills such as hand-eye coordination, concentration, patience, and creative expression. Parents will be given a list of our recommended software as part of this class.

First, students will be shown proper hand placement and posture for typing. Then, students will be introduced to word processing using Microsoft® Word. They will learn how to set up a document, set margins, choose fonts, center and justify text, spell-check, indent, and more! More advanced students will be introduced to using Styles to create well-structured consistent, easy-to-change documents, as well as tables, headers and footers, special characters (such as ¶ and ©), subscripts and superscripts, and more advanced topics.

Students will explore creativity software including the award-winning KidPix. We will cover the following: painting, drawing, creating simple movies & slideshows, digital rubber stamps, and more! Students will also learn how to print their creations. The aim of this course is for students to begin to understand how the computer can be used as a creative tool.

Students will have fun learning how computers can be used to make craft items such as stickers, frames, hats, cards, invitations, mobiles, bookmarks, gift bags, and more. Students will develop an appreciation for computers as creative tools, extending their use well beyond playing games and typing. This class also expands on skills developed in Computer/Technology 101, such as using a mouse, using a keyboard, printing, navigating on the screen, etc.

Students will learn techniques to author and illustrate books, using a computer as a tool. Students will be introduced to different types of software that help to both encourage creative design as well as assist with the writing process. Each student will produce an entire book by themselves by the end of the session, and will pick up valuable writing and artistic skills in the process.

Have fun making electronic devices, including an alarm, generator, timer, RC rover, etc. We use Snap Circuit® electronic labs to build and perform experiments; no soldering involved. Kids will also learn how to draw real electronic symbols.

Students will have a great time exploring some of the electronics that make robots work, using the ground-breaking Letry robotic car. Students will learn about the major subsystems of a simple robot, then connect the electronic components using plug-and-play wires on a breadboard (electronic connection board) to make the car operate. No soldering required! Students will learn about sensors, LEDs, and other electronic components. We feel there is no better way to get a fun introduction to electronics and highly recommend this class!

Explore electrical engineering, computer engineering, and mechanical engineering as you build a variety of projects, such as a mechanical arm and the LeTry robotic rover.

Students will create soft circuit projects using paper and materials that conduct electricity. Students will experiment with conductive paint & ink, memory wire, and copper tape to build & integrate circuitry into a variety of fun projects. Knowledge of this material enables students to explore wearables, a rapidly-evolving, creative field, and another class we happen to offer!

Participants will have fun combining light, sound and electronics, while using Snap Circuits™ electronic light labs to build and perform experiments. No soldering is involved.

Have fun combining light, sound and electronic circuits, and learn about switches, motors, resistors, speakers, microphones, transistors, etc. We use Snap Circuits® electronic light labs to build and perform experiments; no soldering is involved.

This is the recommended starting course, even for students who feel they “know a lot” about computers. This course covers how computers are used in the real-world, close examination of the keyboard, the concept of input and output devices (mice, printers, scanners, etc.), “bits” and “bytes”, storage capacities of diskettes, how data is stored on a computer (ASCII), number systems, character sets, and units of measurement (prefixes such as “mega-”, “giga-”, etc.). Course will be a combination of hands-on, demonstration/lecture, and video segments.

This course reviews ASCII character representation, then presents a more thorough treatment of math as applied to computers, including expanded notation, exponentiation, and the binary (base 2), octal (base 8), decimal (base 10) and hexadecimal (base 16) number systems. Special attention is given to show how these concepts relate directly to computers, with an emphasis on binary representation and its correspondence with underlying hardware (transistors). Course will be a combination of hands-on, demonstration/lecture, and video segments.

For those who wish to continue their exploration of digital electronics, this course will present an introduction to digital circuits. Components such as transistors, diodes, resistors, capacitors, DC power supplies, LED’s, and the like will be introduced and demonstrated. Basic breadboarding techniques will be demonstrated and students will be given an opportunity to develop their own simple circuits. We will show how circuits are constructed that add two two-digit binary numbers together (half-adders and full-adders). Course will be a combination of hands-on, demonstration/lecture, video segments, and computer-aided instruction through CD software.

This course relates number systems to the underlying digital electronic components (esp. transistors) that are the basis for computers and other digital devices. The concepts of binary, On/Off and transistors operating as a “switch” will be unified. Special attention will be given to the story behind the invention of the transistor through an excellent video that shows its significance and its foundation for much of what goes on in Silicon Valley. Students will be given an opportunity to handle transistors, and a basic introduction to digital circuits will be given. We will show how transistors can be used as a switch to illuminate an LED in a simple circuit. We will present a brief introduction to microprocessors (Pentium® CPU’s) so that the student understands how a computer computes. Finally, we will introduce truth tables (AND, OR, and NOT), and show how transistors are used as building blocks to construct more complicated integrated circuits that form the basis of microprocessors, memory, and storage devices (it all comes back to the transistor!). The class will culminate in a field trip to the Intel Museum in Santa Clara. Course will be a combination of hands-on, demonstration/lecture, video segments, and computer-aided instruction through CD software.

This is one of our most popular classes, as it gives students a chance to see what’s going on “under the hood”. We will begin by explaining and demonstrating the safety precautions that must be taken when working with computers. We will then look at the major components of a computer, how they relate to each other, and what they do; we do this from a critical perspective so that students begin to develop an understanding for what makes some computers better than others. We will show, in particular, how motherboards have evolved since their introduction over 20 years ago. We will explain the difference between memory and disk, and students will be given a chance to install and remove memory. After the hands-on portion, we will present a video which demonstrates how one can build one’s own computer. Finally, we will present a checklist for building a computer, along with useful websites, stores, and other resources. Whether or not the student ever builds their own computer, this course is really fun and educational, because it gives students an appreciation for what’s in that “beige box”. It also demonstrates how the previously-learned fundamentals (such as those learned in Computer/Technology 201, 202, and even 203 and 204) come into play.

This is a very popular class, because we all have glitches, gotchas, gaffes and goof-ups with our computers. Wouldn’t it be great if computers always ran without a hitch? Well, they don’t. But, how do we go about fixing them? This class presents troubleshooting methodologies and techniques that can help us refine the art of helping ourselves. Bring your questions, problems, even your computers (!!) to this class, and we’ll help you make sense of them. Then, the next time your computer has a problem, you’ll have a much better understanding of how to tackle it! We’ll look at software installation, operating system re-installs, hardware troubleshooting, device drivers, and more. We’ll also look at activities you should be performing on a regular basis to keep your computer running at its peak, such as scandisk, antivirus protection, Microsoft® Windows Update, power conditioning, etc. Don’t let your computer get the best of you; begin mastering it today!

Learn how to build and control basic electronic circuits with the popular Arduino microcontroller platform. Students will learn to design simple and intermediate circuits using electronic components such as diodes, resistors, and transistors, then build these circuits on a breadboard and program them using the Arduino programming system. No prior experience with electronics or programming is necessary. Concepts taught include an overview of basic electronics components, circuit design, schematic reading, and introductory object-oriented programming.

This course is designed for those who wish to create their own customized course that includes material from one or more of the above courses, either as a review or as newly-introduced material.

This course is also a “catch-all” for those who want more advanced study (beyond Computer/Technology 204) where students can continue to explore more advanced and challenging topics. We will work with parents and students to identify areas of study that are of particular interest. Because of the custom nature of this class, it is likely that the student may be the only one in the “class”, and will receive individualized instruction & guidance.

Students will be given a gentle introduction to the basic tools and techniques for using the Internet. We will approach “Safe Computing” from a pragmatic perspective by introducing “kid-friendly” sites and search engines. Students will learn how to “get on” the Internet by using a browser (Internet Explorer and Opera), navigate via links, and control various aspects of the browsing experience by changing some simple browser settings. Students will also learn how to save favorite sites, organize them, and access these “bookmarks” at a later time. Students will also be introduced to doing research on the Internet, and will learn how to identify “credible” sources of information.

We start the course by explaining that, while “standalone” computers are useful, they can be “hooked together” in a network to harness even more power and flexibility. This leads to a discussion of the natural extension of networks from “LAN’s” to “WAN’s”. We then draw a distinction between the Internet and the World Wide Web (“Web”), and show how the two are related, but very different technologies. We learn how and why the Internet was created, and learn about its place in history. We continue with the history and creation of the Web, looking at its early days and its evolution. We conclude this class by learning about the organizations that set standards and maintain cohesiveness of the Internet and the Web.

This course begins with a comprehensive look at the various technologies used to connect computers to the Internet, such as analog modems, ISDN, and DSL. We then examine the infrastructure of Internet providers so that students can understand how it all “hangs together”. We look at the costs, speeds and bandwidths of the various access methods. We look at the difference between analog and digital communication, and learn how modems work. We discuss how high-speed transmission is accomplished using fiber-optic cable. The course culminates in a visit to a local Internet provider to see the Internet from their perspective.

This course is the first in a series that teaches students how (and why) to write web pages. We begin with an introduction to HTML, the language used to author web pages. We then go through a series of exercises of increasing difficulty that lead students through the construction of their own web pages. After some practice, the students will be introduced to some software tools that help them to create web pages more efficiently. Finally, the students will learn how web pages are uploaded to web servers via programs that implement the FTP protocol.

This course is a continuation of Computer/Technology 320, and will survey a variety of subjects related to web design, including image capture and preparation (using Adobe Photoshop and Macromedia Fireworks), page layout and design principles, automated webpage development (using Macromedia Dreamweaver), audio and video, scripting (using JavaScript), and client/server technologies such as ASP and server-side includes. The course will be tailored to the participants and can draw on several of the above topics, as well as additional topics not mentioned.

After a brief review of the topics covered in Computer/Technology 301 & 320, we look more closely at the browser as a piece of application software. We examine its inputs (HTML “source code”, etc.) and outputs (a displayed web page, etc.), and learn how the browser communicates with an external website through the HTTP protocol. We examine Internet traffic, and learn how routers are used to direct packets of information in the most efficient manner. We use a tool to “watch” traffic going between the browser and the remote website. Finally, we study Internet connectivity in detail.

This is an introductory robotics course using the innovative LEGO® WeDo™ robotics system. Students will experiment with design principles, aesthetics, organizational skills, team-playing, & programming, and gain an appreciation for the role of robots in society.

This is a science course using the LEGO® WeDo™ robotics system in which students will explore robots in an oceanic context. Students will learn about coral reefs while building a variety of robots, including a scuba diver, a fish, a manta ray and a sea turtle.

This is an opportunity for kids to learn along with their parents, grandparents, or other adult friends! In this 2½-hour lab, you will build a LEGO MINDSTORMS robot, and learn how to program it to perform various behaviors. We will also discuss how robots are used in the world today, and offer suggestions of how you can continue exploring the exciting world of robotics.

This is one of our most popular robotics courses, where students explore both the LEGO® WeDo™ & LEGO® NXT™ Mindstorms robotics systems. Students will have fun designing, building and programming robots; practice problem-solving skills; and gain an appreciation for the role of robots in our society.

This course is a continuation of Computer/Technology 401. Students will learn to build more advanced LEGO® robots that perform more complex behaviors. We introduce flowcharts and planning in the robot building process. We also formalize the concept of programming languages, and demonstrate how software relates to the control of devices, such as robots, cars, television set-top boxes (such as TiVo®), and similar devices.

Learn about robotics, related careers, and programming by combining the art of Sumo wrestling with the creation of computerized robots. Participants will program a robot to push its opponent out of a Sumo arena and explore how to develop the best winning strategies.

Learn about robotics, related careers, and programming by combining the art of Sumo wrestling with the creation of computerized robots. Participants will program a robot to push its opponent out of a Sumo arena and explore how to develop the best winning strategies. Students will also build and program a variety of other LEGO NXT creations.

Learn about robotics, related careers, and programming by combining the art of Sumo wrestling with the creation of computerized robots. Participants will program a robot to push its opponent out of a Sumo arena by using sensors, special attachments, and creative programming; and explore how to develop the best winning strategies.

Explore the fascinating world of robotics, related careers, and programming by building and programming Sumo wrestling and tug-of-war robots. Students will program a robot to push its opponent out of a Sumo arena; then, they will program a robot to play tug-of-war with another robot, all-the-while learning how to develop the best winning strategies.

Students will also design and build a robot to interact with objects to complete various missions. They will learn about navigation, attachments and the importance of keeping the design simple, while using creativity to develop winning strategies.

Explore the fascinating world of robotics, related careers, and programming by building and programming Sumo wrestling and tug-of-war robots. First, students will program a robot to push its opponent out of a Sumo arena; then, they will program a robot to play tug-of-war with another robot, all-the-while learning how to develop the best winning strategies.

Students will design & build a robotic racing vehicle, which they will then race on an indoor race track and explore how to develop winning strategies.

Explore the fascinating world of robotics, related careers, and learn the relevance of robotics in today’s world. Students will build and program a variety of robotic machines such as a forklift, Segway, 3-speed transmission, lawn mower, Modular Text Vehicle (MTV), robotic arm and trailer pull.

Students will build a flexible robotic vehicle that can be easily converted to use wheels or treads. Students will build the base robot, then build modular attachments for the robot while learning about different sensors. They will also build their own attachments and program the robot to perform various tasks.

Students will explore principles of designing, building and programming robots using the LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT robotics system. Students will be learning how robotics engineers solve problems using the scientific method, and get an opportunity to try out these solutions in a hands-on manner, as they build a variety of different robots.

Build and program a variety of "smaller" LEGO® creations, to jumpstart your imagination. These are not just robots! You will build and program a spider, a roller coaster, a remote control vehicle, and more.

Explore the fascinating world of robotics, related careers, and programming by building and programming a variety of robotic machines. Students will build and program a forklift, Segway, and explorer.

Learn to make a stop-motion movie using LEGO® bricks and mini figures. Make background scenery, storyboards, gain experience using cameras and tripods, and have fun being a director. [Same as Animation, Art, Photography & Multimedia Course 625].

Build Spike, a robotic scorpion, and then learn how to program it to behave like a scorpion. Learn about animal behaviors, their habitats, mechanical design, and robotics terminology.

Students will build a robotic animal using the LEGO MINDSTORMS® system. It could be a Frog, Gorilla, Polar Bear, Sloth, Dinosaur, Alligator, or even a Rattlesnake. This is a great introduction to "behavior-based robotics", where robots are used to simulate living creatures to help us learn more about them.

Students will build and program a robot to find its way through a maze by using a variety of sensors and special attachments.

Students will explore how robotics can be incorporated in the design of musical instruments. They will design a robotic guitar, trumpet, drum, or xylophone, and then learn how to program it to play music. Along the way, students will learn about sensors, gears, pitch, tone and rhythm.

Students will learn about engineering concepts, simple machines (levers, axles, gears, pulleys, and more), problem solving, the scientific method, and engineering careers. They will build a variety of models incorporating simple machines, including a vehicle and a windmill, and then test their models.

Students will learn about engineering concepts, pneumatics, physics, problem-solving, the scientific method, and engineering careers. They will build a variety of machines, including a clock, dragster and a windmill, then test their models.

Using LEGO® bricks and specialty pieces, kids will learn about and build space ships, airports, planes, helicopters, rockets, Mars rovers, and more.

Using LEGO® bricks, specialty pieces, flight simulation, and kits, kids will learn about and build space ships, planes, helicopters, rockets, Mars rovers, and more.They will explore the history and science of flight, and learn the parts of flight vehicles.

Using LEGO® bricks and specialty pieces, students will explore the creation of ideas and stories through play. Students will gain experience with creativity, problem-solving, fine-motor skills, abstraction, and learn how they can express their thoughts through physical objects. Each week, the students will learn about a different type of story, then use LEGO minifigs to create their own story.

Design and build a LEGO® MINDSTORMS® NXT robot to interact with objects to complete various missions. Learn about navigation, attachments and the importance of keeping your design simple, while using your creativity to develop winning strategies. This is an excellent class to take if you are thinking about participating in our FIRST LEGO League Challenges/Exhibitions that we offer in the Spring and Fall of each year, but the class is equally fun for all.

Students will build and program a LEGO MINDSTORMS® robot to interact with objects to complete various missions. Students will learn about navigation, attachments, and the importance of keeping designs simple, while using creativity to develop successful strategies.

Using LEGO® bricks and specialty pieces, students will explore different types of animals and their habitats. They will build and study animals in mountains, deserts, the rainforest, arctic regions, oceans, grasslands, and wetlands. Students will gain experience with creativity and development of fine motor skills.

Using LEGO bricks and specialty pieces, students will learn about and build a variety of different types of buildings. They will explore the history and design of different famous buildings from around the world.

Using LEGO® bricks & specialty pieces, students will design & build a city over the course of a week, alongside the instructor. Students will be encouraged to incorporate as many elements of a city as possible, including businesses, residences, emergency infrastructure, traffic lights, stop signs, and more. The emphasis will be placed on systems design, rather than isolated builds.

Using LEGO® bricks, specialty pieces, and city simulation software, students will design and build a variety of cities situated in different environments and locales.

Using LEGO bricks and other materials, students will learn about, then design & build a variety of different forms of transportation vehicles. Students will also explore the history of these vehicles, as well as race them.

Using LEGO® bricks and specialty pieces, kids will build themed designs, play LEGO® board games, design LEGO® structures on the computer, & learn building techniques and tips. There will be a different theme each week. Workshops will also be provided.

What makes a robot a robot? Students will learn how to answer this question as they spend each day with a different robotic application: the simple command-and-respond BeeBots for navigating patterns and mazes; the color-sensing Ozobots; and the LEGO WeDo, Simple Machines, and NXT robots they will build themselves.

Using LEGO bricks and specialty pieces, students will combine art and LEGOs to make LEGO sculptures, mosaics, and more. Students will learn building/art concepts and techniques.

LEGO Art: Using LEGO bricks and specialty pieces, students will combine art and LEGOs to make LEGO sculptures, mosaics, and more. Students will learn building/art concepts and techniques.

LEGO Transportation: Using LEGO bricks and other materials, students will learn about, then design & build a variety of different forms of transportation vehicles. Students will also explore the history of these vehicles, as well as race them.

What is it?
The theme for our Spring Challenge is "Robots on Parade”. Each team of students will:

1. Design and build a parade “float” that will be pulled by a LEGO® MINDSTORMS® NXT robot;
2. Design, build & program a LEGO® MINDSTORMS® NXT robot that will pull their float;
3. Program their robot to use a Light Sensor to follow a black line (the parade route);
4. Program their robot to use an Ultrasonic Sensor to prevent their robot and float from running into the robot in front of theirs;
5. Design and build scenery using craft materials, LEGO constructions, etc., which will be placed on a portion of the parade route;
6. Create a tri-fold presentation board to show what you have accomplished in pictures and words;
7. Participate in the Robot Parade at the Celebration Demonstration Open House on April 21. The public, as well as local media (TV and Press) will be invited.

How it Works:

Each team will need a parent/coach and a place to meet. Teams will be composed of 4-6 students, and will meet one or more times a week, often in a team member’s garage. It will be up to you and your team to decide the dates, times and frequency that you will meet, but we recommend you meet at least 2 hours each week. The team is issued a LEGO® MINDSTORMS® NXT Robotics Kit, along with the materials and guidelines for the Challenge. Each team will need the use of a computer, preferably a laptop running either Windows 7 or Windows XP, which is not provided by the Challenge. Apple computers are not recommended.

The Challenge is open to any child in Monterey County, age 6 and up. Basic knowledge of building with LEGO®s, and following LEGO® instructions are helpful, but familiarity or knowledge of LEGO® MINDSTORMS® NXT Robotics is not necessary. There are various levels of difficulties in the challenge in order to accommodate the participants’ range of experience and abilities.

The role of the team coach is not to provide technical know-how or provide solutions to the design and build, but rather to shepherd the team to cooperatively seek solutions, help the team keep their focus and not get stuck on minor details, guide the team in formulating a plan with a timeline, and stick to it in order to have something to show off at the exhibition.

Registration:

* * * Enrollment Closed. * * *

Students will learn how to program by using a variety of visual programming languages. Students will be introduced to programming concepts, terminology, and programming techniques; practice problem solving, and more.

When we ask kids what kind of programs they want to learn how to write, they almost always say “Games!”. Unfortunately, writing games is one of the most complex programming activities, because you are required to understand many details of drawing shapes, 3-D principles, data structures, etc. That is, until now! We have found an outstanding programming language, DarkBASIC, that has been specifically designed to get games up-and-running quickly because of the advanced language statements. But, the other main advantage of learning this language is that it is based on the original BASIC programming language, an excellent “first” language, as it is very easy to learn and “read” (unlike C++, for example). Once the BASIC language is mastered, we can go on into 2-D and 3-D programming. This course is the first in a series that introduces the simpler elements of the DarkBASIC language, and is the stepping-stone to more advanced programming. We will only touch on 2-D and 3-D in this class, and will learn many of the principles required to write more complex programs in more advanced classes.

This class is a continuation of Computer/Technology 505. We write more advanced programs with DarkBASIC, explore simple data structures (arrays, stacks, and queues), and learn about algorithms via sorting numbers, all important groundwork for more advanced work. We also learn the 2-D language statements that enable us to draw and manipulate simple shapes. We will begin to see how what we’ve learned can be used to create games.

This course is a continuation of Computer/Technology 506. We do more advanced work with 2-D, exploring the power of the DarkBASIC language. Students then have an option to create a full-blown application using what’s been learned so far, or choosing to learn principles of 3-D and its associated language statements. After a good bit of exploring the 3-D power of the language, we will help students develop a program which “puts it all together”.

This course is a continuation of Computer/Technology 507, and will be tailored to the course attendees. There is a wealth of additional material to explore, such as advanced data structures, algorithms, and more advanced features of DarkBASIC. Students who wish to learn another programming language, once they’ve learned Dark BASIC, should enroll in this course.

Students will use a variety of software programs to design and program their own video game. Students will explore the art of planning the game, programming it, learn some basic terminology, and practice problem-solving and critical thinking skills. They will then share and play each other's games.

Students will use the Kodu 3D gaming software to design a Mario-like video game from scratch. They will build the physical world, decide on their characters, and set objectives. Additionally, students will learn how Kodu can be used to convey complex sets of commands in the simplest way. On the last day, students will play each other's video games, and parents are invited to attend and participate.

This class is an excellent introduction to computer programming. Students will create apps (miniature programs) for Android devices (phones, tablets, etc.) using MIT App Inventor, a blocks-based programming language. Students will work in teams to develop fun and engaging games and other useful apps.

Have fun learning how to program with Python, a great language that is easy to learn, yet is used in the real-world by professional programmers, too. Students will explore game programming and animation, and learn programming concepts & terminology that are the basis of all programming.

Students will be introduced to intermediate Scratch programming skills and strategies and learn to connect Scratch to the physical world with the MaKey MaKey Invention Kit, WeDo, etc. Students will also learn to program with the Kodu visual programming language.

Students will learn to program with the Kodu programming language (which was developed by Microsoft). They will also learn the CoffeeScript programming language using the Pencil Code collaborative programming environment. Students will learn programming terminology and practice problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Have fun learning how to program with Java, a great language that is used in the real world by professional programmers. Students will learn programming concepts & terminology that are the basis of all programming.

Have fun learning how to program by using the Scratch programming language, developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Students will be introduced to programming concepts, event-driven programming techniques, language syntax, and more. Students will also be introduced to careers in programming.

Students will explore programming concepts with the Microsoft Kodu programming language and with the CoffeeScript collaborative programming environment. Students will then be introduced to the Unity development system, and learn the basics of how to create virtual reality games and experiences. Students will learn programming terminology and practice problem-solving and critical thinking skills. To further their exploration of virtual reality, students are encouraged to enroll for a second week in C# Programming and Virtual Reality, below.

Students will explore the C# professional programming language. Students will then be introduced to the Unity development programming environment and learn how to modify and customize an existing virtual reality game. Students will learn programming concepts & terminology that are the basis of all programming. This is a great follow-on course to Adventures in Programming and Virtual Reality, above.

Learn how to design and create a 2D “Mario-style” platformer (side-scrolling game) using the most widely-used professional game design software in the world, Unity. While learning the C# programming language, students will learn how to create levels, develop scenery, animate characters, handle respawning, incorporate sound, and much more. This is an excellent class to prepare students to take our virtual reality game design course that will be offered in winter/spring of 2018.

Students will be introduced to the fascinating world of animation by learning a variety of software programs to create 2-D and 3-D animations of their own. Students will explore a variety of animation techniques, concepts and careers.

This is an introductory mini-course covering computer animation. Kids will have fun while learning what it is like to be a computer animator. They will make a short animated movie as a final project.

Get an overview of animation by learning the animation program called Scratch, developed by MIT. Learn about different animation techniques, concepts and careers.

Get an overview of animation by learning two different software programs to create animations. Students will animate virtual LEGO minifigures while learning about various animation techniques & concepts.

This course presents a survey of the field of animation, including software and technologies used to produce movies such as Shrek and Monsters, Inc. We will discuss how animation has evolved over the past 50 years, and explain the roles of computers and animators in this process. Students will have hands-on instruction using various professional software programs, including Macromedia Flash and Alias|Wavefront Maya (the latter is the primary program used by professional animators today).

Students will be introduced to how animation began, and will participate in activities that show where it will be going, and how programming plays a major role. They will start with an introduction to Blockly visual coding, then move into the 2D animation of Scratch and Pivot, 3D animation with Kodu Game Lab, and conclude by making their very own stop-motion LEGO brickfilm.

This is an opportunity for kids to learn along with their parents, grandparents, or other adult friends! In this 2½-hour lab, you will plan, design a storyboard, and write a script. Then, you will build clay characters, scenery and props to bring your story to life using a digital camera, animation software and movie-making techniques.

Plan, design a storyboard, and write a script. Then, build clay characters, scenery and props to bring your story to life using a digital camera, tripod, animation software and moviemaking techniques. (Note: Course cost includes a $10 Materials Fee).

Students will have fun learning how to make a stop-motion movie. They will also learn to incorporate and use a green screen as their background to transport their character to any place in the world. Students will learn to plan their movie, design storyboards, use art software, film the movie and finally edit the movie.

Learn to make a stop-motion movie using LEGO® bricks and mini figures. Make background scenery, storyboards, gain experience using cameras and tripods, and have fun being a director. [Same as LEGO® & LEGO® Robotics Course 425].

Students will learn to make a stop-motion movie, using the same techniques used in movies like Gumby, Coraline and Wallace & Gromit. In this class, students will use Minecraft figures and Minecraft background scenes. Students will make a storyboard, build props and gain experience using USB cameras and editing software, and have fun being a producer and director.

Learn a variety of computer art programs similar to what a graphic artist would use. Paint with watercolors & oils, and draw with pencils, pastels and charcoal --- all on a computer. Then, create a 3-D virtual art museum to display your computer-created artwork.

Learn to use a variety of computer art programs and study different artists' styles. Virtually visit museums from around the world and then create a 3-D virtual art museum to display your computer-created artwork.

Learn a variety of computer design and drawing programs. Paint with watercolors & oils, and draw with pencils, pastels and charcoal --- all on a computer. Then, create a virtual museum to display your computer-created designs.

Learn a variety of computer design and drawing programs. Paint with watercolors & oils, and draw with pencils, pastels and charcoal --- all on a computer. Have building your own art portfolio!

Learn new digital camera skills and refine the ones you already know. Learn how to use a digital camera to take quality and interesting photos. Practice transferring photos to a computer, editing photos, enhancing photos, and making fun photo projects.

Using the Scratch programming language and the PicoBoard microcontroller, students will storyboard and create a computer-based animation and build hand puppets to control the characters in their animation. Students will learn about character creation, storyboarding, digital storytelling, puppet-making, sensors and sensory input, and basic object-oriented programming concepts and techniques. The class will culminate in a group performance.

This course is available for students who wish to explore more advanced multimedia topics for which we do not have individual courses yet, such as: Advanced Flash, Maya, Audio (including music production, MIDI, audio formats including MP3 and WAV), Video (including video production, digital cameras, titling, storyboarding, etc.), Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Aobe PageMaker, Adobe InDesign, Macromedia Fireworks, etc.

We’ll cover many topics in this comprehensive, practical course on how to get the most out of Windows: what files are & how they’re organized and stored, file suffixes, folders, the Desktop, shortcuts, “saving” files, “Find”, the Start menu & how to organize it, the System Tray, the Taskbar, minimizing and maximizing windows, “right-clicking” to access context menus, customization of your workspace, how to properly shutdown your computer, scrolling, the Task Manager, the Control Panel, the Recycle Bin, and more!

This course is a continuation of Computer/Technology 710A, which we briefly review, then introduce the following additional topics: Hidden files, power-saving configuration, adjusting the settings of your mouse and keyboard, inventorying your system, adding and removing software nd hardware components, configuring sound, Windows Update, antivirus protection, and more! Those who desire advanced instruction should also sign up for this course.

This course is a systematic presentation of the world’s most popular word processor, and covers the following topics: how to set up a document (margins, page orientation, etc.), character and paragraph formatting (fonts, line spacing, etc.), page headers and footers, page and column breaks, bulleted and numbered lists, copy/paste/delete, spelling and grammar checking, image handling, saving, and printing.

This course is a continuation of Computer/Technology 720A, and is highly recommended for those that really want to “master” Word. We cover the following topics in detail: fonts (True Type, Adobe, etc.), how to design a document so it looks “professional”, configuring Word (Options), styles (very important!!), tables, pagination, macros, tools, borders and shading, using Help, and more! Those who desire advanced instruction should also sign up for this course.

Microsoft Excel is perhaps one of the most-underappreciated programs available. We dispel that notion by showing just how powerful Excel is. We cover the following topics: setting up a spreadsheet, entering and editing data, formatting (cell formatting, alignment, resizing columns and rows, character formatting, borders and shading), setting up formulas, creating charts and graphs, and more!

In this course, a continuation of Computer/Technology 730A, we develop a budget for a fictitious company, and learn the importance of: planning, the visual presentation of data through graphs and pictures, “what-if’s”, scenarios, field validation, tools, add-in’s, and more! This course will be tailored for the age groups taking the class. Those who desire advanced instruction should also sign up for this course. More advanced students will explore some of the statistical and business analysis tools on a level suitable and meaningful for them. This course is a “must” for those who wish to “master” Excel.

PowerPoint is used to create presentations (face-to-face, or “canned” for later consumption). We introduce the following concepts: creating a presentation, slides, formatting techniques, views, transitions, animation, sound, Speaker Notes, and techniques for designing effective presentations. Instruction will be tailored to the ages of the students taking the course.

This course introduces the concept of a database from a practical point-of-view, using the world’s most popular desktop database management system. We cover the following topics: what is a database?, why do I need one?, design techniques, normalization, user-interfaces, querying techniques, importing and exporting data, field validation, and more. We also gently introduce the concept of customization using VBA (Visual Basic), and will happily go into depth for more advanced students.

Plan, design, virtually build and manage a theme park on the computer. Learn how roller coasters work, how to design amusement park rides, theming, and how to make your park successful, using a computer program. Then, physically build a theme park ride using hands-on K'NEX kits.

Students will plan, design and virtually build an amusement park ride on the computer, while learning about the physics of roller coasters, bumper cars and carousels. Students will learn how these rides work, and how to design amusement park rides that guests will enjoy and that are safe. Students will also physically build a roller coaster out of a variety of materials, then test it.

Students will explore the connection between science and sports. Sports do not just involve strength and skill; they involve forces, gravity, trajectory, energy, physiology, technology and much more. Students will have fun performing experiments as well as computer simulations related to sports science.

Get an overview of forensic science and crime scene investigation techniques using problem solving, analytical skills and science lab skills. Learn about fingerprinting, crime scene protection, trace evidence, fiber analysis, forensic anthropology, the FBI, and more.

By designing and building virtual cities of the future, students will learn about many forms of energy generation, such as thermal, ocean, solar, hydro and more, as well as learn about environmental management. They will also learn about environmental stewardship and urban (city) design.

Students will learn to understand the world of marine biology and what it is like to be a marine biologist. Using a variety of media, they will study the ocean floors, coral reefs and sponges, the deep sea, microbes, fish, tides, marine reptiles and birds, and related careers.

Minecraft is phenomenally-popular simulation software that encourages kids to be creative and solve problems. Students will explore MinecraftEdu and ComputercraftEdu. Each session will offer something different. Students will explore different worlds, biomes, creative building techniques (including automated building with ComputerCraft), Redstone, programming, and more!

Students will virtually fly a plane through the use of a computer software program as well as fly a remote-control helicopter. They will learn to taxi, take off, fly, bank, land, etc. Students will also learn about the history and science of flight, the parts of planes and helicopters, flight safety, and careers related to flying.

Students will explore the world of geology by performing a variety of experiments and completing fun activities. They will learn about types of rocks, the rock cycle, plate tectonics, and much more.

Learn about the fascinating field of paleontology. Students will explore the major groups of dinosaurs, geology, fossilization, the Jurassic period and much more. They will classify and make their own rock, mold and cast fossils, do a dinosaur dig and have fun exploring the world of a paleontologist.

Students will learn about volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, weather, rocks, planets, moons, and our oceans. They will study these topics while learning a variety of technology and science skills, as well as building models. Students will also be introduced to earth science.

Students will be introduced to and work on engineering projects such as a robotic arm, different types of bridges, and a flight vehicle to explore various engineering fields including mechanical, robotic, structural/civil and aerospace. Students will learn about science, math, design and engineering concepts through play, and learn how various careers incorporate these concepts.

In the first 7 weeks, the focus will be on Simple Machines. Students will learn about engineering concepts, simple machines (levers, axles, gears, pulleys, and more), problem solving, the scientific method, and engineering careers. They will build a variety of models incorporating simple machines, including a vehicle and a windmill, and then test their models.

In the next 6 weeks, the focus will be on Electronics: Students will have fun making electronic devices, including an alarm, generator, timer, RC rover, etc. We use Snap Circuit® electronic labs to build and perform experiments; no soldering involved. Students will also learn how to draw real electronic symbols.

Students will learn about a variety of engineering branches: mechanical, aeronautical, civil, electrical, structural, and robotics. They will plan, design, build, and use engineering tools while building and testing marble runs, Gizmos gears, Girder and Panel building kits, Bee-Bot™ robots, Keva® planks, LEGO® simple machines, Erector® flying sets, and Snap Circuits® rovers.

Students will learn about a variety of engineering branches: mechanical, aeronautical, civil, structural, and robotics. They will plan, design, build, and use engineering tools while building and testing marble runs, Gizmos gears, Bee-Bot™ robots, Keva® planks, LEGO® simple machines and planes, TINKERTOY™ construction sets, and LINCOLN LOGS.

This class will encourage students' problem-solving skills by introducing them to engineers, our ultimate problem solvers. Students will construct bridges from an assortment of materials during the structural engineering portion, build a LEGO street sweeper and fishing pole in the mechanical engineering portion, and end with robotics engineering. Instruction will emphasize the importance of testing and troubleshooting.

Explore a variety of hands-on science topics including energy, electricity, light, sound, physics and biology. Have fun building an infrared detector, strobe light, and fiber optics; using microscopes and CAD to explore biology; and build amusement park rides to understand physics concepts.

Have fun learning to sport stack (stack specialized cups in patterns), while increasing your hand-eye coordination, flexibility, reaction time, and ambidexterity. Sport Stacking promotes physical fitness, as well as helps academic learning through concentration. You have to try it to believe it. Kids love it!

In a fun and energized environment, students will come together to work with and share ideas on animation projects with other children who are also excited about learning animation skills. Animation mentors will help, guide & challenge students to develop advanced skills at their own rate. Students will work with programs including Scratch, Pivot, and more.

In a fun and energized environment, students will come together to work with and share ideas on robotics projects with other children who are also excited about learning more about robotics. Robotics mentors will help, guide & challenge students to develop advanced skills at their own rate. Students will work with various robotics systems, including LEGO® MINDSTORMS, LEGO WeDo™ Bee-Bot™ robots, Edison robots, and more.

Students will learn the basics of American Sign Language, including more than 100 signs, the alphabet, numbers, and useful signs for everyday life. Students will also learn how to use body language to communicate grammar, and how to carry on a simple conversation.

Girls will complete all necessary conditions for achieving the Computer Expert Badge by virtually painting on the computer, learning about the history of Girl Scouts, taking a virtual field trip online, and having fun making games. Fee includes program and badge. No charge for adult accompanying Girl Scout.

Girls will complete all necessary conditions for achieving the Digital Photographer Badge by learning about digital cameras; taking and editing photos and designing, creating & sharing a digital photo project. Fee includes program and badge. No charge for adult accompanying Girl Scout.

Girls will complete all requirements to earn the Digital Movie Maker Badge, including choosing a subject to film, shooting, and editing a short film. Fee includes program and patch. No charge for adult accompanying Girl Scout.

Girls will complete all necessary conditions for achieving the Entertainment Technology Badge. Fee includes program and badge. No charge for adult accompanying Girl Scout.

Girls will complete all necessary conditions for achieving the Scientist Badge. Fee includes program and badge. No charge for adult accompanying Girl Scout.

Scouts will complete all necessary conditions for achieving the Badge. Fee includes program and badge. No charge for adult accompanying Girl Scout.

Scouts will complete all necessary conditions for achieving the Badge. Fee includes program and badge. No charge for adult accompanying Girl Scout.

Scouts will learn about electricity by building a circuit board, perform experiments about density, learn the science behind bubbles, look at rocks and shells using a USB microscope, learn how scientific drawings are made, as well as delve into some kitchen chemistry. No charge for adult accompanying Girl Scout.

Join fellow Boy Scouts for this great opportunity to explore and learn about robots. Scouts will complete the requirements to earn the Robotics Merit Badge, including designing, building, programming and testing robots.

Join fellow Boy Scouts for this great opportunity to explore and learn about movie making. Scouts will complete the requirements to earn the Moviemaking Merit Badge, including making a story board, learning movie shooting techniques, shooting a short film and learning about related careers.

Join fellow Boy Scouts for this great opportunity to explore and learn about animation. Scouts will complete the requirements to earn the Animation Merit Badge, including planning and creating your very own animation.

Students will be introduced to the world of 3D printing, including the history of 3D printing, current applications of the technology, basic safety, and the skills for 2D vs. 3D design and modeling. They will also learn to access a 3D object gallery and then print one 3D object.

In each session, students will explore a variety of robots and learn about how they are used in the world. Past and future explorations will include building and programming LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT and EV3 robot; Edison robots; LEGO WeDo robots; MIP robots; BeeBots; and many others!

Using the innovative LEGO® WeDo™ robotics system, students will experiment with design principles, aesthetics, organizational skills, team-playing, & programming, and gain an appreciation for the role of robots in society.

In each session, students will explore animation concepts, practice using various animation programs, and learn a variety of animation techniques. Past and future explorations will include learning about zoetropes and flipbooks; experimenting with software such as Pivot Animator, Scratch, and Alice; and more!

Learn keyboarding skills! Increase your speed and accuracy and be better prepared for typing, required for standardized testing, school projects, computer programming, personal use, and more!

Learn to program using a variety of programming languages, depending on your experience and interest, including BeeBot, Logo, Scratch, Kodu, Storytelling Alice, Pencil Coding, Python, and more.

In each session, students will explore a variety of hands-on science topics in areas such as energy, electricity, light, biology, earth science, and more. Past and future explorations will include building an infrared detector; experimenting with fiber optics; using microscopes and CAD to explore biology; and building amusement park rides to understand physics concepts.

In each session, students will explore a variety of 3D printing activities, depending upon their level of experience, from Beginner to Advanced. Topics include the history of 3D printing, current applications of the technology, basic safety, 2D and 3D design and modeling software and techniques, printer operation, and much more!

Have fun learning to sport stack (stack specialized cups in patterns), while increasing your hand-eye coordination, flexibility, reaction time, and ambidexterity. Sport Stacking promotes physical fitness, as well as helps academic learning through concentration. You have to try it to believe it. Kids love it!

Using LEGO bricks and specialty pieces, students will combine art and LEGOs to make LEGO sculptures, mosaics, and more. Students will learn building/art concepts and techniques.

Get an overview of forensic science and crime scene investigation techniques using problem solving, analytical skills and science lab skills. Learn about fingerprinting, crime scene protection, trace evidence, fiber analysis, forensic anthropology, the FBI, and more.

Design and build projects using your imagination and creativity. We show you ways to come up with new ideas and use problem-solving skills to refine your ideas into your very own creations.

Using LEGO bricks and other materials, students will learn about, then design & build a variety of different forms of transportation vehicles. Students will also explore the history of these vehicles, as well as race them.

Learn to build LEGO machines using gears, axles, motors, pneumatics (air power!) and much more.

Students will plan, design and virtually build an amusement park ride on the computer, while learning about the physics of roller coasters, bumper cars and carousels. Students will learn how these rides work, and how to design amusement park rides that guests will enjoy and that are safe. Students may also physically build a roller coaster out of a variety of materials, then test it.

Explore any topic you wish! Learn to make a video game or animation, be an engineer, learn about electronics, and more!

We are very excited to offer MinecraftEdu, Computercraftedu and Minecraft! Each session will offer something different. Students will explore different worlds, biomes, creative building techniques, programming, and more!

9/29 & 10/1	Bridge Engineering
10/6 & 10/8	Robotics
10/13 & 10/15	LEGO Architecture
10/20 & 10/22	Transportation
10/27 & 10/29	Fun with Science

Enhance or learn new computer and digital camera skills and learn how to make the computer your friend. Learn to use the computer to:

• Communicate with family and friends
• Write and send correspondence
• Track expenses and prepare a home budget
• Find friends and family members
• Research your genealogoy
• Navigate the Internet quickly
• Research health care information
• Upload files
• Transfer photos to your computer
• Edit photos
• Do art on the computer
• Make an online photo album
• Perform secure Internet shopping
• Make greeting cards

Learn about and build space ships, airports, planes, helicopters, rockets, Mars rovers, and more.

Learn about engineering concepts, simple machines (levers, axles, gears, pulleys, and more), problem solving, and the scientific method. Build a variety of models incorporating simple machines, and then test them.

Learn about motors, gears and engineering concepts, and build a motorized LEGO bug!

Learn about building design, programming and engineering concepts, and build a motorized robotic LEGO puppy!

Using the LEGO WeDo System, build a motorized ferris wheel and learn about the physics behind it.

Using the LEGO NXT System, program and modify a Sumo robot to compete in a Sumo Ring.

Using the LEGO WeDo System, build a motorized crane and test its ability to pick up items.

Combine art and LEGOs to make LEGO sculptures, mosaics, and more, and learn building/art concepts and techniques.

Learn about motors, axles and wheels, and build motorized LEGO vehicles, such as cars and trucks.

Learn about pneumatics (air-powered devices) and engineering concepts, and build a LEGO robotic arm that you can maneuver to pick up objects.

Customized birthday party. Details pre-arranged between Learn to Discover and the client.