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TRCamp Highlights

May 2, 2024

UPcoming camps for June 2024: Camp Theme- Mission Earth

Week 1: June 3-7, 2024

Computer science

Coding Adventures with Codementum

GRADES 3-8 | MORNING 9:00-12:00 pm

Grade as of 2024-2025 school year 

Learn coding in a fun way by playing games! In this educational gamified platform, students learn coding while playing a fun and adventurous game with multiple learning adventures to explore. The curriculum is designed exclusively for different age groups allowing students to begin where they are with easy and advanced coding adventures to choose from. Synchronized Text-based and Block-based coding system enables students to switch between text code and code blocks at any time. By converting text-based codes into blocks, students will be able to construct algorithms faster by visualizing the code when they write.


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Creator

Creative Storytelling: stop-Motion Animation

GRADES 3-8 | MORNING 9:00-12:00 PM

Grade as of 2024-2025 school year 

Unleash your imagination and embark on an exciting adventure at our Creative Storytelling Camp! In this dynamic and innovative program, young creators will have the opportunity to delve into the art of storytelling through the magical world of LEGO stop-motion animation. Participants will be guided through the intricacies of creating captivating stories and bringing them to life with the thrilling techniques of stop-motion animation using LEGO bricks. Join us for an immersive and unforgettable experience that will empower young minds to explore their creativity and craft their own imaginative stories.


Register here

Robotics

Mission Mars: Engineering Perseverance

GRADES 3-8 | MORNING 9:00-12:00 PM

Grade as of 2024-2025 school year 

Join us for an interactive learning adventure exploring the Mars Mission using Augmented Reality as we build the LEGO Mars Perseverance rover using LEGO Technic models (available for purchase for additional fee). In each lesson, campers will take on the role of NASA engineers, scientists, and technicians. Through open ended lessons students will get hands-on learning opportunities as they explore engineering problems the Mars 2020 team face as they explore the surface of Mars. Give your camper an adventure that’s out of this world with this LEGO® Technic camp using the NASA’s Mars Rover Perseverance.



Register here

Week 2: June 10-14, 2024

Robotics

Robotics Exploration: LEGO SPIKE Essential

GRADES 1-5 | MORNING 9:00-12:00 PM

Grade as of 2024-2025 school year 

Robotics Exploration focuses on the fundamentals of robotics and coding with blocks using LEGO Education curriculum that includes guided, age-appropriate STEM activities. Students will learn to design and code and create unique solutions to real-world problems using LEGO® bricks and powered by LEGO® Education SPIKE Essential.

Robotics Exploration is designed to introduce younger students to the fundamentals of robotics through real-world problem-solving. Using LEGO® bricks and powered by the LEGO® Education SPIKE Essential, students will learn to design, code, and create unique solutions.


Register here

Computer science

coding Adventures with Codecombat

GRADES 3-8 | MORNING 9:00-12:00 PM

Grade as of 2024-2025 school year 

Are you ready to embark on an exciting coding adventure? Look no further! Our Coding Adventures with CodeCombat camp is designed to ignite your passion for programming while having a blast. So, grab your virtual sword (or keyboard) and join us for an unforgettable journey through the world of computer science. Whether you’re a budding wizard or a curious explorer, this camp is your gateway to a magical realm of code! Campers will learn and explore Basic Syntax, Arguments, Strings, While Loops, Variables, and Algorithms. Learn problem-solving strategies and algorithms that unravel puzzles and conquer challenges.



Register here

TECHNOLOGY

3D Printing and Design with Tinkercad

GRADES 3-8 | MORNING 9:00-12:00 PM

Grade as of 2024-2025 school year 

Discover the exciting world of 3D printing and Computer Aided Design (CAD) with our introductory course that focuses on utilizing the user-friendly TinkerCAD software. Students will delve into the essential principles of 3D modeling through hands-on experience with TinkerCAD, while also exploring design thinking concepts to spark creativity and innovation. By the end of the course, participants will have gained a solid foundation in 3D printing and CAD, paving the way for further exploration and application of these cutting-edge technologies.



Register here

Week 3: June 17-21, 2024

Robotics

Robotics Discovery: mars math expedition

GRADES K-2 | MORNING 9:00-12:00 PM

Grade as of 2024-2025 school year 

In the Mars Math Expedition STEM Lab Unit, students will learn about the different elements of the field and compete in the Mars Math Expedition competition. In this VEX GO Competition STEM Lab Unit students will drive a Hero Robot to collect samples, rescue a rover, lift a rocket ship and more! As students work on various tasks, they may be interested to hear about how the actions of their Hero Robot relate to the missions happening on Mars.




Register here

COMPUTER SCIENCE

coding fundamentals with minecraft edu

GRADES 3-8 | MORNING 9:00-12:00 PM

Grade as of 2024-2025 school year 

Welcome New Space Explorers! In this unit, you will venture out into space to explore the planets and other fascinating places in our Solar System. Before you begin your space quest, you will begin your training at the official Minecraft Space Center and complete training missions. After you have successfully passed your training, you are responsible for collecting some materials from each of the planets. Get ready to blast off in… 3…2…1…



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technology

LEGO Space Adventure: Build to Launch

GRADES 3-8 | MORNING 9:00-12:00 PM

Grade as of 2024-2025 school year 

Taking STEAM Learning to new heights! LEGO® Education is teaming up with NASA and the Artemis I team to bring students and teachers an out-of-this-world STEAM learning series. Build to Launch is an exploration of the technology, STEAM concepts and careers behind the Artemis mission to the Moon. Join the all new LEGO® Space Team and their Artemis I team counterparts for an interactive learning adventure. In each lesson, campers will find themselves in the shoes of NASA engineers, scientists, and of course astronauts.



Register here

Week 4: June 24-28, 2024

robotics

Robotics Exploration: first MasterPiece

Grades 2-3 | MORNING 9:00-12:00 PM

Grade as of 2024-2025 school year 

LEGO Robotics Exploration focuses on the fundamentals of robotics and coding with blocks using LEGO Education curriculum that includes guided, age-appropriate STEM activities. Students will learn to design and code and create unique solutions to real-world problems using LEGO® bricks and powered by LEGO® Education SPIKE Essential.


FIRST® LEGO® League Explore guides campers through 12 sessions designed to introduce the fundamentals of engineering through real-world problem-solving. Using LEGO® bricks and powered by the LEGO® Education SPIKE Essential, students will learn to design, code, and create unique solutions in the theme of art, music and entertainment.

Register here

computer science

3d game design with roblox studio

GRADES 3-8 | MORNING 9:00-12:00 PM

Grade as of 2024-2025 school year 

Calling all Roblox enthusiasts! Our highly anticipated 3D Game Design camp is the ultimate creative playground for those who love to explore the endless possibilities of Roblox Studio. Whether you're just starting out or already have some experience under your belt, our camp is designed to inspire and empower budding game developers of all skill levels. Get ready to dive into a thrilling journey where you will unleash your imagination, develop coding skills, and bring your unique game ideas to life in stunning 3D environments. Join us in this exciting adventure as we guide you through the process of designing, creating, coding, and ultimately publishing your own custom-made 3D games.


Register here

robotics

Mission mars: engineering perseverance

GRADES 3-8 | MORNING 9:00-12:00 PM

Grade as of 2024-2025 school year 

Join us for an interactive learning adventure exploring the Mars Mission using Augmented Reality as we build the LEGO Mars Perseverance rover using LEGO Technic models (available for purchase for additional fee). In each lesson, campers will take on the role of NASA engineers, scientists, and technicians. Through open ended lessons students will get hands-on learning opportunities as they explore engineering problems the Mars 2020 team face as they explore the surface of Mars. Give your camper an adventure that’s out of this world with this LEGO® Technic camp using the NASA’s Mars Rover Perseverance.




Register here

ROBOTICS

Robotics Challenge: FIRST Masterpiece

Grades 3-8 | Afternoon 1:00-4:00 pm

Grade as of 2024-2025 school year 

LEGO Robotics Challenge focuses on the fundamentals of robotics and coding with blocks using LEGO Education curriculum that includes guided, age-appropriate STEM activities. Campers will learn to design and code and create unique solutions to real-world problems using LEGO® bricks and powered by LEGO® Education Spike Prime.


Campers will be immersed in research, problem-solving, coding, and engineering curriculum that will engage them in a range of rigorous and relevant learning experiences. Students will develop an innovative solution to a real-world problem, and design, build, and code a LEGO® robot to solve themed challenge missions.



Register here

computer science

Cybercamp standard

GRADES 7-12 | AFTERNOON 1:00-4:00 PM

Grade as of 2024-2025 school year 

CyberCamp Standard is the perfect way to get introduced to the world of cybersecurity! Many students who attend a standard AFA CyberCamp go on to participate in CyberPatriot's National Youth Cyber Defense Competition. CyberCampers will experience 20 hours of beginner cybersecurity education:


- Introduction to Cybersecurity: career paths, cyber ethics, online safety

- How computers work, cyber threats, cybersecurity principles, virtual machines

- Windows 10: Basic security policies and tools, account management

- Linux/Ubuntu 18: Introduction to Linux, terminology and concepts

- Linus basic graphical user interface security, basic command line


Register here

technology

Artemis Mission: lunar surface exploration

GRADES 7-12 | AFTERNOON 1:00-4:00 PM

Grade as of 2024-2025 school year 

In this camp session, students will take on the role of scientists and engineers that will lead the way in lunar surface exploration. Artemis III will land in an area of the Moon that humans have not yet traversed: the lunar South Pole.


NASA’s Lunar Surface Innovation Initiative is a technology development portfolio to ensure human and robotic exploration on the Moon. Each activity in this module will allow students to discover problems encountered as well as solutions as we explore the lunar surface. Each activity collaboration to apply the engineering design process to lunar surface exploration and provides a variety of additional resources to help the educator and student experience what it's like to be a NASA scientist and engineer in lunar surface operations.


Register here

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Related Articles

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TRC students working on their robot at the competition.

Learning Beyond Boundaries

By Michael Puckett • April 21, 2024
Learning Beyond Boundaries: Personalized and Problem-Based Learning Learning is everywhere. It happens in the bounds of a classroom and outside of the school. Probably more so outside of school. Schrum & Sumerfield (2018) write: “We know that much of what an individual knows is not learned in a formal classroom setting” (p. 152). As technology expands quality learning opportunities for students outside of traditional classroom environments, it becomes a disrupter in education. Learning truly has no boundaries. How personalized learning might better help learners reach mastery for important concepts and skills Learning becomes meaningful when it relates to something exciting and personal to the learner. For example, an after-school robotics program can provide an incredible opportunity for young girls to learn about science, technology, and engineering as it functions in the real world. Gomoll et al. (2016) found that “Early experiences in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are important for getting youth interested in STEM fields, particularly for girls” (p. 899). These programs often use a problem-based learning approach and are designed to engage students at an early age using their hands and minds in learning advanced technology and skills for the 21st-century workforce. How to encourage students to use technology effectively for collaboration to solve the problems When a student gets the chance to apply what they learned from a textbook in the classroom (formal learning) and apply it to something they enjoy doing outside the school (informal learning), then learning becomes personal and powerfully relevant to life (Schrum & Sumerfield, 2018). Personalized learning is an incredible force for shaping change in a young person’s life, especially in communities where students are economically challenged or don’t have access to educational technology resources at home. Parents and educators should continue to support after-school program participation, especially in younger students and more impoverished communities, to increase exposure to technology and potential STEM career paths they might discover. Furthermore, after-school programs provide students with “more free choice as they offer youth opportunities to develop interest and competence in STEM-related activities and practices” (Gomell et al., 2016, p. 901). This structure takes the pressure off of students and increases their likelihood of continued participation. Additionally, these programs provide students with a healthy social and collaborative learning environment teaching them 21st-century work-life skills essential to supporting their relationships and future opportunities. Challenges of promoting new approaches to teaching and learning in an existing curriculum, especially in an online learning environment Personalized learning has seen steady growth in many schools and districts in the past decade because it provides students with equal educational access to a diverse assortment of programs that meet their unique needs and personal interests (DeMink-Carthew, 2017). One of the most significant challenges to promoting personalized learning in an online environment is providing the student with the problem-based learning environment that makes this learning style so attractive. In personalized and problem-based learning, students are active participants in their learning, and it is very challenging to replicate active participation online. Another challenge is keeping the vital social/collaborative element intact, which serves to draw students into the programs for sustained participation over time. Online learning environments remove the social pressure of not showing up for class, and it becomes far too easy for students to find an excuse not to attend. Before long, a student may miss too many meetings and become disinterested in attending. Fortunately, new technologies such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams enable students to remain connected and learn socially from afar. With a little creativity and support from technology providers, we can identify and share best practices and personal experiences from a more comprehensive network (DeMink-Carthew, 2017). There is indeed power in numbers, and sharing what we know with others is the mark of a professional. One such example is the NASA Educator Professional Development Collaborative which provides teachers, administrators, parents, and informal educators with weekly webinars, online resources, and lesson plans. These professional development opportunities would typically be limited to local workshops or annual training events (Martinez Ortiz et al., 2018). Each week, NASA Educational Specialists present various space science workshops covering topics such as aerospace engineering, nutrition in space, astronautics, and engineering design process. To learn more about the NASA EPDC weekly webinars, educators can visit https://www.txstate-epdc.net/webinars/. References: DeMink-Carthew, J., Olofson, M. W., LeGeros, L., Netcoh, S., & Hennessey, S. (2017). An analysis of approaches to goal setting in middle grades personalized learning environments. Research in Middle Level Education Online, 40(10), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1080/19404476.2017.1392689 Gomoll, A., Hmelo-Silver, C., Šabanović, S., & Francisco, M. (2016). Dragons, ladybugs, and softballs: Girls’ STEM engagement with human-centered robotics. Journal of Science Education & Technology, 25(6), 899–914. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-016-9647-z Martinez Ortiz, A., Weis, J., & Merritt, J. (2018). Micro-Certification as professional development for STEM educators: The NASA STEM EPDC badging system (STEM Research White Paper Series, Vol. 2, No. 3). Texas State University: LBJ Institute for STEM Education and Research. Schrum, L., & Sumerfield, S. (2018). Learning supercharged: Digital age strategies and insights from the tech frontier. Portland, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.
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