STEM Education

As the Coordinator for the Kids and Teens Camps, I just wanted to take a moment to talk about STEM education.  We focus our camps to encourage kids to learn about careers in Science, Engineering, Technology And Math.  These may be areas that many students do not consider relevant to their lives -- until they see how they can use a cell phone to make a robotic elephant walk, or have a glimpse of the combustion engine of the future, or Google up a flight simulator.

Kids will get to do all of these things during our upcoming Saturday camps (starting this weekend -- you still have time to sign your camper up.)  In the summer, we will explore even more cutting edge technology with camps that focus on everything from 3-D Printers to 3-D Video Games.

When kids participate in hands-on activities, they are more likely to build on these positive experiences and embrace science and technology in school, leading to higher grades and a more enriching experience all around.  This gives them a wider pool of opportunities for success in the future workforce.

A number of our upcoming summer camps are tailored specifically towards encouraging girls to get excited about STEM topics by exploring the scientific side of things they are already interested in.  For instance our Selfie Photoshop camp teaches how to use photo editing software, and our Girl's Rock! camp uses jewelry making with natural materials as a gateway into the world of geology.

I hope to see you all this Saturday for:

Anime Character Drawing (Grades 7-8)
LEGO Robotic Elephant (Grades 4-6)
LEGO Sports Car Camp (Grades 4-6)
LEGO Flight Camp (Grades 1-3)

Or this summer, when we will be offering over 50 camps tailored to kids and teens grades 1-12.

Kids and Teens Spotlight: Lego Robotics

This February, 4^th through 6^th graders will build a robot that really moves in a camp that will meet on Saturday mornings (Feb 7 – 28).  Campers in the LEGO Robotic Elephant Camp will program the model to walk, pick up an object and make a trumpeting noise.  Campers will engage in real-life problem solving and learn teamwork.  We still have spots available.

LEGO Robotics has been exciting kids since the MIT Media Lab programmed the first Brick computer back in 1994.   Come and experience the latest generation of that technology!

This is only one of our LEGO based classes.  For 4th through 6th graders more interested in fast cars than robotics, we will also have LEGO Sports Car Camp, where campers will learn how real cars are engineered, along with the history of sports cars. 

For the younger kiddos (1^st – 3^rd graders,) we will have LEGO Flight Camp.   Get ready for takeoff

You can also check on line for a full list of our LEGO summer camps, which will include building a working instrument in LEGO EV3 Electric Guitar (grades 4-6) and mastering math the fun way in All Aboard the LEGO Math Train! (grades 1-3).

Space is limited, so register soon.   Call 817.272.2581, or visit us on the web at www.uta.edu/ded.

Since their beginning, LEGOs have always  been a gateway to creativity.  Here are a few ways you can pair them at home with modern technology:

Build Using Virtual LEGOs -- Build with Chrome allows you to rotate an on screen base plate and make your creation from different colored/shaped virtual bricks.

Make a Brickfilm -- Stop motion animation using LEGOs has become a genre unto itself.  Some of them spoof popular movies, such as Jurassic Park and Raiders of the Lost Ark.  Others  tell unique stories.

Create a LEGO mosaic -- You can use the LEGO Photo App to  transform any photo into an on-screen mosaic.  Then, find an appropriate-sized base plate and build it in the real world!

We hope you are as excited about LEGOs as we are!  See you at camp in February!

Kids and Teens Spotlight: Keep your Eye On Anime

This February, 7^th and 8^th graders will get to learn hands-on how to draw anime characters in a class that will meet on Saturday mornings (Feb 7 – 28).  The weather outside in February is usually miserable, so find a warm spot indoors where you can develop your drawing, coloring and inking techniques, and learn how to create characters with emotional depth.  Learn how unique facial features and body language can convey emotion.

 

The eyes are the most important feature when revealing a character’s personality.  The more round and open the eyes are drawn, the more innocent and/or emotional the character will appear.  Hard angles and narrow eyes can give the character a more sinister edge, especially if the eyebrows slash upward instead of arching.  Remember that irises aren’t all one flat color, and that eyes reflect light and need highlights that correspond to the light sources.   To get a feel for how the same eyes change when reacting to different emotions, you could study body language books – or come to camp and have the instructor help you convey your character’s emotions visually.

Space is limited, so register soon.   Call 817.272.2581, or visit us on the web at www.uta.edu/ded.

 

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Check back here often for spotlights on our different programs, and for helpful tips on enriching your life.

We are located in Arlington, Texas, right in the heart of the DFW Metroplex.  If you aren't near us, you can still take advantage of our on-line learning opportunities.

 Our department supports the University's missions of public service, community outreach and lifelong learning.  Our certificate programs support the environment and promote safety in the workplace (OSHA).