Introduction to Coding for Robotics
VISST Summer Camp
July 11-15, 2022
Recommended age: 9-12
Coding is even more fun when your code is controlling a robot! In this introductory maker camp, you will use Lego Mindstorms with Lego’s NXT-G programming environment to program a robot that performs various tasks. Along the way you’ll learn the fundamental coding principles. All equipment provided, no coding or robotics experience required.
Program Details
When?
This camp runs July 11-15, 2022 from 9am-12pm each day.
Where?
The camp is located at the Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology, on the 2nd floor at 1490 West Broadway in Vancouver.
Who?
This summer camp is designed for kids aged 9-12.
Cost
The camp fee is $225. However, a limited number of free spots are available where the fee would be a barrier to participation - please contact us at workshops@visst.ca.
Why?
Build a robot that reacts to its surroundings in just 5 days.
Learn from a veteran teacher with years of experience teaching robotics and coding.
Collaborate with like-minded peers and learn from each other.
Earn a certificate of completion from the Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology.
Here’s what we’ll do:
Day 1:
Introduction
On Day 1 we’ll start with an introduction to engineering processes and iterative design. Then we’ll dive into Lego’s NXT-G programming framework. By the end of your first day you’ll use code to move your robot.
Day 2:
Angles and Distances
Our robot can move forward, but it needs to turn! On Day 2 we’ll add turning to our robot’s capabilities, learning about the relationships between distances and angles in the process.
Day 3:
Sensors
We can now control our robot, but ideally it would react to the environment on its own. Enter sensors. By adding touch and light sensors to our robot, it can now experience the world. We’ll then improve our code so that the robot reacts to its inputs and navigates a maze.
Day 4:
Loops and Switches
One fundamental programming concept is the idea of loops — that is, doing something repeatedly. On Day 4 we’ll explore the idea of loops, both as a general programming concept and concretely in our NXT-G code. We’ll use loops to create a robot that can find buried treasure!
Day 5:
Training Challenge
On the last day we’ll add an additional sensor to our robot and then work in groups to solve a more complex challenge.
Camp Instructors
Lead Instructor: Dereck Dirom
Dereck Dirom is a technology teacher at Abbotsford Sr. Secondary School with over 15 years of teaching experience. In 2008 he was awarded a Mitchell Odyssey Foundation Grant, which has assisted in the expansion of his robotics program. Dereck created a robotics engineering program called GearBots to provide a number of opportunities to kids in the Upper Fraser Valley. GearBots’s programs are specifically designed for students interested in learning more about engineering robots, coding and the field of mechatronics.
Co-Instructor: Allyson Stoll
Allyson Stoll is a mineral processing engineer, data scientist, and former Science Olympiad competitor and judge with a passion for creative problem solving and STEM representation and outreach. Her current hobbies and interests include big data/analytics, autonomous systems (like self-driving cars), and edge computing.
Testimonials for VISST camps
This was probably my favourite camp I've ever been to and it gives you knowledge that you will use throughout your life. This was amazing and thank you so much Mike and Shaun for teaching us about this.
- Grade 6 student, Deconstructing TikTok, Spring Break 2021
I liked that they are very helpful and kind. They have a good sense of humor and it was just great.
- Grade 8 student, Machine Learning, Demystified, Summer 2021
This camp made me think differently about how I use the internet.
- Grade 9 student, Deconstructing TikTok, Spring Break 2021
Our Story
We are a team of experienced educators opening a not-for-profit high school in Vancouver to pursue our mission of educating high school students without leaving them wondering, Why am I learning this?
Join us! Sign up below.
This camp is now full. If you would like to join the waitlist in the event of a cancellation, please use the “Join Waitlist” button below. If you would like to stay up to date about future camps, you can join our mailing list here.
Questions?
Contact us at workshops@visst.ca
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