2011 Robotics Enginneering Summer  Workshops

Click on the locations to view the description and register.

Visit the 10 essential advice and strategies that you need to get into the engineering program of your choice.

All our summer programs offer TAG (Talented And Gifted) level challenge with much analysis, and the delivery of true robotics experience and engineering. All hands-on projects are exercised with engineering process.

Some workshops are listed with "ACT".  These workshops are designed for the children who desire to pursue more vigorous learning during the summer holidays. It is important to read the pre-requisites in the description.

Robotics Fun With Math!
-- For Grade 6 to 8 --

Your robot will be commissioned to race on a terrain to find its secret location. Throughout the path, your robot will be given hints and clues. It must be smart enough to break every code in order to complete his secret route.

  In order to complete the mission, you not only will build your robot from scratch, but also will program your robot to decipher secret codes. In order to do this, you will learn how to use the encoder and create a system that can give the robot the ability to complete these tasks.

You will learn the application of encoder/rotation sensors with mechanical system in robot navigation. You will also learn how to program sensors feedback to encounter unexpected situations.

Continuous open-ended design challenges are conducted with true engineering process in order to strengthen problem-solving, intricate analysis, and teamwork.

There will be worksheets to reinforce your math skill in order to complete the mission. Classes will conclude with a collaborative contest where campers will have opportunity to apply their knowledge collected throughout the workshop.

Feedback report will be provided at the end of the workshop.

Continuous open-ended design challenges are conducted with true engineering process in order to strengthen problem-solving, intricate analysis, and teamwork.

Pre-requisites:

• Proficient in Arithmetic such as Average, Fractions, and Decimal Places operations.
• Should know about ratio, area and circumference of basic geometric shapes.

Engineering For Girls Week!

(replace the Brainic Girls Week!)
-- For Grade 4 to 8 --
9am to 4pm

At Storming Robots.

Finally, a “Fun and Think” camp only for girls! Come to stretch your mind and creativity. Have fun with math, as well as explore how to make your robots come to life.

Robotics project will include building and programming to automate your Spinning Ballerina, Music Box, Dancing bot, etc. All campers will also keep a technical journal to record daily achievements.

Tuition includes: robotics pin, worksheets and souvenir.

Pre-requisites:

• Enjoy mind challenge, creativity, and math.

Cost: $25 tuition reduction  before June 10th
         $435 thereafter

Learning Tools:
  Hardware: LEGO Mindtorms
  Software: Robolab^TM

Chess with Robotics!
-- For Grade 3 to 6 --
9am to 4pm

At Dean of Chess Location.

 By coupling with the premier Dean of Chess of Branchburg, we are able to offer an one-of-a-kind experience for everyone from Grade 3 to 6 who love to stretch their mind, and creativity.

Here is your chance to learn and improve your chess, have fun with analytical math, as well as explore how to make your robots come to life.

Tuition includes: Camp T-shirt, robotics pin, Scorebook, Worksheets and Binder.

Snacks will be provided daily.  Please let us know of any food allergies!

Pre-requisites:

• Enjoy mind challenge, creativity.

Cost: $499

Learning Tools:
  Hardware: Chess set, and LEGO Mindtorms
  Software: Chess Video, Robolab^TM

Physics with Robotics
-- For Grade 7+ --

Robotics with Physics I ● 9am-12pm
Robotics with Physics II ● 12:30—3:30pm

At Rutgers Preparatory School Location.

These sessions engage students in focusing on physical reasoning with Mathematical applications. Workshops teach students physics concepts in an exploratory, fun and challenging way. These workshops not only provide hands-on robotics experiments to reinforce learning-by-doing, but also stimulate creative thinking and problems analysis.

Curriculum was developed by scholars who were supported by various science organizations including the Lemelson-MIT program. Instructor is a post-graduate professioal, such as high school Physics teacher.  

Different projects are assigned to different sessions. Therefore, you may sign up for either I or II, or both sessions. You will obtain $30 discount for signing up for both.

Pre-requisites: Proficiency Algebra, and knowledge in properties of basic geometric shapes. Cost: $540

Software: RobotC^TM or Robolab^TM

Motion Sensing Control...
-- For Grade 7+ --

Ever wonder how a smartphone’s ability to interact with a robot or adjust its display either portrait or landscape mode? What does it have to do with the fascinating Micro ElectoMechanical System (MEMS)?

In this workshop, you will:

• Build and program a robot to move along with your hand or fingers.
• Build and program a remote control engine and controller
• Write an algorithm to convert accelerometer feedback to motor movements and speed.
• Open their horizon and inspire them in futuristic nanotechnology.

Pre-requisites:

• High Proficiency in Algebra.
• Love analyzing intricate problems.

Cost: $510
Software: RobotC^TM

Build Your Own Sensor...
-- For Grade 7+ (Advanced)--

NXT Prototyping Kit provides a perfect base for you to start experimenting with your own electronic creations. During this course, you will work with a solder-less breadboard. This allows you to build circuits by simply pushing component leads into the board and completing your circuit with the kit's jumper wires. You will also learn about binary mathematics. Then, you will program your newly created sensor(s).

Pre-requisites:

• Basic programming skill in C or C++, as we are using RobotC^TM
• Maturity to stay on task
• Proficient in Pre-Algebra.

Remote Control Racing Smart Bot!
-- For Grade 4 to 6 --

Build a robo car from scratch and learn to program the remote controlling capability with multiple sensors. You will have such a blast to remotely drive your own creation to race through a treacherous terrain. For the more advanced campers, you will advance to incorporate onboard sensors for your robot car, so that it is smart enough to stop at the momment of danger and minimize the chance of falling into its demise.

Cost: $435
Software: Robolab^TM

Robotic Treasure Hunting!
-- For Grade 7+ --

GPS with Robotics -

Have you ever wondered how the military spots a location via satellite communication? As GPS technology has started to become more popular in the mainstream, won't it be cool to understand how the technology works. Even better yet, you will program your robot to simulate a fun, but challenging adventurous treasure hunting game.

Learn how to interface and extract data from a GPS device via bluetooth communication.

For novice, there will plenty of sample programs and assistance to guide you.

For experts, you will be working on the more intricate modules including binary operations, and programming triangulation to seek hidden objects.

Pre-requisites:

• MUST be Highly Proficient in pre-Algebra. Knowledge in Algebra I will be helpful.
• Love analyzing intricate problems.

Cost: $510
Software: RobotC^TM

Robotic Soccer
-- For Grade 7+ --

Find the soccer ball!!!  Run toward to the goal!!   GOAL!
Can you imagine programming a robot to play 1-on-1 or even 2-on-2 soccer? Robotic soccer has been introduced in high school and college level. You will explore the fun and intricate robotic soccer game played in the world renowned Robocup and RobocupJunior Events.

For the mathematics enthusiast, we’ll introduce the coolness of triangulation using simple trigonometry.

Pre-requisites:

• Highly proficient in pre-Algebra.
• Love analyzing intricate problems.

Cost: $510
Software: RobotC^TM

Robotic Whack-A-Mole Challenge
-- For Grade 4 to 6 --

Seen and played a whackAMole game in arcade. Now, you are going to create your own automated whackAMole game, except this one is built and programmed by you. You will learn how to program the randomization of the popping actions, and compete. That is only half of the fun. How about creating your own mobile robot to do the hammering instead of you!

Cost: $425
Software: Robolab^TM

Our Robo Mailmen are out delivering, BUT!!! Here comes the maniac robodog!  The mailmen need to be smart enough to run away from the robodog!

This workshop may be divided into several segments from as simple as building a simple  "RoboDog", to a complex strategy about how to identify the presence of the "RoboMailman', chasing after him.

Secret Agent Mission!
-- For Grade 4 to 6 --

We are looking for a brave young man or woman to drive his/her secret robot agent to collect some top secret devices from an enemy facility. Beware, your robot will have to be strong and smart enough to run through pathways filled with hazardous debris, dark tunnel, and closed gate which require your robot to decipher the secret code in order to break into the facility.

Cost: $435
Software: Robolab^TM

Simulating  the DARPA Grand Challenge with the award winning robotics technology LEGO Mindstorms. 

Build and program an unmanned vehicle that will race on a treacherous terrain, uphill, through speed bumps, dark tunnels, etc. 
Students will build a robot from scratch and computer programming to make it come alive truly offer rewarding fun. You will learn some mechanics difficulties and computer programming issues that even advanced users with industrial level machine and software also encounter.

Learn how the formation of gears system affect speed and torque of your robotic system with mathematical application. Plenty of creative time, analysis, and critical thinking challenge.

Cost: $435
Software: Robolab^TM

Are you brave enough to join this roboteam to navigate around treacherous terrain filled with debris after an earthquake?  Your job is to build a robust robot and program it to seek out the injured victims in the building to rescue them.

Cost: $435
Software: RobotC^TM or Robolab^TM

You will build a robust robot equipped with 4+ sensors and program it to seek out and rescue the injured victims. Beware! Your robot will have to be smart enough to negotiate its path through debris, obstacles and hills.

Up for this Challenge!? If yes, register for this Robotics Rescue II.

Stress on algorithmic analysis and programming.  Algorithm includes effective scanning algorithm, apply geometry and simple trigonometry with motor encoder feedback. Explore conceptual motor control (P.I.D.) concept.

Cost: $510
Software: RobotC^TM or Robolab^TM

Every day is filled with engaging robotics short projects involving building from scratch and learning behavior-based programming for automation. Projects include:

• Ball Roller Coaster with built-in sensor to enable the balls rolling back and forth.
• Rattlesnack with the ability to coil up and down and strike when it senses you around.
• Catapult which can be triggered to fling objects across the room.
• A "top fuel" dragster built with power to pop a wheelie at the start before running at its high speed forward.
• A simple robotic dog driven you with a couple of sensors.
• and much more...

For those who have taken the earlier Robotics Technology Projects Workshops, you may also sign up for this session. This will not only reinforce the skills learned already, but also have the opportunity to take on more complex tasks.

Come to gain and polish your true programming and mechanical building skills.

Students will be divided into two skill levels in order to allow individual to challenge their own abilities.

Cost: $435
Software: RobotC^TM or Robolab^TM

Come to create a mega fun robotic zoo! You will have hours of fun with these animal-like models that walk and crawl!

How about incorporating it the sensors to allow them to have the intelligence to sense the environment. Students learn about the importance of modularization in programming.

All building instructions focus on building the students' 3D spatial skill, analysis in the functions of each module, but not just piece-by-piece instructions. They learn the importance in understanding the functionalities of a "module", then they will have the opportunity to be creative with constructive disciplines.

You can be sured the fun and challenge is virtually endless.

Cost: $435
Software: RobotC^TM or Robolab^TM

"Circuit UP" your Rover!
-- For Grade 4 to 6 --

Learn Circuitry by doing!

This workshop will fill with many exciting projects such as AM radios, burglar alarms, doorbells and much more! By the end of the workshop, participants will be familiar with writing schematics and the rudimentary knowledge about circuit components and common designs with series vs parallel.

In addition, students will learn the fundamental mechanical concepts on building a strong rover, and the significance of math application.

To conclude the workshop, students will apply your circuitry knowledge to complete the circuit for a rover. There is no soldering required as all the parts snap together with ease. Once completed, you will be able to navigate your surroundings with rover remote control.

Option to bring the Snap RC Rover home at $90.

Pre-requisites:

• Proficient in Arithmetic such as Average, Fractions, and Decimal Places operations.
• Should know about ratio, area and circumference of basic geometric shapes.

"Robot seek and destroy!
-- For Grade 4 to 6 --

This is a workshop where you will build and program your robots from scratch to simulate various scientific disciplines in nanotechnology.  You will find out how NanoBots may be used someday to seek, and destroy cancer cells. They will then design robotic activities to simulate the Seek and Destroy based on the newly learned terminologies concepts.

Cost: $425
Software: Robolab^TM

Amusement Park - Part I & II
-- For Grade 2 to 3 --

At Dean of Chess Location.

Participant will build an amusement park filled with various motorized activities with programmable bricks.   Activities may include Merry-go-round, Ghost Ride, Crazy Tour Bus, and Bumper Car.  The complexity is only limited to what the child can do.  For those who are up for the challenge, they will have the opportunity to even program to automate the constructions.  They may also learn about programming with  sensors.  You will be amazed what these little children can accomplish under our well-built curriculum, and help from the technically acknowledgeable instructors!!!

Since Amusement Park is filled with so many fun machines, we decide to offer it in 2 sessions, Part I and II. You will continue build and program different machines in Park II than in Park I.

Time: 12:15P to 3:00P
Cost: $230
Software: Robolab^TM
Hardware: LEGO Mindstorms and other Simple Machine Components

Ferris Wheel
-- For Grade 2 to 3 --

At Dean of Chess Location.

• Take home your motorized Ferris Wheel mechanical creation.(including motorized kit).
• Learn Mechanical Advantage of gears, and axles, as well as their significance in basic structure and force. For advanced students, they may have the opportunity to program it into motion.

Hardware: LEGO Mindstorms and other Simple Machine Components 

Time: 9:00A to 11:45A
Cost: $280
Hardware: LEGO Mindstorms and other Simple Machine Components

Pneumatic RoboHand!
-- For Grade 2 to 3 --

Children will build a air-driven robohand and explore the fundamentals of pneumatics.Campers will see how compressed air is used to enable mechanical motions.

Note: Bring your air-driven robo hand home.

Time: 9:00A to 11:45A
Cost: $270
Hardware: LEGO Mindstorms and other Simple Machine Components

Mindstorms Mechanical RoboDog!
-- For Grade 2 to 3 --

At Dean of Chess Location.

Build a mechanic robodog and explore the fundamentals of simple mechanics. Then, you motorize it with a battery box and motor.

Note: Bring your Mechanical RoboDog Home! ...

Time: 9:00A to 11:45A
Cost: $280
Software: Robolab^TM Hardware: LEGO Mindstorms and other Simple Machine Components

PreRobotics Mission Mars
-- For Grade 2 to 3 --

Alien Encounter leads you through the exciting adventures of LEGO® astronauts who have crash-landed on an alien planet, where they have to work through a series of space difficulties in order to survive. For those who love math, this will be a great opportunity to see how that math is used to help reolving difficult robotics challenges, and much more.

Time: 12:15P to 3:00P
Cost: $220
Software: Special Mindstorms^TM Missions Mars Software Program.