Youth in grades 6 through 12 will have the opportunity to immerse themselves into the 21st century technologies of robotics and 3D modeling and animation during a series of camps to be offered this summer by the college. The Calhoun Community College "Virtual Journey" Technology Camps incorporate hands-on physics, engineering and computer design to build a working robot, rockets or digital graphics, audio, video and text to transform data into animated, interactive projects.
"These camps are designed to inspire in young people, their schools, and our communities an appreciation of science and technology and of how mastering these can enrich the lives of all," commented Dr. Sue Mitchell, Calhoun computer information systems instructor and founder of the camp program.
This year's camp dates are June 9-13 (Robotics), July 7-11 (3D Modeling), July 14-18 (Robotics) and July 21-25 (3D Animation). All camp sessions will be held at the Aerospace Training Center and the newly renovated Business and Visualization Center located in the Noble Russell building on Calhoun's Decatur campus. Daily sessions run from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm and include snacks and lunch each day. "Each camp incorporates five consecutive days of development with a steady progression of knowledge-based challenges presented each session of the camp," Dr. Mitchell added.
The Robotics camps, utilizing the NXT Lego Mindstorm Robotics Challenge Set, are a compelling hands-on action guided by facilitators. Campers design, program, and test robots on special playing fields to see how well they work. "It is a process very similar to the one applied by cutting-edge companies when they develop new products," said Dr. Mitchell.
The 3D camps are taught by Industry specialists in 3D Modeling and 3D Animation using Mariah, by WingedEdge Technologies. Campers must attend the 3D Modeling camp before attending the 3D Animation camp. Campers will create their own 3D models in the first week and will then animate these modes in the 3D Animation camp. End of the week activities will include the campers and their parents/guardians who will demonstrate what they have learned during the week.
Tuition per each week-long camp is $250 per student. Those pre-registering by April 21 will receive the discounted tuition of $200 per student. Tuition for all camps includes all printed materials, a camp T-shirt, a daily snack and lunch. All participants will have the opportunity to purchase new versions of the kits and software utilized during the camps to take home.
For more information or to register, call Gwen Baker 256/306-2665 or Dr. Sue Mitchell 256/306-2655 or follow links on this website.
