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Published March 8, 2024 on the TI2 Blog.听听

Two students with a Spike Prime robotCamp Innovation is a free week-long camp that allows students currently in 4th – 9th grades to use technology in a variety of creative ways. Each camp will include robotics, programming and a lot聽of other fun activities.
At Camp Innovation, students are exposed to a variety of innovative technologies and learning experiences that:

鈥 Build foundational knowledge and skills for computer science readiness
鈥 Develop the thinking and problem-solving processes required for coding
鈥 Provide hands-on opportunities to develop coding skills
鈥 Participate in enrichment opportunities with technology that emphasize communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity

Every grade level has a different curriculum and uses different types of technology which may include LEGO Spike Prime or EV3 robots, Sphero Bolts, Jimu robots, Ozobots, Dash and Dot and Sphero RVR+. Students going into 7th – 10th grades will have opportunities to fly and program drones for tasks such as photographing the interior of a volcano, doing search and rescue missions and flying through a two story obstacle course.
Held every June at the Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center, students are provided transportation from nearby hubs, a free breakfast and lunch, and daily snacks. The best part of all: it鈥檚 FREE!
Registration opens on March 3 at www.aisd.net/ campinnovation.

Here鈥檚 what some teachers and parents from last summer shared about Camp Innovation:

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT CAMP INNOVATION?
Two students with a drone and a Chromebook鈥淚 loved helping and watching the kids make amazing connections over the course of the week and seeing聽how they made connections with new friends and with unfamiliar technologies. Seeing the look of satisfaction and accomplishment when they conquered a challenge was the best because they experience technical challenges tailored to their age group and are encouraged to learn through discovery.鈥
Jennifer Appleby-Grunewald, Camp Innovation teacher (Nichols Junior High)

Two students working with a Makey-Makey

 

WHAT DO KIDS LEARN AT CAMP INNOVATION?
鈥淎t camp, the kids dive into a learning experience where they acquire hands-on skills in coding, robotics and design, fostering their problem-solving abilities and technological proficiency. The camp cultivates a foundation for future innovation, providing a fun environment where children not only grasp technical concepts but also develop a passion for exploring the limitless possibilities of technology. From learning about Spheros to flying drones to creating a bot for our robotic competition, the kids are gaining experiences that will last a lifetime.鈥
Tamara Gaffney, Camp Innovation teacher (Bryant Elementary)

WHAT WOULD I WANT PARENTS TO KNOW ABOUT CAMP INNOVATION?
鈥淚 think parents should know that this camp is an excellent opportunity to introduce your children to the world of coding. The kids have so much fun each day while problem solving and using critical thinking skills. The camp is free, so all you have to do is manage pick up and drop off. They even feed them! It鈥檚 great!鈥
Dr. Maya Wadley, parent of Camp Innovation student
For more information about Camp Innovation, go to www.aisd.net/campinnovation.