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Science + Engineering II – Bridge Builders: Minecraft Mastery & Real-World Engineering

Week 3 – PM | Summer SciTech July 15 – 19 | 1PM – 4PM

Challenge –

How can you bridge the virtual and physical worlds by designing and constructing a bridge-building system?

Your challenge is to create a sturdy and functional bridge in both Minecraft and the physical world using LEGO Technic bricks. Once your bridges are built, engineer and code a robot capable of traversing over your structure. This interdisciplinary adventure will draw upon your skills in architecture, engineering, and programming. How can you ensure that your bridges withstand the challenges presented in both the virtual and physical realms, and how will you program your robot to successfully navigate these innovative pathways?

Projects Include –

Island Hopping, Speed Run Bridges, Bridge Builders with Lego Technic Bricks. Spanner Bot

Learning Objectives –

1. Understanding Bridge Engineering Principles:
   • Explore fundamental physics concepts related to bridge engineering, including forces, loads, and structural stability.
   • Understand key engineering principles such as tension, compression, and the distribution of forces in a bridge structure.
2. Applying Physics to LEGO Technic Construction:
   • Learn how to translate physics principles into practical applications by designing and constructing a bridge using LEGO Technic bricks.
   • Experiment with different bridge designs and materials to understand their impact on structural integrity.
3. LEGO Technic Building Skills:
   • Develop proficiency in using LEGO Technic elements to build structurally sound and functional bridges.
   • Apply engineering knowledge to make design decisions regarding the choice of LEGO Technic components and their configurations.
4. Introduction to Coding for Robotics:
   • Gain basic coding skills, focusing on the programming language relevant to the robot platform being used, such as visual block-based languages and Python.
   • Understand the relationship between code and robot behavior, and learn to program simple commands for movement and navigation.
5. Robot Navigation and Traversal Skills:
   • Engineer and code a robot to successfully navigate and traverse the LEGO Technic bridge.
   • Explore concepts such as sensor integration and feedback mechanisms to enhance the robot’s ability to adapt to the bridge’s challenges.

* Pre-requisites: basic keyboard + mouse skills, ability to focus for extended periods of time

Code Hacking I – Hacking Harmonies & Minecraft with Code

Week 2 – PM | Summer SciTech July 8 – 12 | 1PM – 4PM

Challenge –

Using the science behind sound and music, embark on an exciting journey to blend creativity, coding, and Minecraft. Can you apply your understanding of sound principles to create and modify music within the Minecraft environment using code?

Explore the magic of harmonies, rhythms, and melodies as you use code to produce instant and awe-inspiring results. This challenge encourages you to not only grasp the science behind sound but also to unleash your creativity by seamlessly integrating coding skills with the immersive world of Minecraft. How can you transform the Minecraft experience through the power of sound and music, making it an unforgettable and unique adventure?

Projects Include –

The Science of Music, Electronic DJ: Digital Music Making, Musical Minecraft

Learning Objectives –

1. Understanding Sound Energy:
   • Explore the fundamentals of sound energy, including how vibrations create sound waves.
   • Identify the properties of sound, such as pitch, amplitude, and frequency, and understand how they contribute to the overall quality of music.
2. Music Production Basics:
   • Gain insights into the basics of music production, including the role of instruments, notes, and chords.
   • Learn how to compose simple melodies and harmonies, considering the principles of creating music that is pleasing to the human ear.
3. Digital Harmonies and Coding:
   • Introduce the concept of digital harmonies and the role of code in modifying and enhancing music.
   • Develop basic coding skills to manipulate digital harmonies and experiment with modifying musical elements.
4. Applying Coding to Minecraft Music:
   • Extend coding skills to the Minecraft environment to modify in-game music and sounds.
   • Understand how code can be used to create dynamic and immersive musical experiences within Minecraft.
5. Creative Expression in Minecraft:
   • Encourage creative expression by guiding students to use their coding and musical knowledge to design unique and personalized music experiences within Minecraft.
   • Explore the intersection of coding, music, and Minecraft to foster creativity and innovation.

3D Print I – Minecraft Forge: 3D Printing Adventure- Design & Prototype Tools and Gear

Week 1 – PM | Summer SciTech July 1 – 5 | 1PM – 4PM

Challenge –

How can you leverage 3D printing technology to design and fabricate a customized Minecraft tool?

Outline the step-by-step process, starting from conceptualization to the final 3D-printed product. Discuss the considerations and challenges specific to 3D printing, such as material selection, structural integrity, and the incorporation of intricate details. Additionally, explore how the unique capabilities of 3D printing can be harnessed to enhance both the visual and functional aspects of the Minecraft tool.

Projects Include –

The Science + Tech of 3D Printing, Designing with Math, The Creative Design Process

Learning Objectives –

1. Introduction to 3D Printing Technology:
   • Students will gain a fundamental understanding of 3D printing technology, including its principles, processes, and applications.
   • Identify and explain the key components of a 3D printer, such as the extruder, build plate, and filament.
2. Basic 3D Modeling Skills:
   • Develop basic 3D modeling skills using user-friendly software suitable for their age group.
   • Create simple 3D models and modify existing ones to understand the principles of digital design for 3D printing.
3. Measurement and Scaling:
   • Understand and apply measurement concepts (e.g., millimeters, centimeters) relevant to 3D printing.
   • Learn to scale 3D models accurately, ensuring proper dimensions for printing.
4. Geometry and Spatial Reasoning:
   • Identify and use geometric shapes and concepts in 3D modeling and printing.
   • Develop spatial reasoning skills by visualizing and manipulating objects in a three-dimensional space.
5. Design and Print a Personal Project:
   • Apply acquired knowledge and skills to design and 3D print a personal project or prototype independently.
   • Demonstrate creativity by incorporating unique features or modifications to their projects.

*Camp will run on July 4th

**Pre-requisites: basic keyboard + mouse skills, ability to focus for extended periods of time