Courses 2015

In this course, students will learn the basics of Java coding through the world of Minecraft. Minecraft is written in the object-oriented language of Java, which provides us with a great place to learn to code in an accessible and fun way! Students will learn to read the Java code that enables their game by becoming familiar with the syntax of Java. They will then begin to edit Java templates where they can change the graphics and even create new items in their own Minecraft game. By the end of this course, students will be able to edit and run code to modify their Minecraft world where they can play and share with friends.

The “Racing Academy” series of classes are meant to introduce and step children through the hobby of building and racing cars and trucks. The common theme here, which is a common thread in many of our classes, is the integration of testing with variables, reading directions and schematic, and the use of tools. This is the suggested sequence of classes:

• Mini 4WD introduces children to the reading schematics, using tools properly, identifying parts and building. The children then race their cars and experiment with different setups.
• Mini 4WD Advanced continues the skills learned in Mini 4WD and allows the children to further experiment with more parts and set ups. It also allows for more of what the children love, racing.
• Mini-Z campers continue to build upon skills. This is the rst real introduction to the radio controlled cars. Children partially disassemble their kits and do small modi cations like adding ball bearings to reduce friction or adding new tires to increase traction. They continue to change one variable at a time to test racing characteristics. A heavy emphasis is placed on learning driving skills and maintaining cars.
• Mini-Z Advanced has become a very popular class for those children who love to drive and modify
• Introduction to Racing Academy- Learn the basics of large scaled RC building.
• Intermediate Racing Academy- Campers build cars and trucks from more challenging kits.
• Advanced Racing Academy- These race spec kits are for our experienced builders.

Conceived by Jay Isolini the Build a Board Art program is designed to make the experience of building a board as entertaining as skating itself. Campers will learn the art of how a skateboard is made and what it takes to make a professional skateboard deck. Campers will add their own personal touch by decorating their decks through creative techniques. They will learn how to mount their trucks, install and remove wheels to clean bearings all while learning a little history behind skateboarding. Campers will then participate in skate lessons.

Ever wonder how apps are created or have a great idea for an app game? Our App Genius course will guide campers through the process of planning, creating, and testing a game that can be played on computers or smart phones. The program used is completely “Drag and drop” and requires no coding at all, but still teaches campers the basics of program design.

Whether it’s techno, new age, dance, or even a track to a video game or movie, this course will show you how it’s done. Using premium music production software, campers will learn the basics of creating songs from scratch. Campers will experience the art of laying down and mixing tracks, experimenting with different sound effects, understanding sequencing and quantizing, as well as basic music and scale theory. When the course is over, campers will take home their keyboard controller to continue their craft throughout the year. Prior musical instrument experience is not required but may make the course more fulfilling.