The Tennessee Valley Authority presented a check for $5,000 to fund a series of STEM enrichment summer camps for youngsters offered through Chattanooga State Community College’s Division of Corporate Training, Workforce Development and Continuing Education. The weeklong camps, which cover a variety of technical topics, are four and a half hours per day. The camps include 3D Animation, AutoCAD, Computer Programming, Digital Illustration, Digital Photography, Graphic Design, LEGO Robotic- Basic & Advanced Camps, Advanced Robotics and Electronics, Web Page Design, and Mobile Applications.
Each of the camps offered promotes STEM concepts that are required for a career in engineering. These STEM concepts include science, technology, engineering and mathematics. “TVA’s generous contribution allows us to reach a younger audience, which leads to the development of skills and interest in science, technology, engineering and math through a fun yet challenging learning environment here at Chatt State,” said Harry Hawkins, Chattanooga State manager of technical training for Corporate Training, Workforce Development and Continuing Education.
According to Tim McGhee, Chattanooga State’s dean of Engineering Technology, “Youth camps focused on STEM concepts expose participants to engineering in a fun and interactive setting. It is hoped that these types of camps will inspire participants to pursue a technical career.” The Division of Engineering Technology offers degrees in four areas of study that specifically target the needs of TVA: non-destructive testing technology, nuclear power engineering technology, quality assurance/quality control technology, and radiation protection.
Overall engineering technology employment for graduates with an associate degree is expected to grow anywhere between 6.1 percent for industrial engineering technicians to 30.1 percent for environmental engineering technicians during the 2008–18 decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In addition, the earning potential is higher for environmental engineering technicians, where the most employment growth is expected to occur, than engineering technicians in other areas of specialization. Nevertheless, locally 100 percent of recent Chattanooga State graduates with an A.A.S. degree in electrical/electronic engineering technology were employed in their field of study.
The 2013 Summer Camp schedule is listed below. In addition, the number of students allowed to register for each workshop is limited. Students are accepted on a first come first service basis. Those interested in enrolling should contact the Continuing Education Department at 423 697-3100 or log on to www.chattanoogastate.edu/continuinged
2013 Summer Camp Schedule:
3D Animation
Using Blender, the open source software for 3D modeling, animation, movie production software, campers will learn to create a short animation and explore the possibilities of animation.
Maximum of 10 campers
Age: 13 & up
Dates: June 3-7 & June 17-21, 2013
Times: 12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $ 109.00 each
AutoCAD
Learn the design software used by engineers and architects. Sketch some simple drawings and layouts… Complete the drawings and layouts. Complete the drawings in the computer lab using AutoCAD. Drawing exercises may include simple geometries, room layouts, toy parts, furniture, machine components, etc.
Maximum of 10 campers
Age: 11 & up
Dates: June 24 – 28 & July 8 – 12, 2013
Times: 12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $ 109.00 each
Computer Programming
Using an object-based scripting language learn basic programming concepts such as variables, decision structures (if-else), iterative (repetition) structures, design and code a simple game program and learn to incorporate your program(s) into a website.
Maximum of 12 campers
Age: 13 & up
Dates: June 10-14, 2013
Times: 12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $ 109.00 each
Digital Illustration
Students will learn the basics of art/design (color, composition, value, line, shape etc.). The students will first work on paper using pen and pencil then later move to a digital environment. This allows for a greater understanding of the basics to be taught and less interrupted workflow before proceeding digitally. A variety of styles and methods will be shown and covered throughout the class. By the end of the course students will have a small selection of work including characters, environments, sketches and abstracts. The last class day would be a gallery day where students will present/display their work.
Maximum of 10 campers
Age: 10 & up
Dates: June 10-14, 2013
Times: 12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $ 109.00 each
Digital Photography
Students learn the basics of photography (composition, space, rule of thirds, content, etc.) and will be instructed on how a camera works. Class could include photography field trips and/or photo shoots in a studio if access/permissions can be attained. Approximately half the course will be spent taking pictures and the later half will be focused on editing using Photoshop to edit, color correct, composite, stitch and stylize taken photos. The last class day would be a gallery day where students will present/display their work.
Maximum of 10 campers
Age: 10 & up
Dates: June 24-28, 2013
Times: 12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $ 109.00 each
Graphic Design
Students learn the basics of design (color, line, shape, etc.) and how to construct images, icons and layouts for use on products, websites and standalone pieces. Topics would include: “What is Design” How is Design Changing” “Design in History and Around the World” “Typography a Designers Friend” At the end of the class students will have created several pieces and have a better understanding of what design is and how it affects us. The last class day would be a gallery day where students will present/display their work.
Maximum of 10 campers
Age: 11 & up
Dates: July 8-12, 2013
Times: 12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $ 109.00
LEGO Robotic Camp
Utilizing First LEGO League competition themes of past years, campers will design, program, and compete as if participating in a real LEGO competition. Campers will use LEGO NXT kits to have fun and learn to solve real-world problems by applying math, science, engineering and technology to solve real world problems.
Age: 8 – 10 – Maximum of 16 campers
Dates: June 3 - 7, 2013, June 10 – 14, 2013 & June 17 – 21, 2013
Times: 12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Age: 11 & up – Maximum of 16 campers per camp
Dates: June 24-28, 2013 & July 8-12, 2013
Times: 12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $ 109.00
Advanced LEGO – NEW this summer!
Using the basic LEGO camp knowledge learn to perform higher level activities with the LEGO robot in this new and fast-paced summer camp. Campers will find a challenging and engaging environment to hone their LEGO skills
July 15 – 19, 2013 & July 22 – 26, 2013
Times: 12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Ages: 11 & up
Cost: $ 119.00
NEW this summer! Three weeks of intense Robotics…
Ages: 11 & up for all three weeks
July 15 – 19, 2013 12:30 – 5:00 p.m.: Electronics and BASIC Programming
- Learn about electronic components (resistors, capacitors, LED’s, switches, etc.)…what they do, how to identify them, and how to use them.
- How to correctly wire electrical components together (voltage, current, power, batteries, solder less breadboards)
- BASIC programming (BASIC Stamp, Parallax editor, simple commands) learn to write simple PBASIC programs.
July 22-26, 2013 12:30-5:00 p.m.: Introduction to Robotics
- Work with servomotor control and speed adjustment
- Build your robot
- Navigation without feedback
- Navigating with “whiskers”
- Following a light
July 29-August 2, 2013 12:30 – 5:00 p.m.: Advanced Robotics
- Navigate with IR
- Object detection and avoidance
- High performance IR navigation
- Drop-off detector
- Measuring distance with IR
- Following another robot
- Following a line
- Running a maze
Each camp is $ 119.00 each or attend all 3 for only $ 299.00
Web Page Design
Learn to create dynamic interactive web-based applications that run within a Web browser. Basic computer programming concepts will be covered.
Maximum of 12 campers
Age: 13 & up
Dates: July 15-19, 2013
Times: 12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $ 109.00
Mobile Applications
Learn the latest craze in app development for mobile devices. Campers will participate in the development and launch of a camp application.
Dates: June 3-7, 2013
Times: 12:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Ages: 11 & up
Maximum of 16 campers
Cost: $ 109.00