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RoboCamp 2010 Information Page

Triple Helix is pleased to announce RoboCamp 2010.
The camp, designed for rising 6th through 8th graders, will permit students to explore the use of robots for future Deep Space Terraforming missions.

RoboCamp 2010

What is Deep Space Terraforming?  Deep space terraforming is a proposed method of preparing a planet in a distant solar system for human habitation.  Such a planet would have to have an atmosphere with oxygen, a source of water, soil for growing plants, and a moderate temperature.  But what if a planet does not have these characteristics?  Some scientists and engineers believe that robotic systems could one day be effectively utilized to develop these necessary characteristics on a remote  planet, so that human habitation could be sustained.  This concept, called deep space terraforming, will be explored in RoboCamp 2010.  Campers will have the opportunity to design, construct, and program their own robots to accomplish a personal Deep Space Terraforming mission.  The camp will culminate with a fun and friendly competition amongst the campers to identify the Interstellar Champion of Robotics!  Watch a video about deep space terraforming.

Who is target audience for the camp?  Rising 5th through 8th graders interested in robotics, science, engineering, and technology.

What will campers learn?  The campers will work in teams of two in order to be able to accomplish the tasks required to complete their mission.  The campers will quickly learn that the missions cannot be accomplished unless they work together.  Campers will learn fundamental robot design, construction, and programming techniques, and will have the chance to explore their own creativity by customizing their robot designs to most effectively accomplish the mission.  An emphasis will be placed on sensor technology, and how sensors can permit a robot to interact with its environment and make decisions based on sensory input.

When will the camp be held?  Dates for the camp are Monday, June 28, 2010 through Thursday, July 1, 2010.  The camp will be held from 9:00am until 5:00pm each day.  Campers may be dropped of as early as 8:30am, but must be picked up promptly at 5:00pm.

Where will the camp be held?  The camp will be held at Menchville High School in the computer science laboratory in the Menchville Technology Building.  Specific directions to the computer science laboratory will be provided to registered campers.

What is included in the price of tuition?  All materials, robotics supplies, computers, software, snacks, drinks, and lunch are included in the price of tuition.

What kind of robotics kits will be used?  The popular Lego Mindstorms NXT kits will be used for RoboCamp 2010.  If your camper already owns a Mindstorms NXT kit or the predecessor RIS kit, he or she will learn how to get the most out of their systems by attending this camp. FIRST LEGO League team members will get a jump on the competition!

My child has food allergies.  Will you accommodate special dietary requests?  Yes!  We want the campers to be happy and healthy!  Please inform us of any food allergies on the Emergency Medical Information Form in the camp application package.

What is the tuition cost? Tuition for a single camper is $200.00 if postmarked by June 14, 2010. After June 14, 2010, tuition increases to $250.00. 

Where do I send my camper's application package?  The completed application package, including a check payable to the Menchville Robotics Team, should beRoboCampforwarded to:

The Menchville Robotics Team
ATTN: Mr. Matt Lythgoe
Menchville High School
275 Menchville Road
Newport News, VA 23602

Are the number of campers limited?  Yes!!  RoboCamp 2010 is limited to 20 campers, so please send your camper application packages in soon!  Camper applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.  We will maintain a waiting list after the 20 camp slots are filled.

Who do I contact if I have questions?  If you have questions concerning RoboCamp 2010, please DO NOT call the school office.  They will be unable to assist you!  Instead, please e-mail your questions to:

RoboCamp@MenchvilleRobotics.org

Who are the camp instructors?  The camp will be taught by Mr. Matt Wilbur, Head Coach of Triple Helix, and Mr. Matt Lythgoe, a programming mentor and the teacher sponsor for the team.  Mr. Wilbur is a Sr. Research Engineer with the US Army Research Laboratory in Hampton, Virginia.  Mr. Lythgoe is the computer science teacher at Menchville High School.  Student members of Triple Helix will assist the campers with their robotics projects.

Sounds cool!  How do I sign up?  We're glad you asked!! Click the link below to download an application package. 

Download an Application Package for RoboCamp 2010

Download our RoboCamp Announcement to send to your friends!

Menchville High School. 275 Menchville Rd. Newport News, VA. 23602 (Map)
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Last updated on May 18, 2010 10:44 AM
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