Techstars catalog 2014 by Lorri Wyndham

Course Catalog

Classes may not be available in all areas. To find a provider near you, please visit www.computerexplorers.com/locations All Rights Reserved. Federal Law provides severe civil and criminal penalties for the unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use of copyrighted material. Copyright infringement includes unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use even without monetary gain.

TECHSTARS COURSE CATALOG /

STE(A)M C ATEGORIES This catalog is divided into five subject categories:  Science  Technology  Engineering  Arts  Math

TECHSTARS LEVELS The TechStars classes are organized into five color-coded levels:  Red Preschool (3 & 4 years old)  Orange Kindergarten (5 years old)  Blue Beginning - Grades 1 - 3 (6 to 8 years old)  Green Intermediate - Grades 4 - 6 (9 to 11 years old)  Yellow Advanced - Grades 7+ (12+ years)

Delivery Methods are suggested by Computer Explorers Curriculum Development. Adjustments can be made by your local representative to work in varied locations.

Classes may not be available in all areas. To find a provider near you, please visit www.computerexplorers.com/locations Reserved. Federal Law provides severe civil and criminal penalties for the unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use of copyrighted material. Copyright infringement includes unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use even without monetary gain.

TechStars Where all points lead to success! TechStars simplifies the complex world of educational technology by connecting Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and the Arts. TechStars provides students with a progressive curriculum that begins with foundational skills that rapidly lead to advanced knowledge, exploring and developing new ideas, and creating hands-on projects in an educational setting designed to make learning FUN.

Key Points: All courses: 1. are project-based & designed for FUN 2. further students exploration of technology as: a. an application tool for use in education, business, and art i. word processing, spreadsheets, graphics, databases, multimedia presentations, Internet usage, idea mapping such as Inspiration, digital applications and graphic design ii. projects build skills that students will need to succeed in school and beyond to include: reports, presentations, conducting research, etc. b. it relates to the study of the engineering and/or applied computer science/technology i. from simple to compound machines and systems ii. engineering in relation to technology to include introduction to physics & electrical engineering, programming, and robotics iii. projects include hands-on applications of engineering principles with systems, models and structures as the end product c. a skill-building tool to support general educational disciplines(reading, math, science, social studies) i. problem solving based skill practice, without drill and practice, to build creative and organized thinking skills ii. projects may thematically relate to software themes or provide hands-on practice with general educational disciplines. (e.g. language arts - write and illustrate a story; math - create your own hands-on math puzzles, science illustrate the water cycle, social studies - mapmaking)

SCIENCE COURSES

 SPARKFUN!

 

SPARKFUN! Ignite your inner inventor with SparkFun! Interactive electronics bring a world of transistors, resistors and other circuit concepts necessary to make LED's blink, motors spin and music play AND you’ll program LED strings to create wearable art (Tshirts and baseball hats) to take home.

R OCKETEERING Design and build your own rocket, then launch it with compressed air! This three-hour course demonstrates the basics of aeronautics, including thrust, drag and ballast. You’ll have a blast!! Level: Kindergarten, Beginning, Intermediate & Advanced Course Length: 3 hours; one 3 hour class or two 90 minute classes Class Size: 8 to 16 students Group Size: 2 to 3 students per rocket

Level: Intermediate & Advanced Course Length: 6 Hours Group Size: 2 students per inventor’s kit Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

Delivery Methods: Large Group: Camp, After School or Tech.

  UNDER THE MICROSCOPE – Guess what we discover under our fingernails and under the microscope? Using a childfriendly digital microscope, students will explore the world of magnification, science, nature study & digital editing.

 ALTERNATIVE ENERGY -BEGINNING MAKE THEM GO! Discover how to use wind, solar, water and hand-crank electricity to power vehicles. Engineer alternative energy machines and explore renewable energy sources. Whether it’s a car, helicopter or bulldozer, alternative energy will power it!

Levels: PreSchool & Kindergarten Course Length: 4 to 6 sessions Class Size: Depends on Delivery Method Group Size: 3 or 4 students Delivery Methods: Standard Tots - 3 students/1 group Center-Based Camp or Tech Day 3-4 students/group up to 4 groups

Level: Beginning & Intermediate Course Length: 8 one hour sessions, 2 hours per Alternative Energy Kit Class Size: 6 to 20 students (add an aide if class size is above 12) Group Size: 2 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

Classes may not be available in all areas; To find a provider near you, please visit www.computerexplorers.com/locations nd criminal penalties for the unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use of copyrighted material. Copyright infringement includes unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use even without monetary gain.

 UP CLOSE SCIENCE

SCIENCE COURSES: continued

Explore the world using a digital microscope, natural & manmade specimens. Collect data & form your own hypotheses to solve a mystery at the Bronx Zoo.

 THE MICROSCOPIC WORLD Students will use The Scientific Method as they study specimens, run experiments and learn about the microscopic world. Using a unique digital microscope, they will explore the computer side of science with digital photography & editing techniques.

Levels: Advanced Course Length: 4 to 6 sessions Class Size: 6 to 20 students Group Size: 2 to 3 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School: students work in groups of 2 or 3

Levels: Beg. Course Length: 4 to 6 sessions Class Size: 6 to 20 students Group Size: 2 to 3 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School: students work in groups of 2 or 3

  DINOSAUR DISCOVERY Practice extracting dinosaur fossils in this hands-on class. Go on your own fossil dig, analyze and assemble skeleton pieces, produce a fossil reconstruction, create a mural…and develop a movie documentary of your discoveries!

 IT’S A SMALL WORLD It may be a small world, but with a digital microscope, you will see it in action! Observe & collect information about natural & manmade specimens. Using digital editing techniques, you will change these specimens into creative works of art. Levels: Int. Course Length: 4 to 6 sessions Class Size: 6 to 20 students Group Size: 2 to 3 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School: students work in groups of 2 or 3

Level: Beginning & Intermediate Course Length: 10 hours, five 2 hour classes Class size: 6-12 students Group Size: 6-12 students, 6 per kit Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

 CSI FOR BEGINNERS: WHO STOLE

SCIENCE COURSES : continued

THE B IRTHDAY C AKE?

  RAINFOREST EXPEDITION

Practice your detective skills when the birthday cake disappears! Examine footprints, decide if frosting or paint is on a suspect’s shirt, check fingerprints on the cake plate. Could Grandma be the hungry thief? Learn how a real detective works in this CSI class for ages 5-8.

Grab your camera, your robot, your microscope and your butterfly net – we’re off to explore the world of bugs, animals and plants in the rainforests of the world! Perch in the canopy of trees with exotic birds (by using a green screen to add YOU to the rainforest.) No need to fly to Rio when you can join a TechStars class! Levels: Kindergarten (5) & Beg. Course Length: 6 hours Class Size: 6-12 Group Size: 3-4 students per group Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

Levels: Beg. Course Length: 6 forty-five to one hour sessions Class Size: 6 to 20 students Group Size: 2 to 4 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School, Small or Large Group

  CSI: CRIME SCENE

   THE ULTIMATE RIDE Design & build the roller coaster of your dreams! After you have finished building your coaster you will actually get to see what the ride will feel like from a variety of positions within or outside the car. Design, build and ride a roller coaster that is just right for you!

INVESTIGATION BEGINNING & INTERMEDIATE Use science to solve crimes. Work the field scene and the laboratory end of CSI with your senses, logic and forensics. We’ll use finger printing, tire tread patterns and much more! No blood, no gore…but excitement galore! Levels: Beg., Int. & Adv (12) Course Length: 6-9 hours Class Size: 6 to 20 students Group Size: 2 to 3 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School, Small or Large Group

Levels: Beg., Int. & Adv. Course Length: 4 - 6 hours Class Size: 6 to 12 students Group Size: 2 to 3 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

SCIENCE COURSES : continued

  I CAN BUILD A ZOO

   ROLLER COASTER TYCOON

Own your own zoo – with mischievous monkeys, terrifying tigers and giant giraffes! But it’s not all fun and games! You need to build a profitable business, and perhaps become the best zoo owner ever!

Create the theme park of your dreams! Include a variety of rides, from a gentle train ride to the eyepopping roller coasters & thrill rides found in the real Six Flags® amusement parks. Manage an existing Six Flags® park or create your own park from scratch.

Levels: Beg., Int. & Adv Course Length: 6 x 1 hour sessions Class Size: 6-16 Group Size: 2 Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School: students work in groups of 2

Levels: Beg., Int. & Adv. Course Length: 4 - 6 hours Class Size: 6 to 12 students Group Size: 2 to 3 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

 MAKEY MAKEY Can you guess what is missing from these equations? Carrots = Piano, Play Doh = Mouse, Frisbee + Golf ball + Foil = Motion controller...Can you make sense of this nonsense? Makey Makey!!! You will exploit the electrical properties of ordinary objects to transform them into extraordinary computer controllers. Prepare to stretch your imagination and creativity; enroll now and watch the world around you morph into a ripening harvesting ground for innovative computer interaction tools.

 SCIENCE INVESTIGATORS Listen to the evidence while science is put to the test in a court of law. Use scientific concepts about work, simple machines and electrical current. With computer analysis and hands-on experiments, you are sure to come to the right verdict.

Levels: Intermediate; Ages 8-12+ Course Length: 8 sessions, 45 minutes to 1 hour Class Size: 6 - 20 students (additional aide after 12) Group Size: 2 students Delivery Methods: Large Group: Camp, After school .

Levels: Int. Course Length: 6 - 9 hours Class Size: 8 - 30 students Group Size: 4 or 5 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School: students work in groups of 4 or 5

TECHNOLOGY COURSES

Course Length: 6 to 8 two hour sessions Class Size: 12 to 24 students (add an aide if class size is above 12) Group Size: 2 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

  ROBOTICS 1 WITH NXT Get ready to take control! Using the NXT brick from LEGO®, build robots, program them to accomplish tasks, respond to external stimuli, and overcome challenges such as navigation, avoiding and/or climbing over obstacles and moving objects. Control the robot with the NXT programming language. Get your brains in gear and your robots moving in this 12-16 hour course!

 LET’S DO ROBOTICS Yes, We CAN learn about Robotics! With the LEGO™ WeDo Robotics Kits, you can build and program your own robotic creations. Designed by the experts at MIT, this system teaches simple machines, engineering, and programming. In this hands-on class, robots rule!

Levels: Intermediate & Advanced Course Length: 6 to 8 two hour sessions Class Size: 12 to 24 students (add an aide if class size is above 12) Group Size: 2 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

Levels: Beginning Course Length: six two hour classes Class Size: 6 to 24 students Group Size: 2 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School, ITRP settings: students work in groups of 2 or 3

  ROBOTICS 2 WITH NXT Can a robot clean your room, do your homework or mow the lawn? Build and program complex robots to act as an automated sentry, to check office doors, and to listen and look for intruders. Your robot can go into dangerous places to check for obstacles, and pick up explosive objects. This course will help get you ready to participate on a competitive robotics team. Move over NASA! We’re on the move!!

DC File: Robotics ER 2 NXT Levels: Intermediate & Advanced Prerequisite: Elementary Engineering 1-2, or 12 years of age Classes may not be available in all areas; To find a provider near you, please visit www.computerexplorers.com/locations nd criminal penalties for the unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use of copyrighted material. Copyright infringement includes unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use even without monetary gain.

T ECHNOLOGY COURSES : continued

 ROCK & ROLL ROBOTICS

   VIDEO GAME ANIMATION 1

Create robots that rock and robots that roll! Using the LEGO™ WeDo Robotics Kit build a robotic monkey that plays a drum to a rock & roll beat, a lion that roars, a bird that flaps its wings, and a boat that will rock on the rough seas. Build knowledge of simple machines, engineering, programming, and teamwork in a course full of Rockin’ Fun! Levels: Beginning (8) & Intermediate

Dive into the world of video game animation by creating characters that dance, sing and interact with one another. Add sound effects and music clips to create a dynamic video animation using Scratch, the innovative programming language created just for kids by MIT. Post your animation online so that your friends, your parents, even your grandmother can see your animation! Creativity rules in this first step of video game design!

Course Length: six two hour classes Class Size: 6 to 24 students Group Size: 2 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School, ITRP settings: students work in groups of 2 or 3

Levels: Beg., Int. & Adv. Course Length: 12 hours Class size: 8+ (add assistant over 10) Group size: 1 to 2 students Delivery Method: Camp, Lab, After School, ITRP settings\

  RAZZLE DAZZLE ROBOTICS Move over, Hermione and Harry! Build a magic wand that controls the computer and a robot that makes an animal dance on the screen. Dazzle your friends with what you create AND what you learn! Levels: Beginning (8), Intermediate, Advanced Prerequisite: Video Game Animation 1 Course Length: twelve one hour or six two hour classes Class Size: 6 to 24 students Group Size: 2 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School, ITRP settings: students work in groups of 2 or 3

  VIDEO GAME ANIMATION LEVEL2 Once you start, you don’t want to stop! Add to your previous video animation, or start from “Scratch” with an all-new creation. New skills and creative adventures await the experienced Scratch programmer! Levels: Int. & Adv Course Length: 12 hours Class size: 8+ (add assistant over 10) Group size: 1 to 2 students Delivery Method: Camp, Lab, After School, ITRP settings

T ECHNOLOGY COURSES : continued

Camp, Lab, After School, ITRP settings: students work in groups of 2 or 3

 VIDEO GAME ANIMATION, LEVEL 3 Post your video game online for the WORLD to play! In this third level course, students focus on advanced game elements: building multiple levels, integrating animated sequences and using variables to keep track of score, high score, avatar lives and game speed. The results will a-maze you!

  APP CAMP 1 Make your phone come alive with your own Android apps! Create a paint program, math practicing apps and a mole mash. Some Android phones will be provided, but if you have one, bring it to test it out! Level: Int. & Adv. Course Length: 6 one hour sessions Class Size: up to12 students Group Size: 2 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

Prerequisite: Video Game Animation, Levels 1-2 Levels: Int & Adv Course Length: 6 2-hour sessions Class Size: 8+ (add assistant over 10) Group Size: 2 students/group Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School, ITRP settings

  APP CAMP 2 Once you’ve learned to mash your mole, you can create unique apps that use timers and sounds, and feature animated aliens. Your space shooters will launch a fantastic voyage into the app writing world. Create your own apps to share with the class…and perhaps with online stores in this Level 2 class.

   VIDEO GAME DESIGN Design, create and edit your own 2 dimentional arcade-style video game: design the action, create the characters, and edit the outcomes. Take your game home so that you can challenge your friends and family! (Optional: AND you’ll receive a copy of the software at the last session so that you can add to your game when the class is over!) Levels: Beginning (8), Intermediate & Advanced Course Length: 12 hours; 6 two hour classes, 4 three hour classes or 8 one and a half hour classes Class Size: 8+ students (add assistant over 10) Group Size: 1 to 2 students Delivery Methods:

Level: Int. & Adv. Course Length: 6 one hour sessions Class Size: up to 12 students Group Size: 2 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

 PODCASTING PIZZAZZ

T ECHNOLOGY COURSES : continued



Move over iCarly, it’s our turn to podcast! In this 6-session class, you’ll learn to create your own slide show full of your favorite things and have it posted on the Internet! Sign up today – then tell your family and friends to get ready to log on and be impressed!

WIK-TASTIC WIKI’S

Share your expertise! Work with your team to create a wiki page dedicated to the solar system, stamp collecting, LEGO’s, jewelry-making, your favorite TV show or movie. Add a podcast reviewing the latest film, discovery of a new star, or how to create a mythical creature using LEGO bricks. This 6-hour course guides you through the steps to create your own collaborative wiki.

Levels: Beg. Course Length: six 30-45 min. classes Class Size: 4-20 students Group Size: 1-2 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

Levels: Advanced Course Length: 6 hours Class Size: 6 - 20 Group Size: 2 - 3

  VIDEO GAMES DIY – WRITE YOUR OWN VIDEO GAME Love video games? Kids as young as 5 years old can create their own games in this cool class! Choose your storyline with fairy princesses, dragons, or wild wacky aliens; add challenges and levels of difficulty, then share by email or post on the web to challenge family and friends. Now the 5-8 year olds can practice math, logic and put their video game talents to work!

 SKETCH IT IN 3D Develop the mansion of your dreams with performance cars in the driveway, a race track or your own skate park. During this six-session program, students will learn to draw 3D shapes, develop them into models and import images. Make your project pop with 3D! Levels: Int. & Adv. Course Length: 6-9 hours. Six sessions; 60-90 minutes each Class Size: 6-24 Group Size: 2 Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School: students work in groups of 2

Levels: Kindergarten, Beginning Course Length: six 1 hour classes Class Size: 4-20 students Group Size: 1-2 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

 TECHTOTS TECHNOLOGY

T ECHNOLOGY COURSES : continued

NOTE: Appropriate for 3’s only.

3D VIDEO WORLDS Learn the fundamentals involved in creating your own 3D video game world! With a simple click and roll of a mouse modify your world. Develop and storyboard your design, and place animals, trees, characters, and other items in your own virtual world! If you like 2D, you will love 3-D!!

Does your three-year-old love the computer, but gets frustrated when the mouse doesn’t go where she wants it to go? Or does he click too many times, and the action gets frozen? Our unique 12-session course will have your preschooler ready to teach you the tricks of technology! Watch out, Bill Gates!! The new generation is on its way!!

Levels: Int. & Adv Course Length: 6 2-hour sessions Class Size: 6 - 24 Group Size: 2 Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

Level: Preschool (age 3) Course Length: 12 30-minute sessions Class Size: 6-9 students Group Size: 3 students Delivery Methods: Standard Tots – 3 students/1 group Camp, small lab, after school

 BLOCKBUSTER BLOGS! Share your thoughts and opinions with the world! Have you ever wanted to be an armchair movie critic? Review your favorite video games? Share your fashion “nono’s”? By the end of this course, you will be on your way to becoming a famed Internet Journalist!

 KINDERGARTEN ADVANTAGE!

Levels: Advanced Course Length: 6 one hour sessions Class Size: 6 to 20 students Group Size: 2 to 3 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School: students work in groups of 2 or 3

Using specially designed ageappropriate software, young children will begin to learn about keyboarding computer graphics, word processing & spreadsheets. Emergent reading & computer skills are combined to create a powerful learning dynamic! Levels: Kindergarten Course Length: up to 36 weeks Class Size: 3 to 12 students Group Size: 2 or 3 Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

T ECHNOLOGY COURSES : continued

 TOTALLY TECHNOLOGY -

ADVANCED Students build a repertoire of advanced level skills as they work on their own projects. Course topics include keyboarding, word processing, graphics, multimedia presentations, databases, spreadsheets & Internet usage.

B EGINNING Build skills, create projects & have fun, too! Using our unique delivery system, students learn powerful technology skills as they create their own projects. Course topics include keyboarding, word processing, graphics, multimedia presentations, databases, spreadsheets, & Internet usage.

Levels: Adv. Course Length: 4 - 6 forty-five minute to one hour sessions/ITRP unit Class Size: 6 to 20 students Group Size: 2 to 3 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

Levels: Beg. Course Length: 4 - 6 forty-five minute to one hour sessions/ITRP unit Class Size: 6 to 20 students Group Size: 2 to 3 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

 DREAM VACATION

TOTALLY TECHNOLOGY - INTERMEDIATE Students will use technology in challenging ways as they create their own projects. Course topics include keyboarding, word processing, graphics, multimedia presentations, databases, spreadsheets, & Internet usage.

Plan the vacation of your dreams! In Dream Vacation you do it all - from researching & choosing a destination, to creating a budget, an itinerary & an impressive proposal. Students build technology & decisionmaking skills in this unique class. Let’s order our passports now!

Levels: Int. Course Length: 4 - 6 forty-five minute to one hour sessions/ITRP unit Class Size: 6 to 20 students Group Size: 2 to 3 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

Levels: Adv. Course Length: 6 - 15 hours Class Size: 6 to 20 students Group Size: 2 to 3 students Prerequisite: Totally Technology Advanced Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

 SCHOOL PRIDE

T ECHNOLOGY COURSES : continued

Show off your school! In this advanced level class, design a marketing program to show off your school and your skills! From designing a school logo and banner to publishing a yearbook, students will do it all! Show your school pride!

 IT’S YOUR BUSINESS Calling all entrepreneurs! Have you ever wondered what it would be like to own your own business? Start by brainstorming different homebased business opportunities, then use your technology skills to get your businesses up and running. From designing a logo and web site to creating income statements, students will do it all. It’s never too early to start honing your business skills!

Levels: Adv. Course Length: This course consists of 16 different tasks that may be combined in any order. Each task will take 2 to 3 sessions to complete. Sessions may be from 45 minutes to 1 hour in length. Class Size: 6 to 12 students Group Size: 2 to 3 students Prerequisite: Totally Technology Advanced Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School: students work in groups of 2 or 3

Levels: Adv. Course Length: 6 - 15 hours for 1 module; 24 - 36 hours for all 16 modules Class Size: 6 to 20 students Group Size: 2 to 3 students Prerequisite: Totally Technology Advanced Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

 IT’S YOUR LIFE Where will you be at age 25? Start a new job with working on Wall Street, or in a retail store. Are you married and have a child? B udget your money and pay your bills. When life happens school never looked so good! Levels: Adv. Course Length: 3 to 4.5 hours (6 sessions) Class Size: 6 to 12 students Group Size: 2 to 3 Prerequisite: Totally Technology Advanced Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

T ECHNOLOGY COURSES : continued

 WORLD TOUR GUIDES:

 AWESOME R OBOTICS Extend your knowledge of robotics as you build and design unique projects using LEGO kits with working motors and sensors! Whether it’s a car, Ferris wheel or crane, this class will be both challenging and fun. Levels: Intermediate, Advanced Class Size: 10+ students Group Size: 2 Prerequisite: WeDo Razzle Dazzel Robotics or Rock & Roll Robotics Delivery Methods: Small or large group

DESTINATION CHINA Be an online tour guide and build a Website about your virtual travels. Using your own pictures, photo editing software and a lasso tool, you can send yourself around the world! First stop: China Adventures – You and your friends might climb the Great Wall, visit the Peking Man site, or enter the Mogao Caves. Share your adventures via your personal website! Level: Int., Adv. Course Length: 8 hours Class Size: 6 to 30 Group Size: 2 or 3 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

  ADVENTURES WITH GPS R ECEIVERS Get a new perspective on the world! Small groups using hand-held Global Positioning Systems will search for treasure caches and leave replacement “valuables” for another adventurous group to find, play geogolf and go geodashing! Learn the fundamentals of GPS technology and its practical uses in this outdoor, action-based class.

 BUILD YOUR OWN WEBSITE FANZINE WEB DESIGN Create your own fanzine website. What your interest? Music? Fashion? Travel? Science? Build a personal website to share your thoughts, fun images, videos, music and more. Go online with us and share your passion with the world! Course Length: 6 hours Class Size: 6 to 30 Group Size: 2 or 3 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

Levels: Intermediate & Advanced Course Length: 12 Class Size: 12 students Group Size: 2 - 6 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School, ITRP settings: students work in groups of 2 or

 ELENCO ELECTRONICS

T ECHNOLOGY COURSES : continued

We are surrounded by electronics of all types, from smart phones & tablet computers to navigation systems and even household appliances. Have you ever wondered how it all works? In this course you will gain hands on experience building a range of projects using the Elenco Snap Circuits kits. You will learn about electronics and become familiar with a wide variety of electrical components, vocabulary and concepts while building a diverse assortment of electrical circuits. You will explore short circuits, series & parallel circuits, oscillator circuits, audio circuits and many more types of circuits. Imagine your excitement as you build a radio receiver & transmitter! Enroll now!

   MINECRAFT: DESERT ISLAND SURVIVAL Discover, create and learn, as you access to a proprietary Minecraft mod created only for TechStars! Learn fundamentals of computer networking through this Minecraft experience that also allows you and your friends to work in multiplayer mode as you mine, craft and build together to survive. Working with a partner, use your skills to explore all the secrets the world has to offer, including a mysterious castle filled with challenges. No matter whether you are new to Minecraft or already love the program, this program is for YOU! Level: Intermediate; Ages 8+ Course Length: 8 sessions, 1 hour Class Size: 6 to 30 Aide if more than 16 students Group Size: 2 Students Delivery Methods: Small or Large Group – Camp, Lab or After School setting

Levels: Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced; Ages 7-12+ Course Length: 6 sessions, 1 hour each Class Size: 6-20 students, aide after 12 Group Size: 2 Delivery Methods: Large Group: Camp, After school

SCRATCH 2.0 Touch screens are SO yesterday, now people can design video sensing games that require no touch! You will delight at waving your arms around to play games, pop bubbles, swat flies, whack-amole or interact with one of your own wacky creations! In this class, you will learn programming, video sensing, cloning, custom blocks, vector graphics, sound editing and more with the latest release of MIT’s Scratch 2.0. Don’t miss this chance to enroll in your future!

T ECHNOLOGY COURSES : continued

 SANDBOX 3D VIDEO WORLDS 2.0 Move mountains, part the seas, create a lava world or a city in the sky. It is all up to you. It’s your Sandbox! Using the newest aspects of Platinum Arts Sandbox, you will create 3D environments, whole class cooperative design projects, and work in independent groups. Additionally, groups will compete in 3D Team Water Wars, Capture the Flag & a fun-filled Drench Match. Your world is waiting!

Levels: Intermediate, Advanced; Ages 9-12+ Course Length: 6-8 sessions,1 hour each Class Size: 6-20, aide after 12 Group Size: 2 Delivery Methods: Large Group: Camp, After school

Levels: Advanced; 12+ (10+ with previous experience in Scratch, Kudo or similar) Course Length: 6 sessions, 1 hour each Class Size: 6-20 students, aide after 12 Group Size: 2 Delivery Methods: Large Group: Camp, After chool

 KUDO GAMEPAD; VIDEO GAME LAB In this course, you will use Xbox controllers to design, program and present your own unique video game. Learn to add objects, add scoring elements, create paths, and add multiple characters. Navigate the Xbox 360 Gamepad and build your technical skills as you create enjoyable, fun, and challenging games to share with your family and friends! Levels: Intermediate; Ages 9-11 Course Length: 8 sessions, 1 hour each or 6 sessions, 1 hour each Class Size: 10+ students Group Size: 2 Delivery Methods: Large Group: Camp, After school

ENGINEERING COURSES  FUNGINEERING

  BASICS TO BUILDING

Experiment with Lego’s to build super-cool vehicles that move! First explore simple machines – levers, pulleys, wheels -- to create Lego nutcrackers, fishing reels, and freewheeling cars -- then combine them with gears to build wind-powered land yachts and racing dragsters. Create your own amazing race in this FUN class that teaches beginning principles of enGINEERING!

AMAZING ARCHITECTS Bring building with Lego bricks to new heights! Add cool construction software on the computer and Lego simple machines on the floor. Hands-on fun with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) for ages 3-6. Use your brain! Build with your hands! Levels: PreK & Kindergarten Course Length: six 1-hour classes Class Size: 6-12 Group Size: 3 (to a computer)

Level: Beginning Course Length: 8 one hour sessions Class Size: 10+ students Group Size: 2 students Delivery Methods: Teacher Directed

  FROM LEGS TO WINGS & BACK

 INTRODUCTION TO 3D

AGAIN

VISUALIZATION No amount of “huffing and puffing” will blow our buildings down! Learn principles of construction and use math skills as you experiment with scale and size, staggering vs. stacking. In a hands-on class using LEGO® materials, we’ll build houses with removable roofs, castles with turrets, and towers of strength!

B UILDING BACKYARD BUGS Build wild and crazy bugs with KNEX and on the computer. Mix science and technology for a buggy time but no bug repellent required! Levels: PreK & Kindergarten Course Length: up to 10 hours Class Size: 6-12 Group Size: 3 (to a computer)

Level: Beginning Course Length: 12 forty-five minute to one hr sessions Class Size: 12 students Group Size: 2 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School: students work in pairs Classes may not be available in all areas; To find a provider near you, please visit www.computerexplorers.com/locations nd criminal penalties for the unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use of copyrighted material. Copyright infringement includes unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use even without monetary gain.

ARTS COURSES   CLAY ANIMATION 1

  INTRO TO DIGITAL

Clay & animation - what a perfect combination! Working in teams, you will do it all - from story creation to making the characters & sets. Animate, record, & edit your own movies. Fantastic fun for everyone!

PHOTOGRAPHY Experiment with using photos to create puppets, movies, special effects & more! Learn how to take a good digital picture & practice fun digital editing to create projects. Photo fun is a “snap” for young learners.

Levels: Kindergarten & Beg. Course Length: 10 hours Class Size: 6 to 20 Group Size: 2 or 3 Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

Levels: PreK & Kindergarten Course Length: 6 to 8 sessions Class Size: Depends on Delivery Method Group Size: 3 or 4 students Delivery Methods: Standard Tots - 3 students/1 group Center-Based Camp or Tech Day 3-4 students/group up to 4 groups

 CHOOSE YOUR OWN CARTOON ADVENTURE Transfer yourself into a 2dimensional cartoon! Create a toon that looks like you using crazy clipart … and then create a cartoon strip featuring custom backgrounds, speech bubbles, wacky toons, and special effects. Make your cartoon adventure come alive in video. Levels: Kindergarten & Beg. Course Length: 6 1-hour sessions Class Size: 6-24 Group Size: 2 Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

ART COURSES: continued

  CSI: HOLLYWOOD HEIST

 CLAY ANIMATION 2

The who’s who of Hollywood have stepped out for the annual Silver Cup Awards. The nominees have one mission: to win the coveted Silver Cup and a $500,000 check to produce their own film. When the award suddenly disappears, your CSI team has to solve the mystery. Move over Oscar; TechStars are on their way!!

Your clay characters will be on the run in this cool course. Write a script and shoot the video. Show it to your friends and get ready for your Oscar nomination! Levels: Intermediate Course Length: 10 hours Class Size: 6 to 20 Group Size: 2 or 3 Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

Levels: Beg (8), Int. & Adv. Course Length: 2 to 3 hours (Hour 3 is optional movie production) Class Size: 6-20, additional aide after 12 Group Size: 2 to 3 Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School: students work in groups of 3 or 4

 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY & ME Grab your camera and snap some pix. Create your own books, stories & unique projects with special editing software. Get your friends together and say cheese! Levels: Beg. Course Length: 6 to 8 sessions Class Size: 6 to 20 students Group Size: 2 to 3 Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School: students work in groups of 2 or 3

ARTS COURSES : continued

 CLAYMATION CINEMA

 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY & ADOBE

Perfect your skills as claymation cinematographers as you create your unique productions. Using the same tools used by today’s best known animators, this course will spark your imagination and give you the tools to bring your ideas to life.

B ASICS Cut, crop, and customize. Use state-ofthe-art Adobe Photoshop Elements software to improve & transform your digital photographs. Create imaginative & unique projects to wow your friends!

Levels: Int. Course Length: 6 to 8 sessions Class Size: 6 to 12 students Group Size: 2 to 3 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School: students work in groups of 2 or 3

Levels: Advanced Course Length: 10 hours Class Size: 6 to 20 Group Size: 2 or 3 Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

 ADOBE PHOTOSHOP® ELEMENTS

 ONCE UPON A COMIC BOOK!

PLUS Transform your own digital images into unique works of art when you explore advanced graphic arts tools. Let your imaginations soar, as you use your images to create Pop Art. Your life-long adventure in the digital arts begins here!

Write and design your own comic book tales about princesses, goblins, genies and princes. Create your own characters (even scary, hairy monsters!) for your comic book scenes. Animate your story and see it come to life in a special comic book player.

Levels: Advanced Course Length: 6 to 8 sessions Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School: students work in groups of 2 or 3

Levels: Beginning (7 & 8), Intermediate (9 & 10) Course Length: 12 hours; 6 twohour sessions Class Size: 6 to 24 students Group Size: 2 to 3 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School: students work in groups of 2 or 3

ARTS COURSES : continued

  GREEN SCREEN ADVENTURES

 ARCHITECH MARKETPLACE

Climb Mount Everest, swim the depths of the ocean, or battle dinosaurs! Using a green screen and special photo-editing techniques, you will venture into real or imaginary locations and film the trip to share with friends. Don’t stay at home – jump into a green screen and find yourself some fun!

D ESIGN From cars to clothes, toys to food, the sky is the limit as to what you can sell, when you build the store of your dreams using 3D modeling and its warehouse. Then, be the star of your own commercial to market your goods to friends and family. Come dream up your store, where the only limit is your imagination.

Levels: Beg., Int. & Adv Course Length: 12 hours: six 2hour classes Class Size: 6-24 students Group Size: 3-4 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

Levels: Int. & Adv Course Length: 6-8 sessions Class Size: 6 – 20 students Group Size: 2 – 3 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

 MUSIC PRODUCER LEVEL 1 &

ARTS COURSES : continued

MUSIC PRODUCER LEVEL 2 Hip Hop, Rock ‘n Roll, Ballads or Reggae ... write music in class and publish it online! These courses will have you creating music in a heartbeat. Whether you edit sounds, use instruments, add vocals or write music note-by-note the musical possibilities are endless! Clear off the bookcase now to make room for your award later!

 LOOK WHO’S TALKING Be an animation master! Animate your friends, your family members, your pets or even common household objects. Create a script and bring your hilarious characters to life with moving eyes and a mouth that won’t quit talking! Levels: Int & Adv. Course Length: 6, 1-hour Sessions Class Size: 6 -24 Group Size: 2 Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

Levels: Int & Adv. Course Length: 6, 1-hour sessions Class Size: 6-24 Group Size: 2 Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

  DIGITAL MOVIEMAKING & STORYTELLING 2012 Let’s make a movie together! We’ll sing songs, tell stories & use a digital camera to create masterpieces. Watch out Hollywood - we are on our way!

 MUSIC TOOLKIT BEGINNER

Levels: PreK & Kindergarten Course Length: 4 to 6 sessions, 30 minutes to 1 hour Class Size: 6-20, additional aide after 12 Group Size: 3 or 4 Delivery Methods: Standard Tots - 3 students/1 group Center-Based Camp or Tech Day 3-4 students/group up to 4 groups

Levels: Beg. Course Length: 6, 1-hour sessions Class Size: 6-24 Group Size: 2 Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

MUSIC! MUSIC!! MUSIC!! Jump into music, rhythm and beat in this “note-worthy” course. Explore your creative side and write music to share. Get ready for a big time rush!

 NEWSMAKERS INT & ADV

ARTS COURSES : continued

 SCRAPHAPPY Fun parties, hanging out with friends, dance recitals, camping trips and football games…share your photos with friends and family in online scrapbooks. Bring your friends to class and create a memory together!

PRODUCE YOUR OWN TV SHOW Be the on-air reporter or producer of a news, weather, sports or cooking show! You devise the format, write the script, record video clips and add special effects. You and your friends might be the next TV sensation!

Levels: Adv. Course Length: 6, 1-hour sessions Class Size: 4-20 Group Size: 2 Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

Level: Int and Adv Course Length: 5 hours – 1 session Class Size: 6-30 Group Size: 3 or 4 Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

 PHOTO-MOTO

 CREATE A SUPERSTORY

Create a super-cool photo presentation using titles, credits and music! Bring your own digital photos or take them in class with our cameras; then cut, crop and resize to get the best (or craziest) shots. Share your soccer games, your parties, or your trips to the beach when you mix the pix into an animated show that can be emailed to family and friends.

MAGICAL EBOOKS eBooks are eXtraordinary. Pirates and princesses, unicorns and robot wrestlers can come to life as you write original stories, animate the drawings, add sound effects and publish the books on a special Website for kids. (We may even experiment with “augmented reality” that makes our characters run off the page!) One way or another, its run away fun for COMPUTER EXPLORERS!

Levels: Beg. (8), Int., Adv. Course Length: 6 hours Class Size: 6-20, additional aide after 12 Group Size: 2 students per group Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

Levels: Beg. Course Length: 6, 1-hour sessions Class Size: 6-30 Group Size: 2 Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

ARTS COURSES : continued

  LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION Become the writers, directors, actors, animators, special effects creators & editors of our own movie production. From storyboarding to filming, you will make all of the creative & technical decisions. You will be able to share your movie with friends and family and hear the applause.

  GREEN SCREEN ADVENTURES FOR TOTS

IT’S EASY BEING GREEN Princesses dancing in castles, Spiderman crawling on a Web, Firemen riding to the rescue! Have a great adventure writing a script, being photographed in a super costume in front of a green screen, adding a background and creating an original super slideshow to share. Fun and fantasy POP into adventures!

Levels: Int. & Adv. Course Length: 4 to 6 sessions Class Size: 6 to 20 students Group Size: 2 to 3 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

Levels: Pre. (4, 5), K., Beg. (6) Course Length: 6 hours Class Size: 6-20, additional aide after 12 Group Size: 3 - 4 students per group Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

 AROUND THE WORLD - SPANISH Use exciting computer software and hands-on activities to explore the Spanish culture, geography and language. Sing songs, play games, create artwork and celebrate cultural festivals as you travel the world to visit a number of different Spanish-speaking countries.

ARTS COURSES : continued

 DIGITAL MOVIEMAKING Join the COMPUTER EXPLORERS Film Festival. Create all the artistic elements for your movie including characters, costumes & sets. Your final movie will be available for friends and family to enjoy.

Levels: PreK & Kindergarten Course Length: 4 to 12 session - 45 minutes to1 hour per session Class Size: Depends on Delivery Method Group Size: 3 or 4 Delivery Methods: Standard Tots - 3 students/1 group Center-Based Camp or Tech Day - 3 or 4 students/group up to 4 groups

Levels: Beg. Course Length: 4 to 6 sessions Class Size: 6 to 20 students Group Size: 2 to 3 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

ARTS COURSES : continued

Standard Tots - 3 students/1 group Center-Based Camp or Tech Day - 3 or 4 students/group up to 4 groups

  AROUND THE WORLD - FRENCH Use exciting computer software and hands-on activities to introduce to explore the French culture, geography and language. Sing songs, play games, create artwork and celebrate cultural festivals as you travel the world to visit a number of different French-speaking countries.

 AROUND THE WORLD 6-7 - SPANISH Use exciting computer software and hands-on activities to explore the Spanish culture, geography and language. Sing songs, play games, create artwork and celebrate cultural festivals as you virtually the world to visit a number of different Spanish-speaking countries. You will keep a journal of your travels to take home at the end of the adventure.

Levels: Beginning Course Length: 4 to 12 session - 30 minutes to1 hour per session; customize lesson plans to fit by removing or adding activities; Activity Extension Ideas provided at the end of each session Class Size: Depends on Delivery Method Group Size: 3 or 4 Delivery Methods: Small group or lab setting

  AROUND THE WORLD JAPANESE Use exciting computer software and hands-on activities to explore the Japanese culture, geography and language. Sing songs, play games, create artwork and celebrate cultural festivals as you travel the world to visit a number of different Japanesespeaking areas of the world. Levels: PreK & Kindergarten Platform: Win & Mac Course Length: 4 to 12 session - 45 minutes to1 hour per session Class Size: Depends on Delivery Method Group Size: 3 or 4 Delivery Methods:

 AROUND THE WORLD 6-7 –

ARTS COURSES : continued

JAPANESE

 AROUND THE WORLD 6-7 – FRENCH

Use exciting computer software and hands-on activities to explore the Japanese culture, geography and language. Sing songs, play games, create artwork and celebrate cultural festivals as you travel the world to visit a number of different Japanese-speaking countries. You will keep a journal of their travels to take home at the end of the adventure.

Use exciting computer software and hands-on activities to explore the French culture, geography and language. Sing songs, play games, create artwork and celebrate cultural festivals as you travel the world to visit a number of different French-speaking countries. You will keep a journal of their travels to take home at the end of the adventure.

ARTS COURSES : continued

 3D GLASSES FOR 3D FUN Create a 3D animated adventure and turn it into a movie to share! Using cool characters like clown fish, mermaids and pirates at sea or elephants and giraffes in the jungle, your 3D adventure begins with this super fun class! You bring your imagination and we’ll provide the 3D glasses for an eye-popping time! Level: Kindergarten, Beginning Course Length: 6 one-hour sessions Class Size: 6 – 24 students Group Size: 2 Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

 ZU3D You will use Zu3D Studio 3 to create a stop motion animation. While working in film crews, you will plan and storyboard an original idea. Taking your plans, you will use green screen technology and sophisticated digital editing techniques to develop your idea from concept through to a final movie, which you can take home and share. Level: Beginning Course Length: 6-8 sessions, 45 minutes to 1 hour Class Size: 6-20 students Group Size: 2 Delivery Methods: Large Group: Camp, After school

 MICROWORLDS, JR. ™ & LOGO

M ATH COURSES

PROGRAMMING

  PROGRAMMING WITH BEE-

Take control as you create programs to give commands to an on-screen turtle. Dress your Logo turtle up in a costume and watch him party. Join the circus as your turtle walks a tightrope. Become an all-star as he runs around the baseball diamond. This turtle wins the race.

B OT® Bee-Bot has buzzed into town to help us learn about robots and programming. Program the Bee-Bot to run through a maze, search for lost objects, and draw artistic designs. Robot fun for everyone! Levels: Pre, K., Beg. Course Length: 1 - 6 one hour sessions Class Size: up to 6 Group Size: Depends on Delivery Method Delivery Methods: up to 6 students per group

Levels: PreSchool & Kindergarten Platform: Win including Win 7 & Mac Course Length: 4 to 6 sessions Class Size: Depends on Delivery Method Group Size: 3 or 4 students Delivery Methods: Standard Tots - 3 students/1 group Center-Based Camp or Tech Day - 3-4 students/group up to 4 groups



 BEE-BOT® & THE COMPUTER Bee-Bot, the robot, has a lot to share with us on the computer. You will be able to write their own programs to send the computer Bee-Bot through a number of courses and missions. Then the best part is programming your real Bee-Bot to do the same thing on the floor! You make him run and you make the fun! Levels: PreS, K, Beg. Course Length: 6 one hour sessions Class Size: 6-12 Group Size: 3 (to a computer)

 RACE TO THE FUTURE Stretch your brain and have a great time with computers and robots! Explore the basics of computer programming using a virtual turtle, and follow it by programming a robot shaped like a car. Full speed ahead for a fun time and lots of learning! Levels: Kindergarten & Beg. Course Length: six 1-1 ½ hour sessions Class Size: 6-18 students Group Size: 3 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

M ATH COURSES: continued



 LOGO PROGRAMMING 1

PROGRAMMING WITH P RO-BOT

Logo is a programming language created just for kids! Using icons, commands & mathematical operations, students control the movements of an on-screen turtle. As the students’ skills grow, the challenges & problems they solve increase in complexity. This course provides students with a great introduction to programming!

B EGINNING & INTERMEDIATE Full speed ahead! Pro-Bot is designed for kids and shaped like a car! Write programs on the computer and download them to the robot. Use arrows and num bers, light, touch and sound sensors, when you program the car to zoom around at your command! There’s no stopping the fun or the learning in this fast-paced class!

Levels: Beginning & Intermediate (ages 9 & 10) Course Length: Beginners - six 1-hour sessions Intermediate - six 1.5 hour sessions Class Size: 6 - 20 Group Size: 2 -3 Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab or After School



Levels: Beginning Course Length: four to six 45 minute to 1 hr sessions Class Size: 6 to 18 students Group Size: 2 to 3 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School, ITRP settings: students work in groups of 2 or 3

 LOGO PROGRAMMING 2 Students learn more advanced ways to use Logo’s icons, commands & mathematical operations to control the movements of an on-screen turtle. Students build logical and sequential thinking skills as they enter the world of programming.

 3D PROGRAMMING…D ESIGN, DISCOVER, DREAM- UP!

Using Alice, an innovative 3D programming software you’ll design animation for an interactive game, movie or story. This object-oriented program is fun and challenging, as you discover the worlds of computer science and programming using 3D graphics in a virtual world. Let your imagination soar…if you can dreamup a concept, you can design it!

Levels: Int. license, $169.96 site license – prices reflect 15% Computer Explorers discount. Course Length: four to six 45 minute to 1 hr sessions Class Size: 6 to 18 students Group Size: 2 to 3 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School, ITRP settings: students work in groups of 2 or 3

Prerequisite: Scratch v 1.3.1 or v 1.4 Levels: Intermediate (11) & Advanced Course Length: Intermediate - six 1 hour sessions Class Size: 6 - 20

M ATH COURSES: continued

  CARNIVAL CHAOS Everyone loves the carnival but this one needs your help. Join the characters of the PBS Kids show, Cyberchase, as they go on a mission to help save the day. Use your greatest problem solving skills to figure out the challenging puzzles and games. Come one, come all! Levels: Beg., Int. & Adv. Course Length: 3 - 6 hours Class Size: 6 to 12 students Group Size: 2 to 3 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School

  ZOOMBINIS Help the Zoombinis rescue their lost friends! The closer you get to saving them, the more challenging the missions become. No Batman or Spiderman needed; we have YOU! Levels: Beg., Int. & Adv. Course Length: 4 - 6 hours Class Size: 6 to 12 students Group Size: 2 to 3 students Delivery Methods: Camp, Lab, After School: students work in groups of 2 or 3