Silicon Stem Academy

Calling all Minecrafters! If your kiddo is crazy about Minecraft, then this camp will take their passion to the next level by teaching them how to create their own “mods” (short for modifying) to use in their Minecraft worlds. Campers learn how to customize their Minecraft games by creating whole new worlds, biomes and characters. New this year is that campers will use a drag & drop Java-based code editor called MCreator - enabling an easy to use and highly dynamic mod developer interface. Additionally, the program provides an introduction to Java programming required to bring their mods to life. Note: no camps will be held on Friday, July 4th, in recognition of Independence Day. If your kiddo loves this camp, try our Coding and Game Design camps!

PREREQUISITE: INTRO TO 3D PRINTING & CAD. Unlock the advanced world of 3D modeling and printing in this hands-on, project-based camp! Students will dive deeper into CAD design, mastering advanced techniques like parametric design, complex assemblies, and topology optimization to create efficient, functional models. They’ll explore and refine their skills with advanced slicing settings, including infill patterns, print speed optimization, and layer height adjustments. Post-processing techniques such as sanding, smoothing, and custom finishing will be introduced, ensuring that students’ creations are both visually stunning and durable. As they complete their designs, students will bring their models to life with 3D printing, and many of their projects will be printed throughout the week. Please note: pick-up may be required for projects after camp hours. Ages: 10+

PREREQUISITE: INTRO TO 3D PRINTING & CAD. Unlock the advanced world of 3D modeling and printing in this hands-on, project-based camp! Students will dive deeper into CAD design, mastering advanced techniques like parametric design, complex assemblies, and topology optimization to create efficient, functional models. They’ll explore and refine their skills with advanced slicing settings, including infill patterns, print speed optimization, and layer height adjustments. Post-processing techniques such as sanding, smoothing, and custom finishing will be introduced, ensuring that students’ creations are both visually stunning and durable. As they complete their designs, students will bring their models to life with 3D printing, and many of their projects will be printed throughout the week. Please note: pick-up may be required for projects after camp hours. Ages: 10+

One of Silicon STEM's most popular camps - the perfect introduction to the LEGO® Mindstorms robotics platform. Campers will choose different machine-style builds and code the robots using the EV3 programming application. Using block-based programming modules, students will instruct their robot in a variety of tasks; depending on the build, this may include a sorting procedure, pick & place routine, or a balancing algorithm. If your student is a hands-on tinkerer-type kiddo, then this is your camp! The Mindstorms platform is a popular robotics platform widely used in middle and high schools today - great get ahead plan! NOTE: This camp is a collaborative; students are asked to work in pairs.

Future Scientists: this camp is for you! In this camp, we will make things pop, squish & ooze, as well as examine bugs & scat from the outdoors. We'll roll up our sleeves and explore the principles of chemistry, physics, biology & edible science in this camp. Held both indoors and out, we'll get messy as we conduct hands-on experiments with household products as well as items we find in nature! It's non-stop action, as we'll create things like neon slime, popsicle stick harmonicas, edible science & more! If your camper likes this class, they will love our Invention Lab camp for more hands-on activity.

Embark on an exciting journey to master the fundamentals of Modding Minecraft that uses an age-appropriate block coding format. Unleash your creativity as you discover how to modify your Minecraft worlds, customize players, and enhance gear – all within a friendly and accessible learning environment. Dive into a curated collection of pre-generated worlds and engaging tasks designed to instill the core principles of "Modding" (short for modifying). Tailored for young Minecraft enthusiasts, this camp offers a unique opportunity to explore and personalize Minecraft worlds while acquiring fundamental skills in the art of Modding. Join us for a fun and educational experience where imagination knows no bounds! NOTE: This camp requires a Minecraft Account, available here: https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/store/minecraft-java-edition . If your student enjoys this type of camp, be sure to check out Junior Game Designers in Scratch Programming, LEGO Robotics, or our new Roblox camp!

Embark on an exciting journey to master the fundamentals of Modding Minecraft that uses an age-appropriate block coding format. Unleash your creativity as you discover how to modify your Minecraft worlds, customize players, and enhance gear – all within a friendly and accessible learning environment. Dive into a curated collection of pre-generated worlds and engaging tasks designed to instill the core principles of "Modding" (short for modifying). Tailored for young Minecraft enthusiasts, this camp offers a unique opportunity to explore and personalize Minecraft worlds while acquiring fundamental skills in the art of Modding. Join us for a fun and educational experience where imagination knows no bounds! NOTE: This camp requires a Minecraft Account, available here: https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/store/minecraft-java-edition . If your student enjoys this type of camp, be sure to check out Junior Game Designers in Scratch Programming, LEGO Robotics, or our new Roblox camp!

This beginner-level Coding Bootcamp offers teens an opportunity to learn the fundamentals JavaScript, one of the three core programming languages essential for the creation of websites & content. We'll start with the basics: syntax, functions & control structures, then we'll move on to variables, user input, booleans, and logical and comparison operators, use of graphics, random generators, and data structures. *NO NEED TO TAKE CODING 101 IF YOU REGISTER FOR THIS BOOTCAMP. What's next?: Python programming or Python Bootcamp. This all-day, week-long Bootcamp is offered exclusively to students in grades 8-12 by Colorado’s #1 STEM Enrichment Provider, Silicon STEM Academy. Students will get a good foundation in computer programming software engineering -- the most in-demand job in the US! *Bootcamp attendees may bring a bag lunch, or will have the opportunity to leave campus to purchase food with parent approval.

Ready to become a real coder? In this camp, you’ll go beyond drag-and-drop and learn how to type out real code—just like the pros do! You’ll solve fun challenges and puzzles by learning how to talk to computers using a language called Karel (used by Stanford students!). You’ll master cool coding tricks like loops, “if this, then that” commands, and more. It’s like learning a secret language that makes your ideas come to life on screen. Perfect for curious kids who love games, challenges, and using their brainpower to create something awesome! This curriculum uses Stanford University's Karel programming language, a pre-JavaScript language that serves as a prerequisite for incoming university freshmen. Recommended for ages 10+, or some 9-year-olds with strong keyboarding skills. Note that if your kiddo is enthusiastic about learning to code, but perhaps not the best typer yet...we recommend using the TypingClub.com learn-to-type online and gamified learning tool. It's free and highly effective! If your student enjoys this camp, the next coding class in the progression is Python Programming - one of the most widely used programming languages in the world.