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Dartmouth is hosting three free summer robotics camps this July for local
youngsters age 11 through 13. The camps began as a pilot project last summer,
sponsored by the College's Computer
Science Department, where children designed, programmed and built miniature
automated beings made from the
Legos Mindstorms Robotics Invention System. The program is being jointly
sponsored this year by the Provost's Office and the Computer
Science Department.
Children at the 2004 Summer Robotics Camp built this robot using Legos
Mindstorms Robotics Invention System
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The camps are open to middle schoolers in the community free of charge and
enrollment will be by lottery. Parents are encouraged to register their
children as soon as possible before the May 9 deadline. Forms to download and
more detailed information may be found online.
All three camps being offered this summer will be mentored by Dartmouth
students and instructors. The first session, for girls, will take place July
5-8. "More Robots" camp, July 11-15, will offer youngsters the
opportunity to work closely with other robot builders to improve their
technical and programming skills. Serious robot enthusiasts with experience in
programming and building are welcome to apply for "Advanced Robots
Camp," July 18-28. This group will take robotics to new heights limited
only by the imaginations of participating students.
"Last year's program was a wonderful success for both the students
attending and the Dartmouth undergraduate and graduate students who served as
mentors," said Associate Professor of Computer Science Hany Farid, who also is Associate
Chair of the Department. "As campers design, build and program their
robots," he added, "they will be encouraged to explore and experiment
with their own ideas."
"There's something about robots that's magical and
engaging," added Suzanne Thompson, Director of the Summer Robotics
Program. "It's a terrific way to encourage learning that crosses all
disciplines."
For more information contact Thompson at 646-8738.
By LAUREL STAVIS
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