Summer and Track-Out Camp Descriptions - Discovery Tech
Discovery Tech Technology Classes
Actors Studio - Take your movies to the next level by learning the acting techniques of the stars. Students will participate in acting games, play reading and video recordings to improve their skills.
Adventures in Animation - Calling all animators for this great adventure. In this camp, students will explore a variety of animating techniques and each day will include a new project.
Animation Creation for the iPad - Explore animation techniques using the iPads. Each day students work on a unique animation project. They learn different styles of animation and they will watch their creations come alive.
Choose Your Own Path Movies
Inspired by the Choose Your Own Adventure Book Series, this class gives students the opportunities to create interactive movies. Students will film scenes for multiple story lines and then audiences will be able to choose how the story proceeds. Audiences can keep watching your movies as they can take different paths each time.
Claymation- Bring your clay creations to life in this popular class. Students script their own movies, build their clay characters and sets and then use the stop-motion animation process to create a movie. They take pictures using our digital cameras and then edit the movies on the computer and also add voice and sound effects.
Cool Tools of the 21st Century
In this ever-changing world of technology, you can wow your friends, family and teacher with the cool tools that you will master in this class. Be ahead of the curve. This class includes the best of Discovery in a week class. Create your own video, write a podcast, edit photos, explore computer programming and more!
Comic and Animation Creation
Ever thought about creating your own comic book series or an animated movie or show? This course teaches the fundamentals of creating original comics and animations. You will develop creative characters and place them in exciting adventures. Students learn how to draw in the comic style and also learn to create online animations.
Digital Arts
If you love experimenting with various programs, then this is the class for you.
Photos, images, music, art – it’s all wrapped into this exciting class. Discover how to take an image, edit it and create a slideshow to share with friends and relatives. Use GarageBand, a software program used by musicians, to produce your own song or create short video clips. It’s all here – all we are missing is YOU!
Discovery Tech Favorites
Experience the best Discovery Tech has to offer in one course. This course puts new twists on popular activities such as animation creation, video creation and audio recordings. Our favorites class is sure to please those who are new to Discovery, as well as returning students.
Lego Mindstorms Bring a robot to life in this exciting new course. Students learn the fundamentals of robotics using Lego NXT mindstorms. Working in pairs or small groups, students design, build and program robots. Students use the computer to program how the robots move and react to sensors. Students will participate in daily challenges and will complete a group challenge on the final day. No prior programming or robotics experience is necessary.
Lego Stop Animations
Do you love to play with legos? Interested in movie making? Then this is the perfect class for you. After writing their scripts, students will use legos to design their movie sets and create their own characters. Students will then learn the elements of stop animation and will then make their own stop-animation lego movies.
Lights, Camera, Action
Imagine your family gathered around the living room watching a movie production created by you? In this class, you can become the writer, director and producer of your very own movie clips. You are not only in charge, but you are the star! Learn how to write your own script, film your story, edit the footage, add titles, special effects, and produce your movie. Leave this class with your own movie viewable online and a DVD to share with family and friends. So, dim the lights, grab the popcorn and enjoy your unique creation.
Mobile Game Creation - Learn the fundamentals of game design on this new iPad course. Students will then create original games that can be played on iPads.
Medieval Minecraft - Students not only participate in Minecraft activities, but also learn about history. They learn about what life was like in the middle ages and then construct a replica medieval Minecraft village in the game with castles, towers, moats and more!
Minecraft Adventures- Calling all Minecraft fans for this fun adventure. Campers will participate in a number of Minecraft building challenges as they explore Minecraft.
Minecraft Lego Stop Motion - Create your own Minecraft Movie! You will use paper Minecraft Papercraft figures and Legos to build your masterpiece. Movies are created using the stop-motion process.
Movie Making - Adventure Movies
Are you captivated by adventure stories and movies? Then this is the class for you. We will examine the adventure movie genre and help students to develop their own scripts for movies. They will then film and edit their own productions. At the end of the week they will participate in a special movie premier for family and friends.
Movies with a Message
Use the power of film to send a positive message to people. Create a movie that inspires people to make the world a better place. Pick the issue you want to highlight and then create your script and film and edit your original movie. You will take a home a DVD that you can use to share your great message.
Music Video Stars
Star in your own music video. Students will first create their own music in Garage Band. Next they storyboard their videos and create props and costumes.They then find a location for their video and rehearse. Finally, they then film and edit their videos and receive a DVD of their videos.
Mystery E-Books - Campers explore the mystery genre during the course of the week. They start off by reading mystery stories and then create their own mystery stories which can be read on both computers and iPads.
Mystery Movie Making - Do you like to solve whodunits? Then you will love this camp. Students create original mysteries and then film and edit their movies.
Photography and Art - Discover the artist in you with this digital art camp. Students will look at classic art pieces and styles and will then apply those techniques in their own digital creations. In addition, students will explore and create their own trick photography.
Programming with iPads - This new course uses a variety of programs to teach students about programming and logic. Students create their own original programs.
Programming with Scratch
Have you always loved building and working with Legos? Isn't it fun to snap them together and watch your creation unfold? In this class, you will learn how to use the program Scratch to make characters called Sprites dance, walk, talk, and interact with other Sprites. Snap blocks together and move them around. Experiment with the vast array of choices to make your programs come alive. Scratch makes it easy for you to be a program designer and write top-notch programs that feature animations, stories and simulations. It's the easiest most exciting way to become a 21st century programmer!
Special Effects Movies
Take your movie making to the next level in this fun-filled class. Students learn effective strategies for storytelling and then create their own movies using our green screen. They then edit their movies and add special effects such as slow motion, picture-in-picture, sound effects, instant replay, color effects and more.
Star Wars Lego Moviemaking - A perfect camp for Star Wars and Lego fans. Campers will use Star Wars lego characters and will create their own sets to produce original stop motion lego movies.
STEM: Engineering/Invention Challenges
Learn principles of science, technology, engineering and math while letting your imagination run wild. Campers are faced with challenging dilemmas each day such as building a foot-activated launcher that can hit a target four feet away or creating a model for a new game at the State Fair. Through our engaging hands-on activities, students develop critical thinking and problem solving skills.
STEM: Go Green
Students explore each stage of the green design process as they construct a green studio from brainstorming an idea, to creating a floor plan, to building with recycled materials. In addition, students learn how to use technology and various media tools to spread awareness of an issue.
STEM: Junior Robotics Featuring Lego WeDo
Build, program and create in this robotics course. The Lego WeDo program was designed by the creators of the Lego Mindstorm NXT system and is a great introduction to lego robotics for younger students. Sample projects include creating a mechanical alligator that makes sound and is motorized to open and close its jaw or creating a monkey that can play the drums. Students use bricks, motors, sensors and computer software to program their projects.
Technology Explorations
Searching for a class for young elementary school students? This exciting course introduces young learners to some of our most exciting technology. Students learn the basics of capturing video, taking digital photos, creating art on the computer and more.
Tech Bytes
Interested in many different classes and do not know where to begin? Tech Bytes is a great place to start. This classes includes introductions to green screen video creation, digital photography, podcasting, programming and more.
Video Game Design
Learn how your favorite videos games are created. Students first learn about game design through playing games and fixing broken games. They then learn how to create their own electronic video games, publish their games and critique other games. Video game design helps students develop critical thinking, problem solving skills, creativity and collaboration skills.
Video Finales: The Audience Decides!
Why have shows like "American Idol" or "The Voice" become so popular? It's because the audience decides who will be the next biggest sensation. In this weeklong opportunity, you will create a video and design 2 different endings. Your friends and family will get a chance to view your possible conclusions and vote for their favorite. We will complete your video with the winning finale. Not even you will know the outcome until the final results are in. So, come join us for a fun week filled with surprise endings
Web Design Made Easy
Have you wished that you could create your own professional looking website with pictures, audio, and web links? In this class, you will be able to design a website to express your individual creative talents. Using a simple online program, you can design a website that features a unique banner, movie clips, online polls, and photo gallery. Learn the 21st century skills of creativity and innovation by becoming your own web designer. Leave this class with your website linked to our student page for family and friends to view from anywhere in the world!
You’re the Director: Making Your Own Short Film
In this class, you will not only learn to use movie making software to create and produce stories, but you will also be introduced to storyboarding and the secrets of shooting good video. You will experiment with some of the newest and greatest movie making techniques such as “green screen. Come use our “green wall”, discover what it’s all about and produce your own exciting movies.
TV Studio Discovery
Learn what it is like to be a member of the media in this fast-paced class. Students will host their own talk shows, interview community members, create their own commercials and television features. Their features will be added to our web-based station.
Afternoon Writing Sessions – (1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
Authors and Illustrators
Become an author and illustrator of your own story. This course designed for our younger students, introduces children to storytelling techniques and incorporates creative art projects. Students will also read and listen to great stories and participate in games.
Creating Memorable Characters
We all have characters from movies, books, or television shows that stay with us. What makes these characters so memorable? Perhaps it is their mannerisms, their sense of humor or the crazy situations they find themselves in. This class can help you create memorable characters where you learn how to show, not tell your tales.
Critics CornerDo you have a favorite movie or video game? Do you have any ideas about how others could be improved? Let the world hear your opinions and ideas about what makes a good movie, video game or book. In this class, students explore the genre of review writing. Students will watch a movie, play games, and read short stories. They will then review each of them. Students will share their opinions with the world through written posts as well as video and audio reviews.
Digital Storytelling
Be the author of your own ebook. Students design their cover pages, add text, upload art work, photos, or select graphics from a gallery. They can then share their stories online, electronically, or printed as hard-copies.
Discover the Writer in You: Telling Your Story
Have you enjoyed vacations with family, visits from grandparents, the laughter and fun that only your pet can bring? These are stories waiting to be told. A writer learns how to become a writer by first writing about what he/she knows best - life experiences. This course will help you develop the skills of writing and unleash the power of the printed word. We’re waiting to hear YOUR story!
Kids in Action
You can make a difference! One small action can create a wonderful “change” reaction. How can you become a leader and bring awareness to your community? This session will focus on one social issue (environmental protection, homelessness, animal extinction, healthy living, etc.) and the leadership skills needed to implement change. Learn how to create an action plan and focus on implementing one small idea. The power of one can improve the lives of many. Be a “change agent”! Come learn with us.
Make Your Own Board Game
In this course you have the opportunity to create the next Monopoly, Scrabble, or Connect 4. Working in small groups, students choose their topics, design the game objectives, write the rules and create the game pieces. Groups will use professional looking boards to finish their original products.
Original Short Stories
We all have a story to tell, but how do you tell your story using voice? Do you wonder what techniques good writers use when they create their tales? Come learn how to unleash your talents and share your story.
Picture Books
Eric Carle is an author who has delighted children for years with his picture books. Remember, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Perhaps, Goodnight Moon was one of your favorite bedtime tales. In this class, you will learn the secrets of writing a picture book and will create a book for the Discovery Preschool. Perhaps, your story will be the one that inspires young children to read. Come and create.
Wild About Weather
Weather impacts our lives each day. This interdisciplinary course explorers what causes our weather, how do we predict weather and how can we prepare for extreme weather. Students learn basics of meteorology and create tools for observing weathers. Writing and video editing are also incorporated into this course.
Writing Through Creativity and Imagination
Do you love to read humorous stories, suspense tales, adventure series or just stories in general that can take you to far away places and make time fly by? Have you always wanted to create your own tales? In this session, you will how to storyboard, develop your characters and create an exciting plot. Become a storyteller with the printed word. We all have “stories” within us, and with a little guidance and the use of your creativity and imagination you can find ways to tell them. The world is yours to create, tell and share!