Activites, Camps and After School Classes in Denver, CO

Get ready for an exciting week of hands-on invention! In the first half of this camp, we’ll learn about creating a series of circuits as we make art & sound projects in Makey Makey. We’ll then explore the wonders of MicroBit, a small-but-mighty microcontroller that allows students to create techie gadgets with sensors and LED displays. We’ll use Microsoft’s MakeCode block coding editor to bring our MicroBits to life. This camp is the perfect way to spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of inventors! Prerequisite: Ability to follow basic directions. Loves to invent gadgets! Ages: 8 - 11 If your student enjoys this camp, they may also like Lego Robotics or Stop-Motion Animation.

Rocket Academy is designed to introduce basic rocketry concepts as our campers design, build and launch their own rockets. We’ll explore how rockets operate, then launch a series of different types of rockets with a range of propulsion types. Campers will learn the basic principles of propulsion – the thrust equation, conservation of mass, momentum and energy. Model rocketry has been credited as a significant source of inspiration for budding scientists and engineers!

Camp Description: In this camp, young authors will explore the creative process of book writing with the help of Generative AI tools. Whether fiction, fantasy, anime, or autobiography is their style, we’ll start by brainstorming & outlining our stories to prepare for the AI process. Campers will then use AI tools, such as ChatGPT, to develop content for their books, learning how to refine their AI prompts for best results. They’ll also edit their books the old-fashioned way! Once satisfied with their written content, they’ll create engaging illustrations using MidJourney AI, adding detailed prompts that will generate stunning visuals for their text. Campers will leave with a digital copy of their books, ready to share with friends and family. We’ll offer tips on how to self-publish your book from home. Prerequisites: Basic typing skills and a creative vision. Please bring a USB drive to bring their work home on Friday. Ages: 12 - 17 If they enjoyed this camp, they'll like Become a YouTube Content Creator!

Rocket Academy is designed to introduce basic rocketry concepts as our campers design, build and launch their own rockets. We’ll explore how rockets operate, then launch a series of different types of rockets with a range of propulsion types. Campers will learn the basic principles of propulsion – the thrust equation, conservation of mass, momentum and energy. Model rocketry has been credited as a significant source of inspiration for budding scientists and engineers! NOTE: No camps will be held on Friday, July 4th, in recognition of Independence Day.

Here's your chance to learn 3D modeling & design! In this hands-on, project-based course we'll learn the ins & outs of CAD using the industry leading online modeling application, OnShape. After our designs are complete, we'll 3D Print our creations, which students will get to take home! NOTE: Many projects will be printed throughout the week and may require the student/parent to pick-up from Silicon STEM after the camp has ended. If your student likes this class, they will love the Advanced 3D Printing camp focused on more advanced design concepts with a Superhero theme, or another design-oriented camp like the Virtual Reality camp, or perhaps consider a more hands-on type camp such as Build a Remote Control Car.

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! This camp is a collaborative; students are asked to work in pairs.

Camp Description: Learn the basics of designing and coding your own games in Roblox. Explore a selection of pre-generated worlds and tasks as you learn the fundamentals of coding in Roblox's Lua. Using Roblox Studio, campers will design a variety of different games of their own. Prerequisite: Please set up free a Roblox account prior to the start of this camp: https://www.roblox.com/account/signupredir (Please provide your login details.) Also, bring a keen interest in Roblox! Ages: 8 - 12 If your student enjoys this camp, you may also want to consider Jr. Programmers in Scratch or Jr. Minecraft Modding.

This camp is perfect for campers of all skill levels who want to create exciting, multi-level games to share with friends and family! Using the Flowlab game creator, no coding experience is required, but campers will have unlimited creative freedom to design interactive 2D games, inspired by classics like Super Mario, Donkey Kong, and Space Invaders. They'll create their own characters, environments, and projectiles, then build game logic with behaviors like physics, triggers, and more to control sprite actions and game flow. Advanced campers can even export their games to Android or iOS app stores! NOTE: No camps will be held on Friday, July 4th, in recognition of Independence Day. Prerequisite: Keyboarding skills, no coding required. Ages: 9+ If your camper enjoys this experience, they may also love our Minecraft Modding or other Game Design camps.

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 harmonicas, & solar ovens, plus examine pond water under the microscope and explore the effects of photosynthesis! If your camper likes this class, they will love our Invention Lab camp for more hands-on activity.

Camp Description: In this camp, young authors will explore the creative process of book writing with the help of Generative AI tools. Whether fiction, fantasy, anime, or autobiography is their style, we’ll start by brainstorming & outlining our stories to prepare for the AI process. Campers will then use AI tools, such as ChatGPT, to develop content for their books, learning how to refine their AI prompts for best results. They’ll also edit their books the old-fashioned way! Once satisfied with their written content, they’ll create engaging illustrations using MidJourney AI, adding detailed prompts that will generate stunning visuals for their text. Campers will leave with a digital copy of their books, ready to share with friends and family. We’ll offer tips on how to self-publish your book from home. Prerequisites: Basic typing skills and a creative vision. Please bring a USB drive to bring their work home on Friday. Ages: 12 - 17 If they enjoyed this camp, they'll like Become a YouTube Content Creator!

Unleash the power of video content creation in our exclusive YouTube Content Creator camp. Over the course of this weeklong camp, the girls will learn how to craft and edit captivating videos using Adobe Premiere Pro, a top industry tool. They'll master essential editing skills like adding titles, transitions, music, and effects to make their videos stand out and go viral. Plus, campers will pick up valuable tips and tricks for growing their YouTube channel and even learn how to monetize their content. Turn your passion for video into a creative business and start influencing the world! Prerequisite: Basic computer & keyboarding skills. Ages: 10-15

This camp teaches what it truly means to CODE, allowing students to develop their problem-solving skills using a hands-on approach in fun and interactive ways. Take the initial leap into the realm of "real coding," transitioning away from drag-and-drop interfaces. Students delve into the core principles of programming, mastering crucial elements such as syntax, code commenting, and control structures (including for loops, if/else statements, and while loops) to enhance overall code readability. The 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! The next coding class in the progression is Python Programming - one of the most widely used programming languages in the world.

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. Parents note that Game Design is often considered a gateway to learning to code! If your kiddo loves this camp, try Coding 101 or Vex BattleBots!

Sign up for our exciting NEW camp where we combine engineering and programming to create custom Remote Control Cars! Each camper will receive a complete parts kit and dive into the world of electronics, mechanics, and coding. Using the Arduino programming language, they’ll bring their cars to life, learning essential engineering concepts along the way. Once their cars are built and programmed, campers will put their creations to the test by navigating through fun obstacle courses. This hands-on experience promotes problem-solving, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of the engineering process. The camp includes a materials fee, so campers get to take home their RC cars! Prerequisite: Coding 101 required. Ages: 11+ If your student loves this camp, be sure to check out our Rocket Academy and 3D Printing programs as well!

Perfect for beginners, this camp offers an exciting introduction to coding for future game designers and programmers. Using Scratch, a fun and interactive platform developed by MIT, students will learn to animate characters, design engaging games, and craft creative stories through visual block coding. No prior coding experience is necessary. Please note: there will be no camp on Friday, July 4th, in observance of Independence Day. Prerequisites: Basic keyboarding skills and a creative mind. Ages: 7-10 This camp is an excellent stepping-stone for our Junior Minecraft programs!

Get ready for some hands-on fun with VEX IQ Robotics! This program blends the creativity of engineering with the excitement of BattleBots®-style competition! Working in teams of two, you’ll start by designing and building your robot from scratch, optimizing it for optimal performance. Then, your team will customize and fine-tune your creation, making it ready for a series of challenges. The grand finale? A thrilling robot tournament where your bot faces off against others. Are you ready to take on the challenge? Let the battle begin! (Campers do not get to keep their robots in this camp.) NOTE: There will be no camp held on Friday, July 4th. Price adjusted accordingly. Prerequisite: Ability to work in a team and follow building guidelines. Ages: 10 - 15 If your student enjoys this camp, they may like enjoy Rocket Academy or 3D Printing & CAD.

This camp teaches what it truly means to CODE, allowing students to develop their problem-solving skills using a hands-on approach in fun and interactive ways. Take the initial leap into the realm of "real coding," transitioning away from drag-and-drop interfaces. Students delve into the core principles of programming, mastering crucial elements such as syntax, code commenting, and control structures (including for loops, if/else statements, and while loops) to enhance overall code readability. The 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.

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!

In this exciting STEM camp, campers will unleash their creativity by designing and producing their own stop-motion videos! Students will create unique characters using wireframe armatures and clay, while also developing their own storylines with a variety of sets and backdrops. Along the way, they’ll learn essential skills such as frame length, character expression, editing, and adding music and voice-overs. This hands-on, interactive camp emphasizes teamwork, as students collaborate in pairs to bring their animations to life. Prerequisites: None other than a creative mindset. Ages: 7-12

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+