STEM Programs in Aurora, CO

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+ NOTE: No camps will be held on Thursday of this week, June 19th, at RJHS in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.

Camp Description: 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.

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

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 NOTE: No camps will be held on Thursday of this week, June 19th, at RJHS in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.

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!

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.

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!

PREREQUISITE: CODING 101 or SIMILAR COMMAND-LINE CODING. Python is one of the most popular programming languages today, known for its simplicity, efficiency, and readability. In this camp, students will explore the fundamentals of Python, including variables, user input, operators, and control structures. They’ll gain hands-on experience with common programming applications and develop a solid understanding of Python’s versatility. NOTE: No camps will be held on Thursday of this week, June 19th. Prerequisite: Coding 101 or prior command-line coding experience (block coding not applicable). Ages: 10+ Students who enjoy learning Python may like to consider a Game Design camp or a more hands-on engineering-oriented camp.

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 our Coding and Game Design camps!

The use of Virtual Reality is changing the face of computing and user applications before our very eyes! This camp teaches one of the most advanced VR design applications in the industry, Blocksmith, which allows students to easily make VR/AR experiences, games & more for both desktop and mobile. Students will design their own 3D environments and then immerse themselves into it with our Oculus Quest. This camp offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for participants to dive into the future of technology and design in the captivating realm of Virtual Reality. If your student enjoys this camp, they may also like our 3D Printing & CAD camps.

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! NOTE: No camps will be held on Thursday of this week, June 19th, at RJHS in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.

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. NOTE: No camps will be held on Thursday of this week, June 19th, at RJHS in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.

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.

Camp Description: 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.) 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. NOTE: No camps will be held on Thursday of this week, June 19th, at RJHS in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.

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.