A: Two robotics camps are offered in summer 2009. The Camp7up from June 8 to June 25 will have a section for middle school students (grades 6 through 8) and a section for high school students (grades 9 through 12). In the middle school section, students will learn to construct LEGO NXT Mindstorm robot, write program to control the robot to compete different missions. The camp will inspire and prepare the students for joining FIRST Lego League (FLL) Robotics Challenges. In the high school section, participating students will learn more advanced programming and will be assigned more challenging missions to complete.

The Robotics Camp from July 7 to July 17 and to July 24 is intended for students who is entering high schools and who are interesting in science and engineering. Students will learn advanced robotics programming with remote commanded missions as well as autonomous missions.

A: School of Computing and Informatics pre-college summer camps are not offered for college credit. However, the programming experience is related to college programming classes.

A: The program provides a rich learning environment for students. Fundamental concepts in science, engineering, computing and robotics are explored, with a focus on the practical nature of each subject. Courses concentrate on real world application of the subject. Students learn teamwork and responsibility through participation in group projects presented to industry professionals, friends and family.

A: Many colleges and schools offer robotics camps and students learn computer programming through interaction with robots and robotic games. ASU robotics camps are similar because the program also teaches computer programming, game programming and robotic software development. However, the program is developed from a pilot program sponsored by U.S. Department of Education, which offers additional benefits as it covers the latest software development technology, such as service-oriented computing, which exposes students to this modern software technology early in their learning career. Service-oriented computing facilitates rapid software development and encourages software reuse. The new software development approach has been adopted by all major computer and software companies including IBM, Microsoft, SAP and Sun Microsystems, and government agencies such as the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Defense and the State of Arizona. Learning service-oriented computing will give students a head start in their science and engineering career.

A: Service-oriented computing and software-oriented software development are easier than traditional programming, because the new software development approach is based on predeveloped software services called components. Instead of using a high-level programming language for software development programming, students in the robotics camps will learn to develop software using drag-and-drop methods based on predeveloped components.

A: The robotics camps will have an open Robotics Competition on the last day of class. The students will complete for fun and prizes. Family and friends encouraged to attend to support their teams.

A: The software used in the camp is free and can be downloaded and installed on a personal computer, so a student can easily continue to exercise their skills learned in the camp and use materials from the camp. A 3-D animated virtual robot is available for downloading if a student does not own a physical robot. However, a physical robot, the Lego Mindstorm NXT robot, can be purchased in most electronics stores or directly from the Lego Education website.

A: Students are expected to attend the camp for which they register in its entirety. Group projects require involvement from all team members of the camps. If your child needs to miss more than two days of the program due to family, school or other obligations, they should not apply. The subject matter of each camp is condensed into a short period of time, therefore missing even a few days can be detrimental to a student's understanding of the material and their ability to participate.

A: An ASU faculty member is responsible for the contents of the program and teaching the principles and concepts in science, engineering, computing and robotics. A graduate teaching assistant will supervise students' laboratory and hands-on work during class (lunch-break excluded). Students are accompanied on off-campus trips during course hours. It is mandatory for parents of students under 18 to sign and submit the Field Trip Permission Form before any child is permitted to leave campus with our faculty. This form will be included in the packet of materials sent after registration.

A: In the event that a student becomes ill during the camp or does not arrive within one hour of the course start time on any given day, we will call the emergency contact number. Parents will be asked to provide this emergency contact number at registration.

A: The camp fees do not include the cost of lunch. However, a lunch area is available for self-prepared lunches. There are many restaurants in the immediate area and places to eat lunch on the premises.

A: For content-specific information, please contact Dr. Yinong Chen, Robotics Camps Coordinator at 480.965.2769.