Automate the World: Industrial Innovation and Optimization

Imagine pressing one button in your kitchen and watching robot arms spring to life, sliding bread, adding toppings, and sending your perfect sandwich down a moving belt all by itself. Welcome to a futuristic world straight out of The Jetsons and Meet the Robinsons, where you’ll build machines that whir, sort, and move nonstop, and automation makes everything flow. As items zoom through the system, Inventors will put their brains together to design each step of the process, deciding how machines should move, sort, and connect objects automatically. Using a mix of cutting-edge sensors, classic engineering builds, and creative problem-solving, you’ll bring the magic of automation to life. Get ready to think like an industrial inventor and take control of the biggest, busiest machine of the summer!

Campers will:

  • Design automated systems using conveyor belts, sensors, and robotic mechanisms that move and sort objects without human help.
  • Engineer different stages of the assembly line by working with teammates to solve production problems and improve how the system flows.
  • Demonstrate their giant machine by running the full automation and produce edible snacks at a hilarious speed.

6/12-6/16


Learning Standards:

PK.SCI.1 Exploring, Observing, and Describing the World: Children observe and describe observable phenomena (objects, materials, organisms, and events). This standard supports activities that require children to observe animal behaviors and habitats, helping them to understand different aspects of the natural world.

PK.SCI.3 Exploring Life Science: Children explore characteristics, behaviors, and changes in living things (plants, animals, and humans) and the environment. This includes recognizing how animals are adapted to their environments, which directly relates to studying animal adaptations.

PK.SCI.2 Exploring Physical Science: Children observe and describe the properties of objects and materials and the changes that occur. This can be interpreted to include discussing changes in animal behaviors and adaptations in response to environmental changes, thus supporting inquiry-based learning.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.K.2: Comprehend and confirm understanding of a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media. This standard supports the comprehension aspect when discussing the concepts of animal adaptations and habitats during experiments and presentations.

SEL Social Awareness: Develop empathy by fostering a deeper connection and understanding of animals and their habitats. This encourages children to consider the feelings and needs of other living beings, enhancing their emotional and interpersonal skills.