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College for Kids 2011

Program Listing



Video Game Design

Justin Creasy from Spedware LLC will introduce students to core concepts of software design. The  focus of the class will be video game programming.  Each student will learn about software programming and finish the class by creating their own video game. The software we'll be using is a free program developed by Carnegie Melon University specifically for this purpose, so students will be able to continue their work after the class is completed. Enrollment limits may apply.

Olympic Fencing

Come learn the basics of Olympic-style sport fencing from JMU Fencing Club advisor, Will Brown. This class will cover the rich history of the sport; teach the current rules and terminology; and provide training in the fundamental equipment usage and physical techniques. Develop your mind, body, reflexes and discipline in a fun and exciting activity that could become a lifelong hobby. At the end of the course, there will be a tournament to determine the best new swashbuckler.

Digital Storytelling

Do you have a personal story to share? Put your ideas on paper, bring relevant photos and other digital files, and get ready for fun! In this course we will learn scriptwriting, digital photography, audio recording, and the software to pull it all together. The final product will be one or more, 3 to 5 minute digital stories appropriate for sharing on the internet or DVD. Remember, stories should be meaningful to you, personally.

Steel Drums

Through direct experience playing steel drums and hand percussion, Michael Overman will teach students foundational music skills such as: melody and scales, harmony and chords, rhythm, counting, timing, fitting into the various roles in an ensemble, and performance practice. They will also learn: the history of the steel drum, how it grew out of the culture of the West Indies, Trinidad in particular; the construction, building and tuning processes used in creating the instruments. Some of the music learned will include traditional melodies of the Islands, well-known folk and children's songs of North America, and other surprises.

Lego Robotics

Learn to design, build, and program Lego NXT Robots. You'll learn how the physics of torque, torsion and stress affect robot performance. Learn how to program all the sensors and motors, software loops and switches, and parallel program execution.  The class will end with a mini-competition based on this year's FIRST Lego League Climate Connection Challenge.

 

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