Next, makers built art bots that scribble, spin, and create unique marker patterns using the vibration from a motor and battery. We made the bots' bodies using egg cartons, pipe cleaners, loads of tape, hot glue and wooden dowels to support the marker legs. When we adjusted and optimized performance, we made a long mural with all our bots drawing at once. Check out the video here.
Robotics and Invention Convention campers split up in the following days to explore deeper in their areas of interest. Robotics & LittleBits used Bee Bots to make fun dance moves and put them together to choreograph a group dance party. Video coming soon!
Our Dash robots played a wild game of Robot Basketball when we attached launchers and practiced sending our balls catapulting into baskets with different totals based on difficulty level. Campers were intensely focused on making it into the smallest, tallest baskets to maximize points. Players worked in teams of two to drive, launch, reload, and keep score. We had a blast!
Invention Convention campers learned to use the sewing machine by making elastic bookmarks to take home. They also explored Blockify, a great 3D design app, and printed their creations. After learning about simple machines, they worked as a group to plan, draw, and build a Rube Goldberg machine aimed at popping a balloon. Their sequence included a marble run, homemade basket, dominoes, pulley, and a nail to pop their balloon. It was an unpredictable and silly labor of love. Robotics campers were treated to the final run one afternoon.
Campers in this class also completed a Cardboard Challenge together. They brainstormed and agreed on a building plan. As a group, they used almost all the cardboard in the Light Lab to make large buildings complete with skylights, a working drawbridge door, and turrets. They added finishing touches like sewn curtains and electronic lights just for fun.
In between all our making, campers have enjoyed playing fun games to get to know each other, building with free build materials like Legos, marble run pieces, and magnets, and swimming.
We're looking forward to hosting families on Friday for the Inventor's Expo!
