Academy Descriptions

Program Logo: Summer Engineering Academies

Academies differ from year to year depending on faculty or instructor availability. The academy offerings for this year are available on the schedule webpage. Scroll down for detailed academy descriptions.

  • 3D Design and Printing (Grades 5-7)

    Participants will learn the basics of 3D modeling using a free software called Tinkercad. Participants will complete activities and challenges to design increasingly complex and unique objects. The ability to use 3D modeling to create and visualizeproduction prototypes or engineering projects is a crucial skill for future engineers. Plus, as commerical 3D printers become more commonplace and affordable, participants could design objects that they could potentially print at home.

    To summarize, students will:

    • Learn the fundamental engineering skill of 3D modeling
    • Design specific objects in Tinkercad
    • Develop the ability to design their own creations
  • Advanced 3D Design and Printing (Grades 7-9)

    In the Advanced version, students will dive deeper into 3D modeling using a free software called Tinkercad. The challenges will be more complex, but the camp is still scaffolded to help students develop their skills with increasingly difficult challenges throughout the week. We recommend that participants have prior experience with 3D modeling. 

  • 3D Printed Robotics: 3D Modeling (Grades 6-8)

    Participants will learn the fundamentals of robotics and 3D printing by using basic 3D modeling software to design and build a robot chassis and attachments, such as arms. Robots will be designed to accommodate servos and DC motors, batteries, and a micro-controller. Basic coding will be provided to control early prototype versions of the robot. Later in the week, participants will join forces with the "Coding" session to create and program a 3D printed robot to accomplish assigned tasks. 

    To summarize, students will:

    • Design, print, and assemble a 3D printed robot chassis
    • Learn 3D modeling software and how to use it to create 3D printed objects
    • Design a robot that can accomplish tasks such as navigate a maze or lift balls
    • Develop technical and team-based skills
  • Arduino Robotics (Grades 6-8)

    Students are expected to have some experience in robotics and/or prior programming experience for this session. Participants will utilize basic 3D modeling software to design and build a robot chassis, and then learn to program the robot to accomplish simple tasks. Robotics will consist of an Acrylic base with an Arduino Micro-controller, servo and DC motors, battery, and various other electrical components. Once assembled, the robots will be programmed to move along desired paths, avoid obstacles, and navigate a maze.

    To summarize, students will:

    • Build and program an Arduino-based robot
    • Learn Arduino programming and how to use it to control robots
    • Program the robot to avoid obstacles and navigate a maze 
  • 3D Printed Bridge Builders (Grades 6-8)
    Students will learn about bridges, buildings, towers and how they work.  They will also learn about 3D modeling and 3D printing, it's strengths and weaknesses, and strategies to creating effective prints.  The week will start with instruction on internal forces in different materials and structures, followed by creating bridge prototypes in a structural computer model, converting these into 3D modeling software, and finally 3D printing the bridges.  The prototypes will be destructively tested to determine their strength, and then the students will have the opportunity to iterate their design to perfect it before the final bridge competition on Friday.  
     
    To summarize, students will:
     
    • Learn how bridges work
    • Use structural analysis software to design bridges
    • Use software to create a virtual 3D model of bridges
    • 3D print and assemble bridges
    • Destroy their bridge in a competition for the strongest structure
  • BIG Bridge Builders (Grades 9-12)

    Students will learn about structural engineering through bridges. Each day will include instruction and discussion of the internal forces inherent in different materials, like wood, plastic, and metal, followed by 3D computer modeling, and hands-on construction of small (16-inches) structural prototypes made of Basswood. The prototypes will be subjected to destructive testing to determine their strength.  The class will then construct a 鈥渇ull-scale鈥� bridges (16 feet long!) based upon the strongest student designs, which will be tested to destruction in the 彩神vlll争霸 Structures Testing Lab.  

    To summarize, students will:

    • Learn how bridges work
    • Use 3D computer analysis to design structures
    • Construct and destroy 16-inch basswood bridges
    • Construct and destroy 16-foot long bridges
  • Bridge Builders (Grades 6-8) Formerly known as Structure Destruction

    Students will learn about bridges, buildings, towers and how they work.  Each day will include instruction and discussion of the internal forces inherent in different materials, like wood, plastic, and metal, followed by 3D computer modeling, and hands-on construction of structural prototypes. The prototypes will be subjected to destructive testing to determine their strength.  Students will learn about joint connections and adhesive materials such as epoxy and glue.  Over the course of the week, students will design, analyze, and build a bridge using basswood, which will be tested for strength and material efficiency.  

    To summarize, students will:

    • Learn how bridges work
    • Use 3D computer analysis to design structures
    • Complete hands-on construction of basswood structures
    • Destroy their creation in a competition for the strongest structure
  • Rust & Rot: Corrosion Engineering (Grades 6-8)

    Students will learn about the fundamentals of corrosion chemistry and engage in the prevention of corrosion through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Over the course of the week, students will build on the concepts of corrosion and how to convert them to simple experiments resulting in a comprehensive understanding of corrosion at the middle/high school level. Experiments will be geared towards investigating corrosion under different environments which includes humidity, presence of salts, amount of oxygen, pH, wetness, etc.

    To summarize, students will:

    • Learn fundamental corrosion chemistry concepts
    • Devise simple laboratory corrosion experiments
    • Relate the results to the learned fundamentals
  • Engineering & Natural Resources (Grades 3-5)

    Students will learn the basics of engineering, energy, and resource sciences in this introductory camp for "juniors". They will work on a variety of hands-on, team-based projects related to these topics. This camp is led and developed by Alaska Resource Education. 

  • LEGO Spike Prime Robotics (Grades 6-8)

    Similar to the other robotics sessions, students will design, build, and program a robot to complete a task. This session will use LEGO Spike Prime Robotics庐 equipment to construct a robot. In small groups, students will assemble a robot to operate autonomously and compete to complete assigned tasks. This session is not designed for students with extensive previous experience in FIRST LEGO League robotics.

    To summarize, students will:

    • Build LEGO-based robotic mechanisms to manipulate objects
    • Design and construct a robot to solve a problem
    • Program a robot using Scratch Coding  to perform tasks and compete in challenges without human control
  • LEGO Spike Essencial (Grades 3-5)

    Can't wait any longer? Start your 彩神vlll争霸 experience even earlier with an elementary version of our popular robotics program. This session for our youngest participants provides a week-long experience with the LEGO Spike Essencial system. The "Juniors" will get hands-on experience building machines and learning basic programming, while enjoying a setting of fun games and making new friends!

  • LEGO Spike Prime Robotics for Ladies (Grades 6-8)

    Similar to the other robotics sessions, students will design, build, and program a robot to complete a task. This session will use LEGO Spike Prime Robotics庐 equipment to construct a robot. In small groups, students will assemble a robot to operate autonomously and compete to complete assigned tasks. This session is not designed for students with extensive previous experience in FIRST LEGO League robotics. For "Ladies Only."

    To summarize, students will:

    • Build LEGO-based robotic mechanisms to manipulate objects
    • Design and construct a robot to solve a problem
    • Program a robot using Scratch Coding  to perform tasks and compete in challenges without human control
  • Text-Based Coding:Python (Grades 9-12)
    This academy aims to provide an introduction to textual programming with Python. The students will be introduced to Python programming language and will learn how to write simple programs in Python, using its in-built libraries and third-party modules that we will install with Python. By the end of the academy, students will be able to implement simple Python programs to address a given practical challenge. The academy is for high-school age students. No prior coding experience is expected.

     

  • Artificial Intellegence (Grades 9-12)
    Join us for a summer of learning and discovery with our Artificial Intelligence (AI) program. This camp combines hands-on experiments, team projects, and competitive challenges to introduce basic AI concepts. Students will engage with machine learning applications and discover how AI can address real-world challenges.
     
    Our camp is designed to enhance computational thinking, preparing participants for further educational paths and careers in technology. Located on our welcoming campus, it provides an excellent opportunity for students to learn through practical experiences and connect with fellow enthusiasts.
  • Artificial Intellegence: Exploration (Grades 5-6)
    Explore the exciting world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our summer camp tailored for middle school students. Students will grasp fundamental AI concepts through interactive activities, beginner-friendly coding, and engaging competitions. This camp offers a perfect mix of learning and fun, providing a supportive environment where students can develop their problem-solving skills and creativity alongside peers.
  • ATV Avengers: ATV Safety (Grades 6-12)
    The ATV Safety Awareness Academy is an interactive and hands-on learning experience designed to educate high school students on the safe operation of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) in rural Alaska. This academy will combine engaging lectures, group discussions, and practical exercises to cover all aspects of ATV safety, including helmet use, protective gear, responsible riding techniques, and emergency preparedness.
    One of the key highlights of this academy will be a live demonstration using a full-size ATV and a crash-test dummy to showcase the potential consequences of head injuries. Additionally, students will engage in hands-on activities, such as designing model helmets and participating in controlled safety drills, reinforcing key concepts through real-world applications.
    Through this immersive program, students will gain essential knowledge to reduce ATV-related risks, promote responsible riding habits, and understand the importance of protective equipment in Alaska鈥檚 challenging terrain and weather conditions. Whether a beginner or an experienced rider, this academy offers valuable insights and skills to help students become safer, more informed ATV users.
  • Safe Paths: ATV Safety (Grades 9-12)
    Description pending.
  • Vex Robotics (Grades 6-8)

    In this introduction to robotics, students will use FIRST-based TETRIX庐 robotics kits to design, build, and program a robot to complete a task.  Topics will include mechanical design, motors and actuators, how to manipulate objects, and programming to make their robot more self-aware. In small groups, students will assemble a robot to compete in user-piloted challenges such as obstacle courses, as well as programming the robot to operate autonomously.  (This session is not designed for students with extensive previous experience in FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) robotics.)

    To summarize, students will:

    • Build TETRIX-based robotics mechanisms to manipulate objects
    • Design and construct a robot to solve a problem
    • Remotely control a robot to perform tasks and compete in challenges
    • Program a robot to perform tasks and compete in challenges without human control
  • Wing Aerodynamics (Grades 4-6)

    Participants will gain experience in fundamental aerodynamics and state-of-the-art design and prototyping of aircraft wings. Students will generate an airfoil using digital tools, and complete their aircraft design using computer modeling software (SolidWorks).  They will fabricate a scaled aircraft prototype.  They will experimentally test their model in a wind tunnel under various flow conditions.  Flow will be visualized using laser-induced florescence, and the lift and drag forces on the airfoil will be measured.

    To summarize, students will:

    • Learn about theories of aerodynamics
    • Design and create an aircraft prototype
    • Test their aircraft prototype in a wind tunnel to determine its performance 
  • Wing Aerodynamics (Grades 6-8)

    Participants will gain experience in fundamental aerodynamics and state-of-the-art design and prototyping of aircraft wings. Students will generate an airfoil using digital tools, and complete their aircraft design using computer modeling software (SolidWorks).  They will fabricate a scaled aircraft prototype.  They will experimentally test their model in a wind tunnel under various flow conditions.  Flow will be visualized using laser-induced florescence, and the lift and drag forces on the airfoil will be measured.

    To summarize, students will:

    • Learn about theories of aerodynamics
    • Design and create an aircraft prototype
    • Test their aircraft prototype in a wind tunnel to determine its performance 

Sponsor logo: ConocoPhillips Alaska

Sponsor Logo: MTA Foundation