Flash Explorers After-School Online Tech Jams

Flash Explorers After-School Online Tech Jams

Join us virtually to explore tools for computing, robotics, & design. 

• Step 1: Complete the registration form
• Step 2: Pay the program registration fee found in the list below. 

Note: Refundable registration fee for cancellations made 5 business days prior to program start date. For questions please contact rcet@kent.edu.

List of Programs:

Hands of Gratitude from Home

Hands of Gratitude (HOG) is a nonprofit that provides 3D printed prosthetic hands needed by tens of thousands of people around the world & here in the US. Hands of Gratitude programs are about helping someone in need, making a difference and at the same time discovering empathy, the importance of inclusion and realizing a greater potential for yourself to build a better world. Participating families/groups will be mailed a kit with materials to work self-paced guided by video tutorials to assemble a 3D Printed prosthetic hand for donation. (Program instructor & staff will be accessible via email for questions & support). The kit also includes materials & supplies for creating a notecard for the recipient and for decorating a carrying case (provided in kit) & along with a prepaid label for shipping the finished project. Participants can share photos and/or videos of their experience by posting to the Hand's of Gratitude online community & can also create a video message to be shared with the recipient. Click here to view a video & learn more about Hands of Gratitude.

Age: This program is open to all to participate as a family, friends/group, or individually. Please note that children under the age of 14 will need to participate as a member of a project team that includes adult assistance & supervision.
Group Size: Recommended project team of 2-4 participants per kit
Date: This program is asynchronous & self-paced. Families/groups/individuals may participate any time across the fall semester from September 28 - November 30. 
Registration Fee: $150 (includes all program materials) (Registration closes November 30, 2020)
Location: Online
Instructor: Matt Campana

Stop Motion Animation for Kids

Participants will learn how to create stop motion animation movies using clay, figurines, and blocks or Lego bricks. Stop motion (also known as stop action) is an animation technique to make a physically manipulated object appear to move on its own. Participants will photograph objects with their tablet, iPad or Chromebook and create an animated video using the free app, Stop Motion Animator or Stop Motion Studio. (Note: Instructor will send directions for downloading the apps as well as a list of project materials prior to the program start. Materials are also listed below). Each week participants will be introduced to new techniques by the instructor and then continue independent work on their projects between sessions for sharing the next week.
Equipment needed: Laptop, Chromebook, iPad,tablet, or smartphone
Supplies needed: Play-Doh, drawing paper, construction paper, markers, and a glue stick.

Grades: 3+
Date: Oct 5, 12, 19, 26 and Nov 2 from 4:15-5:15pm (five one hour sessions online)
Registration Fee: Registration is Closed
Location: Online
Instructor: Thomas McNeal

Introduction to JavaScript with Bitsbox

Build and program your own fun games that will play on phones, tablets and computers! Participants will design their own digital games with Bitsbox, an online application that uses a simplified version of the JavaScript programming language. Participants will be introduced to new JavaScript commands during online sessions led by the instructor and then continue independent work on their projects between meetings for sharing at the next session.

Grades: 3+
Date: Oct 22 & 29 and Nov 5, 12 & 19 from 4:15-5:15pm (five one hour sessions online)
Registration Fee: $85 (Registration deadline October 22, 2020)
Location: Online
Instructor: Thomas McNeal

Build and Program Your Own Robot

Participants will learn about robotics and programming and develop logical thinking and design skills as the instructor leads them step-by-step to build their own robot. During the construction process, participants will learn about robotic machinery including motors, sensors and “The Brain”/control board. Participants will learn visual and text-based programming as they work with free apps to control their robots. Participants will be introduced to new commands during online sessions led by the instructor and then continue independent work on their projects between meetings for sharing the next day. Note: Participants will need to purchase an Makeblock mBot kit, which can be purchased online at the Makeblock website or on Amazon. 

Grades: 4+
Date: January 11-15, 2021 from 4:15-5:15pm (five one hour sessions online)
Registration Fee: $85 (Note: Participants will need to purchase an mBot programmable robot separately. Ordering information provided below). (Registration deadline January 7, 2021)
Location: Online
Instructor: Thomas McNeal

Register for After-School Online Tech Jams Here

Additional Notes:

• Complete one registration form per student per program. 
• Refundable registration fees for cancellations made 5 business days prior to program start. 

Please ensure that registration is completed with the name of the child participating in the program(s) instead of the parent or guardian's name.

Please complete registration Step 2 and submit the program registration fee via credit card. Select your fee from the list of programs. Payment can also be submitted via check.

For assistance with registration payment, please contact Judi Cash at jcash11@kent.edu. 

Please submit payment for your registration fee via credit card

The registration fee depends on the program you select.

Please ensure accounts are created with the name of the child participating in the program(s) instead of the parent or guardian's name.

For assistance with registration payment, please contact Judi Cash at jcash11@kent.edu.