iCode Miami Summer Camp swaps camp activities for STEM-based learning

The STEM-based camp had students taking a deep dive into building apps, games, and animations.

The iCode Miami Summer Camp at iTech@Thomas A. Edison Educational Center in Miami presented students with an alternative to traditional summer camps, swapping typical activities for coding lessons, group projects, and other STEM-centered activities. Over the course of two weeks, campers learned about the Arduino Studio software, coding in various languages, and other hardware applications. The camp was hosted by Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) with UDT (UDT) as a proud sponsor.

The STEM-based camp had students taking a deep dive into building apps, games, and animations. The group of seventh and eighth-grade students came together to not only learn new skills, but also to showcase a finished product at the end of camp. One project stood out to the facilitators – a group of students created a “wearable” for the visually impaired, pairing goggles, sensors, and the Arduino Studio software to allow someone to ‘see’ by relying on the sensors.

“The camp serves to introduce [students] to coding and hardware in a way that they understood they had power over it,” said Pamela Wentworth, Teacher and Trainer for MDCPS. “Kids are consumers – they play games and they use apps, but they don’t realize they have the power to make it themselves, and they don’t have to buy it. The impact was to introduce the students to that idea, and get them excited about coding and what they could accomplish with the Arduinos.”

While traditional classrooms rely on structured groups, these projects provided a more fluid group experience, with the students coming together to design a plan, and then work on their sections individually. These skills will not only help in the classroom, but also provided a space for students to learn how to work collaboratively in a group and independently on the same project.

Apart from a traditional sponsorship role, UDT also provided the MDCPS team with the insight on which products to purchase and acquired them for the classrooms. Two team members, Managing Director Hugo Perez and Education Specialist Laylah Burman, also stopped by to speak to the students on the real-world implications of these skills. As an added perk, UDT provided a pizza party right before camp wrapped up, and t-shirts for the kids to wear.

UDT has a long-standing commitment to providing educators and students with the best in technology, from hardware to STEM products. To learn more about UDT can help your school accomplish more, click here.

Accomplish More With UDT

Get your custom solution in cybersecurity, lifecycle management, digital transformation and managed IT services. Connect with our team today.

More to explore

Crafting a Futureproof 1:1 Device Strategy for School Districts

In the evolving landscape of Education Technology, crafting a futureproof 1:1 device strategy is crucial. This strategy should link every student, teacher, and administrator experience with specific device specifications. The integration of educational apps into the curriculum can significantly enhance the learning environment. These apps, tailored to the needs of students, can provide interactive content, fostering a dynamic learning experience.

Optimizing Your K12 Tech Investments: Funding 1:1 Device Programs

This blog will guide school districts grappling with the financial and resource demands of implementing a successful 1:1 device program amid ongoing challenges of budget constraints and competing priorities. Our guided workbook, created in partnership with Intel, provides further support with personalized roadmap on “Pathways to Innovation: Building a Sustainable Digital Learning Environment”.

K12 Cybersecurity: How to Secure 1:1 Devices in Your School District

This blog post delves into the importance of security, cybersecurity, and data privacy in school districts implementing 1:1 device initiatives. It offers basic steps for evaluating, planning, and executing a security strategy. Our guided workbook, created in partnership with Intel, provides a personalized roadmap on “Pathways to Innovation: Building a Sustainable Digital Learning Environment”.

Lost & Stolen Devices are a Serious Data Security Threat—Here’s Why

Since the pandemic, remote and hybrid work has become the norm. While mobile devices and remote workstations have empowered great flexibility, it has also led to an increase in data security problems due to lost, misplaced, or stolen devices. Find out how remote and hybrid setups are contributing to this problem and how to protect yourself and your organization.

Ransomware Gangs Adding Pressure with ‘Swatting’ Attacks—Here’s What You Need to Know

Ransomware gangs are implementing new extortion tactics to encourage victims to pay up. Swatting is becoming an increasingly popular tactic. It involves calling law enforcement to falsely report a serious, in-progress crime triggering an extreme response such as an armed raid from the SWAT team. Explore how cybercriminals are using this tactic and what you can do to prevent it from happening to you.

Smishing Attacks are on the Rise—Here’s How To Keep Your Data Safe

Smishing attacks are on the rise, posing a significant threat to data security. Originating from a blend of SMS and Phishing, these attacks have seen a drastic increase since 2020. The widespread use of smishing attacks has persisted, with a lack of awareness being a major issue. Many view these as simple spam messages, unaware of the danger they pose. This blog aims to raise awareness about smishing and provide actionable insights to protect yourself and your organization.