University of Chicago Summer Kids Academy Camp
Description of University of Chicago Summer Kids Academy Camp
- Location: Chicago, USA
- Students age: 12-18 years.
- Language of instruction: English
- Type of study: technical camp.
Since 2009, the University of Chicago has been offering educational summer camps for students at the University of Chicago. Every year, hundreds of students attend technical programs, learn various skills: from creating their own music, creating Arduino robots to writing application code, shooting original short films. Our classrooms are equipped with all the tools students need to create and develop STEM skills.
Founded in 1890, the University of Chicago is known as a nuclear research institution. Plutonium was first isolated in 1940 by the laboratory of George Herbert Jones. The university was the first university to conduct an artificial self-sufficient nuclear reaction (1942, the head - Enrico Fermi). UC is known for its studies in the field of economics, sociology, and the first independent faculty of sociology was opened here. Nobel laureate Milton Friedman developed the economic ideas of the Free Market, laying the foundations of the Chicago School of Economics.
UC has had an incredible impact on students, many of whom have become leaders in science, politics, and the humanities. President Barack Obama taught at a law school for several years, astronomers Karl Sagan and Edwin Hubble (the creator of the Hubble telescope) were university students, writers Kurt Vonnegut Jr., Philip Roth, Saul Bellow, Roger Ebert, well-known journalists Catherine Graham worked here. Post) columnist David Broder. The University of Chicago has the Argonne National Laboratory and Fermilab, a laboratory of particle physics.
Programs and prices, tuition fees in University of Chicago Summer Kids Academy Camp
3D Modeling & Animation Academy
The 3D Modeling & Animation course helps you become a versatile 3D artist who can use simulation software in games, movies, and TV. Participants will form an understanding of the process of storytelling, character animation using standard 3D Autodesk Maya software.
3D design and modeling open the door to all kinds of modern creative careers.
Participants will study the work processes used by professionals, design 3D models. Before releasing the original 3D sets of figures, characters, props, students will learn the basics of character design and surroundings.
Using Autodesk Maya, students will learn how to animate characters using lighting, settings, camera angles, master workflows: they will take pre-mounted models, animate them in an original short sequence telling a story.
Young people will master:
- The process of planning, performing animations
- Using 3D Modeling Software - Autodesk Maya
- Creation of 3D models (organic, inorganic)
- UV mapping - applying texture to models
- Lighting, scene rendering using advanced tools
- Project planning
- Using Autodesk Maya as an Animation Tool
- Development of digital dolls.
Study results:
- Wide selection of 3D objects
- Simple models from polygonal primitives
- Advanced modeling techniques
- Character sculptures
- Several moving animations
- Images of characters in dynamics.
Audio & Music Production Academy
Teenagers will get acquainted with professional music production, learn how to use the most important instruments of the industry - Ableton Live - create, change sounds, learn layers, mix, sample, compose their digital music.
Young people will master the production of music with Ableton: the course helps students structure the song, play the sounds they hear, record unique tracks. Topics covered include recording, audio sampling, an advanced synthesizer, drum programming, improvisation, mixing basics, mastering.
The course allows students to understand the process of music production, theory, music writing technique. Teenagers will learn advanced techniques for the production of music, audio technology. By the end of the week, students will compose, produce their own song, apply advanced production concepts.
Syllabus:
- Music Production Basics
- Technical Theory of Audio
- Sampling, synthesizers
- MIDI audio effects
- Creative songwriting process
- Music Theory, Composition Tips
- Record a song from start to finish
- Using equalizer, effects, automation
- The technique of mixing, mastering.
List of work performed:
- Original compositions, collages or remixes
- "Polished" final mix of ready-made tracks
- Group joint project
- Original composition or remix
- Edited record of the finished song
- A remake of another student’s song.
Filmmaking academy
Young people explore the film-making process using high-quality cameras from Canon, Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects. Each week ends with a film showing the class, staff, parents.
The program includes the study of the basic principles of short narrative film production: script structure, functionality, camera operation, role descriptions. Young people will learn teamwork skills, make storyboards, learn how to direct, edit, upload each project to their own YouTube channel.
Next, students get acquainted with the caption design, the basic VFX Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, and begin work on their short project. Young people will create film projects of various genres, including narration, music video, documentary films.
Syllabus:
- The main language of film production, the structure of history
- DSLR Camera Shooting
- Effective use of sound, music
- Advanced Adobe Premiere Editing Techniques
- Advanced cinematography, basics of staging
- Storyboard, scene lock
- Basic Adobe Photoshop Workflow, After Effects for VFX
- Philosophy and technology of sound design.
Class results:
- Two to three short films
- Original script
- Short dialogue scene
- A short scene of the dialogue of the protagonist against the antagonist
- The final draft of the narrative film.
Artificial Intelligence Academy
The course looks in detail at machine learning tools - the leading development language for AI Python, teaches you to use it to create amazing things: teach the computer to play your favorite game, develop interactive simulations, teach to recognize patterns that a person cannot see. Using programming and mastery of algorithms, participants will find unexpected applications for computers.
Participants will learn the basics of machine learning, artificial intelligence, their impact on our world, and will develop their own projects based on machine learning with block programming (chat bots, predictive models, game bots). As you progress through the course, teens will learn the basics of Python programming. Students will learn how to apply AI to data, tools, services, how to use AI in their projects. By the end of the course, young people will study the theory and mathematics of machine learning, solve data problems using the acquired skills and strategies.
The program includes:
- Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Neural Networks
- Strengths, artificial intelligence forecast limits
- The use of image recognition, science data to solve problems, pattern recognition.
Course results:
- Introduced neural network for solving problems
- Image classifier by category (student's choice)
- Use of artificial intelligence to incorporate webcam video into games
- Visualization, data recognition
- Additional artificial intelligence projects.
Robotics & Engineering Academy
Young people will learn how to build and program a robot using Arduino, a pi-top laptop using Python, and then take it home.
- The first part of the course introduces students to the world of robotics, electrical engineering, introduces students to creating a robot, exploring the capabilities of each sensor or actuator by programming the RedBot Arduino platform.
- The second week is based on knowledge of the basics of programming, circuitry, will teach students to create unique projects using Raspberry Pi, various sensors. Students will learn the basics of Python, physical computing with Pi, and learn how to use the Pi's Internet connection for remote communication.
Camp graduates will take home a robot and laptop designed and programmed by them.
Syllabus:
- Arduino Programming, Python
- Electrical Engineering, Robotics
- Engineering, coding
- Signal processing, electronic circuit building
- Troubleshooting, solving logical problems
- Raspberry Pi (installation, use)
- Python coding, command line interfaces.
Course projects:
- Autonomous robot
- Unique code
- Robot improvement projects, test courses
- Own fully working laptop
- Works using the capabilities of Python, Raspberry Pi, the Internet
- Base code adaptable to specific tasks.
Intro to 3D Modeling with Maya
The program teaches potential 3D artists to use software for gaming, cinema, and TV modeling. 3D design open access to all kinds of modern creative careers. After learning the basics of the user interface, Maya tools, students will work on creating complex forms and models. As soon as students become familiar with the basic concepts of modeling, they will master advanced skills, methods, develop a model of a human character, textures, and form an understanding of work processes, principles of studio work, team process.
Study Plan:
- Using 3D Modeling Software - Autodesk Maya, Mudbox
- Development of 3D models - organic, inorganic
- Lighting, scene rendering using advanced Arnold Renderer tools
- Planning, implementation of projects.
Course results:
- Wide selection of 3D objects (Autodesk Maya, Mudbox application)
- Simple models developed with Polygon Primitives, advanced models using block modeling techniques
- Sophisticated Models (Biped Humanoid)
- Sculptures of characters, creatures created by the Mudbox toolbox.
3D Character Animation with Maya
Teenagers will learn how to animate characters by applying lighting, settings, camera angles, study workflows, take pre-mounted models and animate them in an original short sequence that tells the story.
Based on their knowledge of the basics of 3D modeling, students will transfer their design skills from modeling to animation. By the end of the week, students will take key shots, build facial expressions, character poses, model objects, and conduct the process of preparing for work.
Young people explore:
- Using Autodesk Maya as an Animation Tool
- Keyframes, interpolation of the Maya chart editor
- Digital models
- The process of planning, performing animations.
What students will do:
- Several animations of a bouncing ball
- Images of characters in expressive poses displaying subtle control over complex characters
- Animated shot made using professional characters.
- Demo showing their work this week.
Intro to Music Production with Ableton
Young people will learn all about music production and create their own melody, developing audio production skills. The course teaches students the technical and creative skills of electronic music production, music theory, the secrets of effective melody, the basics of rhythm and mixing. Teens will learn how to use professional music software to record their own musical ideas, create a song from beginning to end. Topics covered include beat production, audio, MIDI recordings, wavetable synthesis, creative sampling, mixing, and mastering. Participants will record original tracks, remixes, collages, remakes of popular songs using templates designed by teachers.
Training includes:
- Music Production Basics
- Mixing, mastering the basics
- MIDI audio effects
- Sample selection.
Student Development:
- Original compositions, collages or remixes
- Group joint project
- Polished final mix of finished tracks.
Music Production & Songwriting with Ableton
Music is a powerful part of human collective experience, and today it is increasingly expanding its borders thanks to technology. Program participants will study the creative process of writing songs, the technical theory of modern music, songs, see the process of creating, composing music, using the Hookpad editor, the basics of music theory. Young people will learn how to combine different types of sounds inspired by musical styles, learn how to record, edit live performance using Ableton Live 10. Students will learn advanced methods of music production, sound engineering, compose, produce their own melody, apply advanced concepts of music production.
What the program includes:
- Technical Basics of Audio
- Creative songwriting process
- Music Theory, Composition Tips
- Record a song from start to finish
- Using equalizer, effects, automation
- The technique of mixing, mastering.
What students will create:
- Original song or remix
- The final mix of the finished song.
Intro to Filmmaking & Video Production w / Premiere
Using the latest equipment, techniques, software, students will learn all the intricacies of video production and filming using the Adobe Premiere editor, which is trusted by professionals.
The course begins with the basic principles of short film production: script structure, camera functionality, camera work, role description. Students will learn about teamwork, create storyboards, work on directing, editing. Students will prepare two or three short films from start to finish, study each experience, share, reflect, and receive constructive feedback. Projects will be written and executed by small teams of 3-5 people. Each student will edit their version of the project using material shot by the group.
What students will learn:
- The main language of film production, the structure of history
- Effective use of sound, music in the film
- Cinematography with DSLR cameras
- Storyboard, scene lock
- Post-production editing Adobe Premiere.
Results of work:
- Two to three short films.
Filmmaking & Visual Effects w / After Effects
Video, movies today include a lot of post-production work, creating an incredible visual experience. Based on the students' knowledge of the basic principles of film production, the program begins with a short narrative project, which they complete on the first day of the course. Film projects can be of different genres: narration, music video, documentary, and art. Students will then learn about caption design, basic visual effects, VFX with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects, before embarking on a second short project. Teenagers will receive basic knowledge about the sound design of videos, films.
Syllabus:
- Advanced cinematography, the importance of staging
- DSLR Camera Shooting
- Photoshop Basic Workflow, After Effects for VFX
- Advanced post-production editing techniques with Adobe Premiere
- Sound design basics.
Final projects:
- Original script
- Short dialogue scene
- Scene of the protagonist’s short dialogue against the antagonist
- Final Project is a short film.
Intro to Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Participants will get acquainted with machine learning tools, using them to create amazing things: they will teach a computer to play their favorite game, create interactive simulations, and install programs that allow patterns to be recognized. Using programming, mastery of algorithms, students will find application for computers that have never been considered possible before.
Young people will learn:
- The basics of artificial intelligence, machine learning
- Creating templates, solving problems
- Work with images using Computer Vision.
What students will create:
- Introduced neural network to solve the problem
- Additional projects created using artificial intelligence.
Applied Data Science & Artificial Intelligence w / Python
The program is based on the student’s knowledge of the basics of Python, machine learning. They will create a digital machine that can compile a report on books, be able to form neural networks that play games, translate text.
Young people will learn how artificial intelligence is applied to data, tools, services, and learn how they can apply AI to their own projects. By the end of the week, students will study the theory, mathematics of machine learning, solve data problems using the acquired skills and strategies.
What students will learn:
- The basics of machine learning, neural network
- Strengths, weaknesses of AI
- Image recognition, data science.
What students will create:
- Image classifier by category of your choice
- AI that allows you to use video from a webcam in games.
Build a robot with arduino
Teenagers will learn how to build, program a robot using Arduino, take it home. They will form an understanding of the world of robotics, electrical engineering, will move from basic programming concepts, electronic circuits to creating a robot, exploring the capabilities of each sensor, actuator by programming with Arduino to perform automated tasks.
The program includes:
- Arduino Programming
- Signal processing
- Elimination of errors, solution of logical problems.
Students work:
- Autonomous robot
- Unique code
- Robot improvement projects, test courses
- Programmable Arduino Robot.
Build and Program a Laptop with Python
Creating your own laptop using Raspberry Pi, Python opens up a new world for students, where they become designers, creators of incredible things. Students will assemble, take home a pi-top laptop: an ideal tool that will help them learn how to code, create amazing devices, and bring their knowledge to a new level.
The course is based on knowledge of basic programming, circuitry, which will allow students to create their own unique projects using Raspberry Pi, various sensors. Students will learn the basics of Python, physical computing with Pi, using the Pi's Internet connection for remote communication.
Tasks include:
- Customization Using Raspberry Pi
- Command line interfaces
- Python coding.
Study results:
- Projects using the capabilities of Python, Raspberry Pi, the Internet
- The basic code that they can change for future projects
- Notebook pi-top.
Adventures in animation
Camp participants will come up with, embody the drawings, using production methods such as timelines, key frames, in Toon Boom Harmony - the same software that was used to create Sponge Bob and many other popular cartoons. Teamwork, new friends who share your interests, the study of other animation methods - clay processing, “human animation”. After completing the course, you will take an animated short film home, share it with family, friends.
Young people master:
- Basic animation skills, storytelling basics
- Stop motion animation using figures of people
- Basic cartoon drawing skills
- Cartoon development, character creation
- Using the professional animation program Toon Boom Harmony.
Program Results:
- Digital illustrations, simple drawings.
- Storyboards, project plans for their animation projects
- 2D animated short films, the use of key frames, simple drawings
- The final animation clip that demonstrates their work.
Adventures in filmmaking
The program prepares students for future filmmaking: they will learn to develop story ideas in small production groups. When creating a short commercial or similar project, students practice shooting, editing techniques to make an original film. The week will end with the Open House Film Festival: participants will master the production skills necessary for future film makers, frames of their own short film.
Students will master:
- Movie making process
- Using a camera, storytelling
- Editing with Adobe Premiere
- Teamwork
- Getting constructive feedback.
What students will create:
- 2 short films
- Advertising or PSA with video materials.
Accommodation, meals, prices
- The Summer Academy conducts classes from Monday to Friday, from 9 to 17 hours. Students can get lunch on campus. The cost of lunch plans is $ 95 / week.
- The extended day option allows families to leave their children until 6:00 p.m. from Monday to Thursday.
Activities University of Chicago Summer Kids Academy Camp
Participants in summer technical shifts will enjoy a balanced camp day: classroom lessons + outdoor activities.
After the end of each school week, participants can invite their family and friends to join the gala show, share with them the final projects. Teachers will talk about activities that the child attended during the week, and parents will have the opportunity to meet with the child’s instructor, and teachers will highlight possible next steps for continuing the child’s education. Presentations are held from 15.00 to 16.00 on Fridays.
Advantages
- The project-based approach to teaching arouses curiosity, strengthens confidence, and promotes teamwork, as students seek solutions to real problems.
- Students return home with a completed project, new skills, experience in technology. Exciting DMA courses unite like-minded people, inspire them to explore, develop their passion, and engage in creativity.
- DMA teachers are the most experienced, able to inspire and guide adolescents, implement practical projects with them. Technical courses are designed with 21st century skills in mind, with a focus on teaching creativity, collaboration, and communication.
- Young people will learn to work with peers by exploring different approaches to solving problems. Regardless of whether camp participants want to deepen their interests or make new friends, the University of Chicago is an ideal place to study.
Facilities and equipment at University of Chicago Summer Kids Academy Camp
Students learn to use the software and hardware used daily by industry professionals. While other camps may offer similar courses, the Summer Media Academy teaches students how to work as professionals.
Admission dates and extra charges
Entry requirements, how to apply, what is required to enrol
Foreign students should be fluent in English at a level sufficient for study and communication.
Scholarships University of Chicago Summer Kids Academy Camp
The Nudelman Family Fund provides students with a thousand full scholarships for participants; the Summer Media Academy is committed to offering world-class STEM education. The fund provides interested and motivated students with access to high-quality education, with half of the scholarships reserved for girls in order to increase the proportion of women receiving technical education. Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of merit and needs, they will cover tuition fees, food, service fees. The deadline for applying is 2 weeks before the start date of the selected course.
Candidates must complete the form completely - the following information will be required:
- Personal data
- Written statement / essay explaining why the applicant should receive financial assistance
- Average mark (after receiving the award you must provide proof of academic achievement)
- Teacher's letter of recommendation
- Income statement
- Desired place (s) and course (s) of technical camps.
The right to apply are applicants 10-18 liters.
Institution on the map
Residence permits, citizenship and other services
- Guardianship services during the studies
- Student supervision
Review about University of Chicago Summer Kids Academy Camp
Recommendations on when to apply
| Language courses, schools and children's language camps | Primary and secondary education - private schools | Preparation programmes for entering universities - higher education | Higher education (after completing accredited programs A-level, IB, High School) - Bachelor, Master, MBA |
| - we recommend to apply 6-9 months before the start of the course (some camps and schools offer discounts for early booking or for lengthy study programs) - there are some very popular and high demand children's camps, where the applications need to be submitted 1 year in advance (in particular Switzerland , Great Britain , USA , Canada , Austria) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the training program, - some schools have a specific time frame (September-November - please specify an individual school) - some schools require tests in several stages (UKISET, internal tests of the school: English, mathematics, logics, subjects, interview, some require a personal visit) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the program, - for Foundation and Pathway programs, IELTS and TOEFL certificates are usually required, respectively | - recommended submission one year before the start of the program, - the deadline normally closes in January, for TOP HEIs and, as a rule, in March in other universities - for a bachelor, a Foundation or Pathway preparatory program a completed A-level, IB, High School + IELTS / TOEFL are required - for Masters you need a graduated higher education, in some cases you need a pre-Masters program - MBA requires completed higher education, work experience preferably at least 2-3 years, etc. |
