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  • FIRST® LEGO® League Explore

    Think like an engineer and create with LEGOs! Team up to build a motorized model while exploring the basics of science, design, and engineering. Your journey starts here—let’s build! **PLEASE NOTE: Practice times/days will be determined by the volunteer coach & team members at the start of the season.** Ages 8-14 What is FIRST® LEGO® League? FIRST® LEGO® League is an international LEGO® program in which children work in teams to design, build and program a robot to complete missions. FLL challenges kids to think like scientists and engineers. Teams will build, test and program an autonomous robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS® to solve a set of missions in the Robot Game. They will also choose and solve a real-world question in the Project. Throughout their experience, teams will operate under FLL’s signature set of core values. For the FLL Basics see the link here: FLL Basics or check out this YouTube Video: What's FIRST® LEGO® League? Why Explore? FIRST® LEGO® League Explore in Minnesota (MN FLL Explore) is part of an international robotics program that includes teams from 13 countries. Designed for kids grades K-3, teams work together to discover how science and technology impact the world around them. Guided by adult coaches, teams work with LEGO® elements to build a motorized model and create a Show Me poster related to their research of a yearly theme. FIRST® LEGO® League Explore captures the interest of our youngest learners. Start your team today! FIRST® LEGO® League Explore is a stepping stone to FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge. Quick Facts: Teams consist of 3-6 members. Teams meet 1-2 times each week Sept.-Dec. to work on their challenge. Teams will compete in a regional tournament in late November through early Dec. Team meeting dates and times will be set according to the coaches' and participants' schedules once teams are formed. All required materials (robot kit, software, field setup kit) and tournament registrations are included in the course fee. Each participant will receive a FIRST® LEGO® League t-shirt. Minnetonka FLL Season Outline: Global FLL Challenge Released: TBD Registration Deadline: Friday, September 5th Minnetonka Teams Released: Tuesday, September 9th Coaches Trainings: Linked Here FLL Regional Tournaments: Linked Here FLL Section Tournament (if advancing): Typically Mid-January FIRST LEGO® League FIRST LEGO® League Check out the FLL Blog! Parents: We need volunteer coaches. Please indicate your desire to coach on the registration form. We will provide you with all the materials you need, training, resources and support.
  • FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge

    Have you ever wanted to design your own robot? Now you can! Work with a team to build, test and program a robot using LEGOs to solve missions and problems. **PLEASE NOTE: Practice times/days will be determined by the volunteer coach & team members at the start of the season.** Ages 8-14 What is FIRST® LEGO® League? FIRST® LEGO® League is an international LEGO® program in which children work in teams to design, build and program a robot to complete missions. FLL challenges kids to think like scientists and engineers. Teams will build, test and program an autonomous robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS® to solve a set of missions in the Robot Game. They will also choose and solve a real-world question in the Project. Throughout their experience, teams will operate under FLL’s signature set of core values. For the FLL Basics see the link here: FLL Basics or check out this YouTube Video: What's FIRST® LEGO® League? Why Challenge? FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge in Minnesota (MN FLL Challenge) is part of a global robotics program that includes more than 480,000 kids in 110 countries. High Tech Kids, in partnership with FIRST®, has been bringing FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge to Minnesota since 1998. Teams collaborate to build and program an autonomous robot to score points on a thematic playing surface (the Robot Game) and create an innovative solution to a problem correlating to the yearly theme (the Innovation Project), all guided by the FIRST® Core Values. These elements make up what is called The Challenge. The theme of The Challenge changes every year and is based on a real-world scientific topic. Past challenges have included topics such as space, nanotechnology, biomedical, climate change, recycling, and transportation. FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge is a stepping stone to FIRST TECH Challenge. This program involves coding and robot construction. Quick Facts: Teams consist of 3-6 members. Teams meet 1-2 times each week Sept.-Dec. to work on their challenge. Teams will compete in a regional tournament in late November through early Dec. Team meeting dates and times will be set according to the coaches' and participants' schedules once teams are formed. All required materials (robot kit, software, field setup kit) and tournament registrations are included in the course fee. Each participant will receive a FIRST® LEGO® League t-shirt. Minnetonka FLL Season Outline: Global FLL Challenge Released: TBD Registration Deadline: Friday, September 5th Minnetonka Teams Released: Tuesday, September 9th Coaches Trainings: Linked Here FLL Regional Tournaments: Linked Here FLL Section Tournament (if advancing): Typically Mid-January FIRST LEGO® League FIRST LEGO® League Check out the FLL Blog! Parents: We need volunteer coaches. Please indicate your desire to coach on the registration form. We will provide you with all the materials you need, training, resources and support.
  • Destination Imagination

    Join a team of your peers to tackle one of five crazy challenges! You will have the chance to express your creativity, problem-solving skills and engage in teamwork before presenting your solutions at a regional tournament! Grades 3-8 Congratulations to our 2024/2025 Global Finals team! Teams of 5-7 members work together and unleash their imaginations to tackle one of five crazy challenges. Teams creatively present their solutions in a performance at a regional tournament. Destination Imagination (DI) is the world's largest creative problem-solving competition for youth, with thousands of participants across the U.S. and around the world. DI teams typically meet once each week from November through mid-March. Each team is managed by a parent volunteer and sets their own meeting schedule. Minnetonka DI teams consistently take top honors at every level! Participants learn to think on their feet, develop collaboration and leadership skills and have fun! MORE ABOUT DI: Destination Imagination is a project-based program that builds participants’ creativity, problem solving and teamwork in enjoyable and meaningful ways. The goals of Destination Imagination are for participants to: Foster creative and critical thinking. Learn and apply creative problem solving. Develop teamwork, collaboration and leadership skills. Nurture research and inquiry skills. Enhance and apply written and verbal communication and presentation skills. Encourage competence in, enthusiasm for and commitment to real-life problem solving. ABOUT OUR DI TEAMS: Minnetonka DI Teams... Consist of 5-7 members, often from the same school. Typically meet once each week from November to mid-March. Work together and unleash their imaginations to tackle one of five crazy challenges. Present their solutions in a short performance at regional, state and global tournaments. State tournament typically occurs around Spring Break, with Global Finals in May. Develop collaboration and leadership skills, think on their feet and have fun! ****Meeting dates and times will be set according to the Team Managers’ and participants’ schedules once teams are formed. TEAM MANAGERS: Each team needs an adult Team Manager to facilitate team meetings, tournament logistics and team safety. A good DI Team Manager must: Have a good sense of humor Appreciate creativity and innovation Enjoy working with children and young adults Be interested in helping young people learn creativity, teamwork and problem solving Have a positive and friendly attitude Training, resources and support for Team Managers will be provided. If you are interested in becoming a team manager, please indicate this when you are registering. Find out more about being a team manager here: Team Manager IMPORTANT DATES: Team Challenges Released: See link here DI Teams Created: Late October/Early November All Metro Team Manager Workshop (District 287): TBD West/ Southwest Metro Tournament: Dates for those events will be posted here. State (Affiliate) Tournament: TBD Global Finals: TBD (for those that advance)
  • Solar Power Your Drone

    Up, up and away! Enjoy fun remote-control drones charged from solar power. Build a solar powered charging station for your drone, then, when your drone runs out of juice, you can simply charge it anywhere outdoors with your solar charging station! You will have a blast building and use real life tools such as solder ironing, drills, etc. When you are done building, you will challenge other students with your drone. Take Home Item: Mini Battery Box
  • Solar Go Kart Race

    Discover how solar electricity powers modern electric vehicles. Build your own mini solar race car to take home and compete in exciting races. For the main event, collaborate in teams to construct a Solar Go Kart! Join us on this fun, interactive, solar learning experience. Your young tike is sure to have a blast! Take Home Item: Mini Solar Dragster
  • NextGen Robotics

    Brace yourself for the challenge of constructing eight motorized robotic and engineering marvels. Unlock the secrets behind Landmine Sweeper, Moon Rover, Drumming Machine and more, as you ignite your passion for exploration! Learn about STEM and programming concepts and be challenged to build up to eight (8) different motorized Robotic and Engineering models. While building and programming these models, you will develop logical thinking ability and will learn various engineering concepts like radar sensors, gear transmissions, the science of rhythm, and vibrations. Examples of model’s students will be building include projects like a Parking Gate, Moon Rover, Landmine Sweeper, Drumming Machine, and more!
  • World Edit: Minecraft Mastery

    Because YOU asked for it—get ready for an epic Minecraft camp that will take your building skills to the next level! Dive deep into the world of Minecraft World Edit as you learn powerful commands to modify, shape, and build incredible creations. This camp is perfect for aspiring Minecraft engineers! Plus, if time allows, you’ll even get to explore tutorial maps, master architecture building, modify the terrain and experiment with advanced editing tricks. Are you ready to command your world? Please bring a peanut-free snack and beverage.
  • Creature Adventures: Catch 'Em All Minecraft

    Discover incredible Minecraft-inspired creature worlds alongside friends and take your adventure to the next level as you learn how to import mods, add texture packs and transform your gaming experience. Get ready for an unforgettable journey where crafting meets catching—are you ready to be the ultimate Pokémon Master in Minecraft? Please bring a peanut-free snack and beverage.
  • Drone Racing & Rocket Launch

    Get ready for an action-packed camp where drones and rockets take flight! Fascinated by drones? Learn how to fly and race them in exciting aerial competitions while exploring the science of flight. Plus, dive into the world of model rocketry and launch rockets up to 300 feet into the sky—aiming for the stars! With a “swarm” of fun STEAM projects, this camp is perfect for anyone ready to soar to new heights. Are you up for the challenge? Please bring a peanut-free snack and beverage.
  • X-Treme Build & Race

    Calling all LEGO® masters! Design and engineer your very own remote-controlled car using LEGO® bricks, then race it against your friends in an epic showdown. From brainstorming the fastest design to building and racing, this camp is packed with thrilling challenges and fun activities. Ready, set, GO! Please bring a peanut-free snack and beverage. (Please note: LEGO® creations are for camp use only and do not go home.) ("LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this site".)
  • Extreme Robotics: Robo-Wars

    Take your engineering skills to a higher level. Build remote-controlled robots inspired by the popular Discovery Channel's, BattleBots. You’ll be challenged to morph your projects into better, stronger and faster robots to compete in a tournament on the last day. New builds and challenges! You will use the EV3 Mindstorm Robotics Systems and unique LEGO® Technic™ engineering components to build extreme, competitive robots. LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO® Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this site or program. Students will be working in small teams of 2-3. Please bring a water bottle and nut free snack.
  • Block Hunter & Mini Games: Minecraft Edition

    Join us for this exciting new multiplayer Minecraft class as we play a hide-and-seek game! Hunters will work together to find hidden blocks on our adventure map. Plus, get ideas to create your own mini-games! We will be using the PC/Java edition of Minecraft. Bring a USB drive to save your world on the last day. Minecraft is a Mojang Studios trademark. This camp is not affiliated with them. Please bring a water bottle and nut free snack.
  • Trapped: Engineers Escape Room

    Escape the room! Use problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork to tackle engineering challenges and puzzles. Each day, teams face a new escape scenario, such as a hijacked plane, underground cave or locked playroom, racing against the clock to break free! Engineering challenges include building straw rockets, parachutes, a flashlight, catapult and coding a robot. After escaping the room for the day, campers learn about the parts of an escape room and different types of puzzles. You will get creative and build your own escape room that they will present on the last day for other teams to solve. Please bring a water bottle and nut free snack.
  • Wizard Academy

    Explore the magical combination of engineering and wizardry! Aspiring wizards will embark on a creative journey, crafting enchanted gadgets, designing magical transportation, experimenting with potions that spark magical reactions and more. This immersive camp encourages collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking while igniting a passion for engineering in a fun, spellbinding environment! Please bring a water bottle and nut free snack.
  • Camp Invention

    Camp Invention is an exciting, week-long summer adventure with lessons that explore connections between science, technology, engineering and innovation. Work together to seek solutions to real-world problems and sharpen critical 21st century learning skills while rotating through several fascinating modules. Where BIG IDEAS become the next BIG THING. In partnership with the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Minnetonka Community Education is pleased to offer the nationally-acclaimed Camp Invention program to children entering grades one through six. Here is how young innovators will be spending their time: DISCOVER: June 23-June 27, Minnetonka Middle School East, $304 per student In the Camp Invention DISCOVER, take on a variety of exhilarating activities each day, have fun collaborating with friends, think creatively and invent your own solutions to real-world challenges. You will explore physics, nature and entrepreneurship as they build their own claw machines, investigate the science behind special effects as they create moving props, learn how artificial intelligence is used in everyday tech like GPS, and develop planet-saving prototypes with the help of a robotic assistant! RECHARGE: August 4-August 8, Minnetonka Middle School East, $304 per student In the Camp Invention program, RECHARGE, design morphing vehicles to travel across land, then find inspiration in nature to add prototype elements for moving through air and water. Experiment with fun physics concepts like trajectory and velocity as they build, test and modify a device to launch rubber ducks to reach international landmarks. Make and adopt their own robotic crickets and apply empathy to build customized habitats and protective gear for their solar-powered bots. Reverse engineer their own wireless microphone to discover sound waves, then use their unique voice to create and promote an extraordinary invention. In both programs participants will tackle challenges from famous inventors and take apart broken or unused appliances using real tools to develop something new. Students will be broken up into groups based on grade level. Local educators will facilitate program modules and enthusiastic high school students will serve as Leadership Interns ensuring that one staff member is in place for every eight children. Every registration includes a complimentary Camp Invention t-shirt. Availability is limited, so reserve your child’s spot today! Become a Leader-in-Training! Leaders-in-Training (LITs) are at the center of fun challenges and creative STEM learning at Camp Invention! When you register your middle schooler to be an LIT, you’ll give them the chance to take on the role of a Camp Invention counselor. While campers take on activities created by education experts and National Inventors Hall of Fame® Inductees, LITs provide guidance and encouragement, inspiring children to do their very best. With this one-of-a-kind experience, students in grades 7 – 9 will not only have fun this summer, but they’ll also gain valuable skills for the future. Registration includes leadership training and opportunities to guide young campers through hands-on STEM challenges, along with an exclusive packet of materials including a hands-on STEM activity for LITs to complete at home. Cancellation Policy There is a $10 cancellation fee up until 2 weeks prior to the start date of camp. After that, there will be no refunds. **Last day to cancel out of DISCOVER (minus $10 cancellation fee): Monday, June 9th **Last day to cancel out of RECHARGE (minus $10 cancellation fee): Monday, July 21st Please Note: Minnetonka Camp Invention is not accepting coupons or discount codes. Scroll to bottom of page for registration.
  • Ultimate YouTube Super Star

    Are you ready to share your talents with the world on YouTube? Learn the ins and outs of producing your own YouTube video with invaluable tips on taking your production to the next level. In small teams, create distinguishing art for your channel, learn about fair use and copyright and how to record, edit and upload videos masterfully. Please bring a peanut-free snack and beverage.
  • Power Lab: Fantasy Adventure

    Get ready for the ultimate summer adventure where you’ll engineer, create and tinker through amazing fantasy-themed projects. Craft your very own light-up creature card, build a marching creature and design a launching contraption for your favorite fantasy creatures! Plus, don’t miss out on trading your favorite Pokémon cards with friends at the end of each day. Are you ready to unleash your inner Pokémon Master? Please bring a peanut-free snack and beverage.
  • Glow-in-the-Dark: Engineering Lab

    Get ready to light up your summer with awesome STEAM projects that glow-in-the-dark! Discover the science behind fluorescent and luminescent pigments as you create your very own glowing masterpieces. From LED-powered flashlights to underwater sea monsters and dazzling night lamps, this camp is packed with fun experiments and creativity. Plus, you'll take home a light-up project every day to show off your engineering skills! Let your imagination shine bright as you light the way to fun! Please bring a peanut-free snack and beverage.
  • Robotics Evolution

    Work in teams of 2-3 to build multiple robots with sensors, then program them to complete tasks like delivering food, cleaning nature or reuniting animal friends. {YEL!}’s Teach It! Practice It! Play It!® classroom method emphasizes 21st Century Learning skills like STEM, teamwork and problem-solving. Please bring a water bottle and nut free snack.
  • Engineering: Crazy Action Contraptions

    Unleash your imagination as you explore the exciting world of LEGO® building. Discover how engineering can be both fun and educational and challenge yourself to enhance and customize your creations. Possible models include the never-look-back machine, skittletops, do-nothing machine, coat hanger daredevil, trapdoor cable car parachute machine, rubber band racer, balloon-powered car, and other crazy action contraptions. LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO® Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this site or program. Please bring a water bottle and nut free snack.
  • Magical Wizards: Minecraft Adventures

    Step into a world of magic as you craft and build iconic locations like wizarding castles and magical streets in a block-based universe. Use redstone-like mechanisms to create enchanting effects like floating objects and hidden passages. We will be using the PC/Java edition of Minecraft. Students should have basic reading skills and be comfortable using a computer. Bring a USB drive to save your games on the last day. Minecraft is a Mojang Studios trademark. This camp is not affiliated with them Please bring a water bottle and nut free snack.
  • Eureka Engineering

    Dive into the fun world of robotics and STEM with Eureka Engineering! Build amazing creations using LEGO® Mindstorm kits, guided by enthusiastic instructors. LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO® Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this site or program. Parents can cheer as your robots race, battle and more!
  • Mods & Games: Minecraft Battle

    Learn how to build your own fantasy world! Create stunning landscapes, iconic locations and even your own custom creatures using modding tools. Design and use mods to create epic battles. Discover hidden secrets, rare creatures and exciting challenges throughout the block-based world! Bring a USB drive to save your games on the last day. Minecraft is a Mojang Studios trademark. This camp is not affiliated with them. Please bring a water bottle and nut free snack.
  • Super Smash Brawlers Game Coding

    Unleash your ultimate platform fighter! Dive into the creation of a fun, action-packed fighting game using Construct 3, a powerful and user-friendly game development platform. Learn how to design, develop, and implement various game mechanics, including character selection, combat systems, item integration, and stage design. Through hands-on projects and guided instruction, you will learn game development principles and create a dynamic platform game. Bring a USB drive to save your games on the last day. Super Smash Bros. is a trademark of Nintendo of America Inc. This camp is not affiliated with them. Please bring a water bottle and nut free snack.