Nervtek Holiday Tech Camp 2025: Inspiring Kids to Code and Build Robots
Eight weeks into the Nervtek Holiday Tech Camp (HTC) Buea 2025, the enthusiasm is unmistakable. We are thrilled to report that, in Buea alone, we are currently training over 90 children, including a supportive group of 27 girls who are actively participating and showcasing their growing interest and aptitude in technology. What started as a modest project in 2020 with just nine (9) inquisitive kids eager to learn about technology has blossomed into something truly inspirational and life-changing. This year, we proudly expanded the Holiday Tech Camp to the city of Bamenda, where twelve (12) eager young learners have already begun their technological journey. The students’ enthusiasm has been absolutely incredible. They display a strong desire to learn, actively engage in discussions, ask insightful questions, and collaborate effectively on projects. Their passion for technology shines through their eagerness to explore different modules and tackle new challenges. Starting with fundamental concepts and progressing to increasingly advanced applications, our curriculum is designed to develop students’ skills progressively. Below is an overview of the modules covered at each level during the first eight weeks: Our Level-by-Level Learning Path The camp curriculum is carefully structured to progressively build learners’ skills and knowledge in technology. Each level builds on the previous one, starting with foundational ideas and moving toward more complex applications. Here’s a breakdown of the topics covered at each level: Level One: Activities & Achievements: Scratch Programming with PictoBlox: These young learners were introduced to Scratch programming, where they used it to create animations and simple games using drag-and-drop coding, learning logic, sequencing, and computational thinking. They built interactive tools that responded to real-world inputs (e.g., clapping to trigger actions), fostering creativity and debugging skills. Their capstone projects included face and sound recognition, as well as a fruit catcher game. Robotics Fundamentals (nTron™ Kit/mBot): Learners were introduced to the exciting world of robotics, starting with what a robot is, its parts, and the various types of robots with real-world applications. They delved into robot components like sensors, controllers, actuators, and structural parts. Teamwork was emphasized as learners collaborated to assemble the nBot from the nTron™ Kit. Once assembled, they programmed the mBot to avoid obstacles, draw patterns, and detect edges to prevent falls. This hands-on experience strengthened their robotics and coding skills while nurturing collaboration, problem-solving, and creativity. In an AI robotics project, learners implemented a voice recognition model to initiate robot actions such as moving forward, backward, or turning demonstrating AI’s potential in robotic automation without physical human intervention. Drone Programming (TELLO): Participants explored unmanned aerial systems (UAVs) through theory and practice. They began with an overview of drones, their parts, and real-world applications like delivery, photography, mapping, and inspection. Using the DroneBlocks platform and TELLO EDU app, learners programmed drones and completed a successful delivery mission challenge. 3D Modeling with TinkerCAD: Learners spent a week creating simple designs using TinkerCAD, transforming basic shapes into digital models and physical objects via 3D printing. They learned the difference between 2D and 3D designs, explored real-world uses, and got hands-on with printers and materials such as PLA and ABS. By week’s end, each produced their first 3D-printed object, boosting creativity, problem-solving, and design skills. Soft Skills: Teamwork, patience, logical and strategic thinking, storytelling through projects. Level Two: Activities & Achievements: Programming with PictoBlox: Over two weeks, Level 2 learners explored programming, AI, and robotics. They learned how computers interpret instructions, different programming languages, and key coding concepts, then used PictoBlox to create interactive projects such as games, calculators, and chat simulations. They built and trained AI models, including a hand gesture recognition system that used a webcam to control sprite movements. They then switched their focus to physical computing and understanding sensors, controllers, and actuators and programmed automated robotic tasks with loops, conditionals, variables, and functions. 3D Printing (TinkerCAD/Creality): Learners advanced their design skills, creating functional 3D objects such as phone stands and cable organizers. They mastered shape manipulation, scaling, and alignment, prepared models for slicing, selected print settings for various materials, and troubleshot common printing issues. Drone Assembly and Regulations: Level 2 students assembled a laser-cut drone, learning its components and sourcing methods. They explored drone controls roll, pitch, yaw, throttle and drone flight laws in Cameroon, combining technical skills with regulatory knowledge to foster responsible drone use. Soft Skills: Problem-solving, critical thinking, iterative design, team collaboration, presentation skills, and operational principles for drones. Level Three: Activities & Achievements: Web Programming (JavaScript/HTML/CSS): Students were introduced to the fundamentals of web development, learning about static and dynamic websites. They studied webpage structure with HTML, styled pages with CSS (margins, padding, borders, content sizing), and explored forms and input fields for data collection. As a practical project, each created a personal “About Me” webpage, applying their skills in creative web design and enhancing user experience. Advanced Robotics: The focus was on robotic arms. Over two weeks, students learned about the role of robotic arms in industry, mechanical joint movements, electrical systems including circuits and microcontrollers (Arduino), sensors, actuators, degrees of freedom, types of end effectors, and control mechanisms. Through project-based learning, they assembled, wired, and programmed robotic arms, tackling exercises and assignments to develop problem-solving and creativity. Their functional prototypes demonstrated technical understanding and innovation. 3D Design & Laser Printing: Students modeled complex mechanical designs, focusing on fully articulated robotic arms. Using advanced techniques, they ensured parts fit and moved correctly, considered material choice and durability, linking their designs to real-world robotics and manufacturing. Soft Skills: Problem-solving under constraints, research, technical documentation. Level Four: Activities & Achievements: Professional Web Development: In this module, Level 4 learners explored professional web development from design to implementation. They began with UI/UX design in Figma, focusing on creating user-friendly layouts, before moving into hands-on coding. Using HTML and CSS, students built website structures and styled them with detailed elements such as borders, padding, and margins. They then advanced to JavaScript, adding interactivity, and Bootstrap, ensuring responsive and modern designs. The highlight of the course was the clone of
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