FABcamp provides a unique opportunity for middle schoolers to engage with university faculty and student mentors while utilizing advanced fabrication and prototyping technologies at a top engineering school.
UCI's FABcamp offers middle school students (6th-8th grade) a hands-on exploration of engineering disciplines and fabrication technologies. Participants engage in projects that introduce them to computer-aided design (CAD), rapid prototyping, and 3D printing. They also learn fundamental coding principles through hands-on computer programming projects, often utilizing tools like Raspberry Pi and Scratch. The camp emphasizes 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration. Students tour engineering labs, interact with university faculty and student mentors, and explore various career pathways in engineering and computer science. Past projects have included etching names onto metal nametags, building a homemade game of “Operation” with 3D printed pieces and laser-cut boards, programming custom sounds, creating photo booths, and developing apps to promote UN sustainability goals.
A typical day involves hands-on projects in state-of-the-art labs, learning about engineering disciplines, and interacting with UCI faculty and student mentors.
This camp is best for middle school students interested in exploring various engineering fields, gaining hands-on experience with fabrication and coding technologies, and developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
300 Rockwell Engineering Center, Irvine, CA 92697-2750
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