Minn Institute for Talented Youth

Making it move is the name of this game! Students will love seeing their creations in motion using IR remote control Lego Mindstorm Components. Learn more about science, engineering, and technology while having FUN through hands-on projects. Students will explore robotic concepts in small teams by working through step-by-step projects and example programs. They will then have the opportunity to modify the builds and programs.

Get a great head start in learning how to code as well as learning computer science concepts using one of the fundamental programming languages of professional developers: Python. Its syntax allows programmers to express concepts in fewer lines of code than possible in languages such as C++ or Java, making it the perfect coding language for beginners. Python is a text-based language, so students should have good keyboarding and basic computer skills. Bring a USB drive to save your games on the last day.

Discover the world of 3D design and printing with TinkerCAD in this creative, hands-on camp. Students will develop 3D modeling skills while designing a custom pendant, unique dice, and other Dungeons & Dragons–inspired projects. When not actively designing, campers can join themed challenges and games that extend their creativity while waiting for prints to finish. Each participant will have a pendant or keychain and a die printed and sent home at the end of camp. All printing and material fees are included. Students should bring a USB drive on the final day.

Unleash your creativity as you work collaboratively! Create a world with others in multiple unique, themed escape room adventure maps. Our mission is to race through the end and escape the Ender Dragon. Students will get a copy of the world to continue at home. We will be using the PC/Java edition of Minecraft. Bring a USB drive to save your games. Minecraft is a Mojang Studios trademark. This camp is not affiliated with them.

Get hands-on experience with designing your own video game from scratch! Students will create their own platform game, using Construct 3, a visual coding platform that teaches students the basics and structure of programming. Learn to develop engaging gameplay. Experiment with different power-ups, enemies, and boss battles to make your game exciting and fun. Bring a USB drive to save your games on the last day.

Get ready for an exciting class filled with new builds and challenges! Students will take their engineering skills to the next level by constructing remote-controlled robots inspired by the popular Discovery Channel show BattleBots. Using LEGO® Robotics systems and specialized Technic™ engineering components, they’ll build extreme machines designed for competition. Working in small teams of two to three, students will test, re-engineer, and morph their robots to become better, stronger, and faster before entering them into a high-energy tournament on the final day.

Start your engines and get ready to race! In this high-energy camp, students will use LEGO® Robotics to design, build, and program cars and dragsters powered by motors and sensors. Working in small teams, they’ll explore different car models, learn how programming brings machines to life, and tackle fun challenges along the way. On the final day, campers put their creations to the test in an epic racing tournament! Perfect for kids who love speed, teamwork, and hands-on building.

Explore the worlds of coding and cybersecurity in this exciting class. Using Python, students learn how code works while experimenting with computer science concepts through hands-on projects and problem solving. They also step into the role of ethical hackers, discovering how information can be protected and how digital tricks are uncovered. Activities include coding puzzles and Capture the Flag games that make learning both challenging and fun. The class encourages curiosity, exploration, and discovery while giving students the chance to practice coding and understand the foundations of cybersecurity. Good keyboarding skills are recommended. Bring a USB drive on the last day.

Experiment with building machines that really move! Students will begin by exploring simple machines such as levers, pulleys, and wheels, then expand their designs by incorporating gears and other mechanisms. Working in pairs, they will design cars, dragsters, and a variety of creative moving models while discovering how engineering principles bring motion to life. This class encourages exploration, problem solving, and teamwork as students test, refine, and showcase their creations in an engaging hands-on environment.

Ready to take your coding skills to the next level? You'll dive deep into the world of programming, master the fundamentals of JavaScript, and build impressive projects that showcase your creativity and problem-solving abilities. JavaScript is a versatile and widely used programming language that plays a crucial role in making websites interactive and dynamic. JavaScript is a text-based language, so students should have good keyboarding skills. Bring a USB drive to save your projects.

Get a great head start in learning how to code as well as learning computer science concepts using one of the fundamental programming languages of professional developers: Python. Its syntax allows programmers to express concepts in fewer lines of code than possible in languages such as C++ or Java, making it the perfect coding language for beginners. Python is a text-based language, so students should have good keyboarding and basic computer skills. Bring a USB drive to save your games on the last day.

Learn the basics of game design while creating your own 3D worlds in Roblox Studio! This class introduces students to the tools and possibilities Roblox offers for designing interactive games. They’ll explore how to build environments, add characters, and bring their ideas to life with simple coding. By the end of camp, each student will have created original projects that showcase their creativity and problem-solving skills. Bring a USB on the last day to save your games.

Curious about how hackers think and love solving puzzles? In this hands-on camp, you will explore Python coding, ethical hacking, and cybersecurity through interactive games and code-cracking challenges. Build your coding skills by creating mini-projects and programming your own cyber defense game. Experiment with secret codes, test password strength, and train on specialty websites designed for safe practice. Compete in Capture-the-Flag contests that challenge your logic, teamwork, and creativity. Learn how hackers operate, and how to stop them, while developing real-world problem-solving skills and thinking like an ethical hacker who protects, not attacks.

Unleash Your Ultimate Platform Fighter! Dive into the creation of a Super Smash Bros.-style game using Construct 3, a powerful and user-friendly game development platform. Students will 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, participants 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.