Computer Science Camp Now Open to Elementary Students

VALDOSTA – For five years, the Department of Math and Computer Science has introduced area middle schoolers to the basics of computer science through Computing Adventures @ VSU. This year, elementary school students will also have the opportunity to explore advancements in technology during the weeklong camp, to be held July 21 to 25.

“It is important to give young students in our community an opportunity to explore computing in creative and stimulating settings,” said Dr. Krishnendu Roy, professor of math and computer science and coordinator of the camp. “We had thought about organizing a camp for elementary school students before, but this year was the first time we could make it happen.”

Occupations in computer science and information technology are expected to increase between 15 to 20 percent in the next 10 years -- faster than the average rate of other jobs – according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With median pay in this field ranging from $60,000 to $100,00 annually, educators continuously find new and creative ways to get students interested the field as early as possible.

Students will explore computational thinking activities and build and program Lego robots. They will also learn how to create animations, games and digital stories using Scratch, a free programming language offered by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

“The camp will conclude with a project demo on Friday where students will showcase their creations to their family and friends,” said Roy.

For more information, visit http://cscamp.valdosta.edu or email Roy at kroy@valdosta.edu .