UNLV Summer STEM Camp (July)

UNLV Advanced engineering building

The UNLV STEM Camp stands as a beacon of innovation and learning, offering middle and high school students immersive experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through a diverse array of modules including robotics, cybersecurity, programming, advanced mathematics, AI, etc. students engage in hands-on learning guided by expert instructors from the UNLV College of Engineering. The program runs multiple sessions throughout the year, including summer intensives and spring/fall Saturdays workshops, serving a culturally diverse student body. What sets this program apart is its commitment to practical application – students don’t just learn theory, they build robots, write code, explore cybersecurity challenges, and tackle real-world engineering problems.

Program Details:

  • Dates: July 7-31, 2025 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays (a total of 15 sessions).
  • Session Times: The morning session will be held from 9:30 AM to 11:45 AM. The afternoon session will run from 1:00 PM to 3:15 PM.

Modules:  

  • Modules 1-4 are half-day sessions and students can choose to participate in one or two of these modules. 
  • Module 5 is a full-day program that runs during both morning and afternoon sessions, focusing on student-centered team collaboration projects. 

Morning Section (2 options):

Module 1: Drones

Get ready to soar into the exciting world of drones! In this class, you’ll learn how drones are used and get hands-on experience assembling and flying your mini-drone. We’ll dive into the different types of drones, like those that fly and those that move on the ground, and explore how they change our lives. Plus, we’ll talk about the costs and benefits of these awesome machines in our society. And to top it all off, you’ll have a chance to race your drone in a thrilling competition for the ultimate grand prize! Get ready for some high-flying fun! 

Register for Module 1 (Morning Session)

Module 2: Crafting Visual Narratives from Music: A Generative AI Journey

Unleash your creativity and delve into the fascinating world of AI-generated multimedia content with this Project-driven course. Through a series of diverse projects, you will master the art of leveraging AI tools to create breathtaking visuals and short music videos originated from music. This experience will empower you to unlock new realms of creative expression, blending multiple artistic forms with the transformative power of artificial intelligence.

Course Overview:  

  • Introduction to generative AI models
  • Workflow for adding visuals to Music, including Music-to-Text translation, Text-to-image
  • translation, Image-to-Video translation
  • Video generation frameworks (Deforum, Sora, etc)
  • Projects focused on creating music and visuals for music
  • Techniques for Iterative refinement and engineering thinking

Register for Module 2 (Morning Session)

Afternoon Section (2 options):

Module 3: Robotics Coding and Computational Thinking through Basic Integration with Arduino

In this module, students without prior coding experience embark on an exciting journey to acquire foundational coding principles and develop computational thinking skills through an introductory project: Arduino-based Stopwatch and Timer. This project utilizes Arduino, an LCD display, and a buzzer to create both a stopwatch and a timer. Upon completion, the buzzer emits a musical tone when the timer ends, while the LCD displays the stopwatch time in seconds. 

Register for Module 3 (Afternoon Session)

Module 4: Data Visualization Using Python

Python has emerged as the fastest-growing programming language globally, finding widespread applications in web development, data science, software prototyping, and more. This Python class offers a comprehensive guide to learning Python step by step. Topics covered include Strings, Lists, and Tuples; Dictionaries and Sets; Conditional Execution & Loops; Functions; Modules, etc. With no prior programming knowledge required, students will learn to run simple data analysis using Python and data visualization techniques. This class provides a solid foundation for mastering Python programming and leveraging its capabilities across various domains.

Register for Module 4 (Afternoon Session)

Morning & Afternoon Section (1 option): 

Module 5: Hands-On Group Projects with Mentorship

This summer camp module is designed to provide students with an immersive, hands-on experience where they apply their existing STEM knowledge and skills to develop real-world projects. The program encourages creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork, allowing students to take ownership of their learning through mentor-guided group projects

Students will work in small teams, each guided by an experienced mentor who provides technical support, encourages collaboration, and fosters innovation. The module builds upon students’ prior STEM experiences, challenging them to expand their skills and apply their knowledge in a practical, project-based setting.

Each team will choose a project idea from a selection of structured yet flexible options, such as:

  • Autonomous Delivery Robot – A robot that transports small objects using sensors and programmed navigation.
  • Solar-Powered Robot – A sustainable robotic system that harnesses solar energy for movement and operation.
  • Custom Innovation – Students can modify existing designs or propose their own ideas, integrating advanced features such as AI, automation, or renewable energy.

This module follows an iterative design approach, where teams brainstorm, prototype, test, and refine their projects with mentor support. By the end of the module, students will present their final projects, demonstrating their problem-solving skills and innovation to peers, mentors, and invited guests. Through this hands-on, mentor-led experience, students bridge the gap between classroom concepts and real-world engineering challenges, gaining valuable skills in a collaborative and engaging environment.

Register for Module 5 (Morning & Afternoon Session)

Cost: 

Lunch will be included for students enrolled in both morning and afternoon modules.

Modules 1-4 cost $500 per module, which covers all lab kits, learning materials, and stationery. 

Module 5, as a full-day immersive program, costs $1000, which includes all project materials, mentorship, and resources needed for team projects.