CAMPUS FLYER

Introduction to Creative Computing - Beginning January 2011

The San Diego Supercomputer Center, at the University of California, San Diego, and UCSD Extension launch a new series of programming courses that focus on digital design and fabrication in collaboration with San Diego's Fab Lab. This exciting new series of workshops is open to middle and high school students in grades 8 - 12.

UCSD Digital Design and Fabrication Series

What is the Fab Lab?

The Fab Lab is an advanced digital design and fabrication laboratory that allows community members access to high-tech tools in order to actualize ideas through design and fabrication.

The Fab Lab in San Diego is one of over thirty in the Global Fab Lab Network, and the only on the United States west coast. Around the globe, people have utilized the tools associated with the Fab Lab to create the things that they desire or need. This has ranged from innovations related to communications technologies to arts and handicrafts. Most of these have been created by newcomers to such technologies, many by youth.

To learn more about Fab Lab San Diego, please visit:
www.fablabsd.org

Upcoming Creative Computing and Fabrication Courses for Middle and High School Students

Introduction to Creative Computing
Saturdays, January 29, February 5 and February 19, 2011
8:30am - 3:00pm

Learn about the basics of coding by exploring the Processing Development Environment. This project-based class will focus on the development of fundamental programming skills, creation of applets that feature interactivity, allowing students to create responsive virtual environments. Students will also learn about interface and interactivity through the creation and use of infrared pens and IR-detecting cameras. Additionally, ways in which we commonly interact with the virtual environment will be explored through the dissection of a Wiimote™ and identification of its electronic features. Students will produce at least one final applet that they will be able to manipulate via the infrared controller that they have created. This class is beginner-friendly and hands-on.

Students will learn the fundamentals of computer programming within a visual context, how to design interactive work while developing strong conceptual skills, critical reading and analytical thinking required for creating programs. The concepts and skills taught in this course will set a foundation for future learning in fields such as the media arts, interactivity, game design, and the web.

This course is open to middle and high school students in grades 8 – 12.

Presented by Katie Rast, Director, Fab Lab San Diego

Cuts and Folds: Digital Design for Surfaces & Shapes
Saturdays, February 26, March 5 and March 19, 2011
8:30am - 3:00pm

This workshop introduces a creative approach to the design process, with a focus on thinking and designing in 2-dimensions as well as 3-dimensional space by leveraging technologies such as computer-aided design programs, vector editing software and computer numerically controlled machines. Topics such as graphic design, stencil making, packaging, product design and production will be explored in a hands-on setting. In addition to creating vinyl decals and stencils for decorating surfaces, students will learn to create vector artwork to that will be cut and folded into 3-dimensional objects. This process can be used to produce interesting and useful 3D forms, as well as understand the ways in which these can be used to promote or package ideas. Through this course, students will learn about the ways in which objects can be designed and constructed, leading to the creation of their own unique final products.

The goal of this course is to create and design a comprehensive project consisting of 3-dimensional folded forms and surface design elements that consider form-making within the context of graphic and industrial design, packaging, and messaging. In the process, you will also learn about the communication of ideas through the presentation of form, as well as the characteristics of complex shapes. The course will take you through observation, documentation, investigation, and creation, and will conclude with the production of a custom project by each student. While this class is fast-paced, it is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for newcomers to these topics, and we will review necessary fundamentals of graphic design, packaging, patterning, and 3D modeling.

This course is open to high school students only.

Presented by Sandro Alberti, Instructor, Fab Lab San Diego

Registration deadline: January 25, 2011. Space is limited.

Complete workshop information and a registration form can be found at:
education.sdsc.edu/teachertech For questions or additional information, please contact Ange Mason at 858 534-5064 or amason@ucsd.edu