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  • Incorporating Complexity in Computing Camps for High School Students – A Report on the Summer Computing Academy Program at Texas A&M University
Title: Incorporating Complexity in Computing Camps for High School Students – A Report on the Summer Computing Academy Program at Texas A&M University
Summer computing camps for high school students are rapidly becoming a staple at High Performance Computing (HPC) centers and Computer Science departments around the country. Developing complexity in education in these camps remains a challenge. Here, we present a report about the implementation of such a program. The Summer Computing Academy (SCA) at is a weeklong cybertraining1 program offered to high school students by High Performance Research Computing (HPRC) at Texas A&M University (Texas A&M; TAMU). The Summer Computing Academy effectively uses cloud computing paradigms, artificial intelligence technologies coupled with Raspberry Pi micro-controllers and sensors to demonstrate “computational thinking”. The program is steeped in well- reviewed pedagogy; the refinement of the educational methods based on constant assessment is a critical factor that has contributed to its success. The hands-on exercises included in the program have received rave reviews from parents and students alike. The camp program is financially self-sufficient and has successfully broadened participation of underrepresented groups in computing by including diverse groups of students. Modules from the SCA program may be implemented at other institutions with relative ease and promote cybertraining efforts nationwide.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1730695
PAR ID:
10178936
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ; ;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Journal of computational science education
Volume:
11
Issue:
1
ISSN:
2153-4136
Page Range / eLocation ID:
12-20
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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