This summer camp will gently expose students to Augmented Reality in a project-based way. Students will build model amusement park rides, like the one available through K’Nex, and place a small camera at the rider's location. Videos will be created from operating the rides and viewed using the free VRPlayer app and a Google Cardboard headset. VRPlayer is available on both Android and iPhone. The videos produced will reside on the USC Google Photo account and will be shared with all participants. Everybody will have the ability to “ride” each other’s ride. Students will be able to take home their Google Cardboard headset and have access to all videos.
Students will actively learn about STEM concepts such as mechanical balance, electricity, soldering, model construction, Virtual Reality, and Augmented Reality.
Program Dates
- June 8-13, 2025 (Rising 6-9 grade students)
Program Fees
Choose from:
- Commuting Scholar - $665
- Commuting Scholar Plus Evening - $750
- Residential Scholar - $1150
Plus $25 Lab Fee
Meet Your Instructor
Dr. Martin Cwiakala
Martin Cwiakala (pronounced: ‘Sha-kola’) earned his undergraduate, Master's, and Doctoral degrees from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. His professional experience includes working as a machine designer, project engineer, engineering manager, software designer, and consultant. Cwiakala taught “Computer Aided Design” at Rutgers University and coauthored the textbook, “Introduction to Programming for Engineers.” In 2002, he made a career change and taught at W. J. Keenan High School in Columbia, SC. There, he coached the award-winning Robo-Raiders, Keenan’s FIRST Robotics team. In 2012, he transferred to the “Center for Advanced Technical Studies” in the Lexington Richland 5 District, where he currently teaches. He states, “Teaching high school has been the best part of his engineering career.” He currently teaches Project Lead The Way courses: Introduction to Engineering (IED), Principles of Engineering (POE), Aerospace Engineering (AE), and Engineering Design and Development (EDD). He also coaches the InvenTeam, an after-school organization that competes in multiple engineering competitions, which include TSA, Theta Tau Pumpkin Chunkin’ at USC, and The American Rocketry Challenge. He is a member of the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) education committee and their education newsletter editor. He is Level 2 High Power Rocketry Certified and is active in bringing rocketry to teachers and students. He is a proponent of AI in education and the use of augmented and virtual reality.