Engineering For Kids, a network focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education for children through fun and interactive learning sessions, is introducing new camps and programs featuring esports and Minecraft leagues this summer.
The new programs will be available at many Engineering For Kids locations across the country, beginning mid-May and run through the end of August. Engineering For Kids teaches children math and science skills through robotics, technology and coding activities. Children ages 7 to 14 can participate in the programs in-person or virtually, depending on location.
Both the esports and Minecraft games teach children the basic STEM skills they will need in school and throughout their lifetime. This includes using scientific methods, data evidence and collection and proficiency with technology. They also learn valuable lessons in problem solving, creative thinking, time management and teamwork.
Esports
Esports is competitive, organized video gaming. It often takes the form of organized, multiplayer video game competitions, particularly between professional players, individually or as teams. The popularity of esports is growing each year, both in the number of those playing and watching. According to market analytics company Newzoo, there were 2.69 billion gamers worldwide by the end of 2020. Business Insider reported there were 454 million viewers of esports in 2019 and that number is expected to increase at least 9 percent by 2023.
Engineering For Kids is riding the wave of popularity behind esports by offering summer camps around this topic in 2021. Esports is an exciting and fun way to introduce kids to STEM concepts such as software engineering, technology and network engineering, and even the engineering design process.
EFK’s esports camps revolve around the popular game, Rocket League. The game is a high-powered hybrid of arcade-style soccer and vehicular mayhem with fluid, physics-driven competition. Rocket League requires critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity and gives students an understanding of physics and aerodynamics.
Minecraft
Minecraft is a popular children’s video game in which players can create individual lands and experiences using their own materials. Kids can explore a variety of themes centered around scientific, sustainable, innovative, and futuristic city planning and design.
Children will play Minecraft while applying the Engineering For Kids design process to create a model of their very own, futuristic, sustainable city. On the final day of the program, students will learn how to pitch their ideas and launch their designs to a larger audience to participate in an EFK global design competition.
Engineering For Kids is offering five different Minecraft camp themes that students can attend. The camps are designed so that students can continue to build on their projects regardless of their skill level or comfortability with Minecraft.
“Engineering for Kids has always made sure our students learn the core values of STEM in a fun and creative way, and our new esports and Minecraft programs are the newest example of that philosophy,” said Darryl Simsovic, CEO of LaunchLife International, the parent company of Engineering For Kids. “
The popularity of both games has taken off in recent years and will only continue to grow. We want to introduce children to some STEM aspects behind gaming and show them how they can use those valuable skills throughout life.
About Engineering For Kids:
Engineering For Kids was founded in 2009 and offers multiple programs which include afterschool and evening classes, camps and parties. The programs inspire children aged four to 14 to explore engineering concepts in a fun, engaging environment. The franchise provides children early exposure to math and science while developing building problem-solving skills through robotics, technology and coding activities. The company is Cognia certified and STEM.org accredited.
For more information about Engineering For Kids, please visit http://www.engineeringforkids.com/.