
About this Course
The IGNITE Program is for enthusiastic high school students who are interested in exploring the world of science and technology while developing essential skills of various types. The IGNITE Program contains generalized and specialized courses that either help students explore STEM topics to discover their interests, or focus on a specific subject matter to master a skill.
The Tech Explore course is the perfect place to start on your journey into STEM topics and skills as a high school student! In this weekly online course, learners will explore and apply concepts in 3D modeling using a parametric modeling software called FreeCAD, learn and apply graphic design principles in Canva and code from scratch in the Python programming language to explore the exciting area of App Development!
Over 10-weeks, learners will apply basic to intermediate level techniques in FreeCAD to develop a 3D model of the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, a spacecraft by NASA that is studying the geology of the planet Mars! Learners will explore color theory, Gestalt principles and other graphic design considerations to create logos and graphics for their App. Ultimately, learners will use Python to program a fully functional Earth and Mars Weather App using real time data from an API. The App will be able to display current and accurate weather details in many cities across the world at an instance, and also the weather and climate found on various locations across Mars!
Learners will also explore various topics in climate sciences and how scientists and engineers predict weather patterns on Earth and on Mars!
FAQ
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Who can sign up for an IGNITE Program course?
Anyone in grades 9 to 12 can sign up for an IGNITE course.
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When does it take place?
Weekday evenings - click on each course above to find out when they take place!
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How do I know which course to take?
Learners who do not have previous experience in coding, computer aided design (CAD) and graphic design are required to take the Tech Explore course, prior to taking any other IGNITE course.
Learners who already have experience in the given content areas (eg. from school or previous programs), the Tech Explore course is not required.
Please make a decision based on your previous experiences and comfort levels.
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How do I sign up?
Click on the course of your choice above and then click Register. Complete the Registration process. You will receive a confirmation email once your registration is complete!
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What happens after I register?
You will receive an email from our team containing a Google Classroom class code. Add the class to your Google Classroom - inside the classroom you will find the weekly link to the sessions and all other content (slides, assignments, games, etc.).
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Is there a fee to register?
The cost of participating is $140.00 CAD for 10 weeks!
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Where do the sessions take place?
The sessions take place virtually on a platform called BlueJeans. All you have to do is download the program once (for free) and use the same link to join the session each week!
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I’ve got questions, what do I do?
#Testimonial What Students Say
I had a pretty good experience with the Intro to GameDev Program and the Mathstronauts team of teachers. I was able to learn a lot of things without having to over-stress, because the homework was achievable. I learnt a lot of new things about graphic design in softwares such as InkScape, Canva and Paletton. I also learnt about the Python programming language, and how to use it to code a game from the beginning. In general, the experience was very good. o
Grade 10, St. Patrick High School (Toronto, ON)
Game Dev ParticipantI liked learning Python, as a person who has some experience with some other languages such as javascript and typescript I really enjoyed the class. I hope in the future there are some programs about web development and website development. o
Grade 10, Grimsby Secondary School (Grimsby, ON)
Game Dev ParticipantMy favourite part about participating in this program was the hands-on coding work. The instructor was nice and the volunteers were helpful whenever people had questions. o
Grade 11, Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School (Oakville, ON)
Game Dev ParticipantI just got into coding this year and the IGNITE program was a great way to learn and improve my coding skills! The teachers are really nice and they make sure that everyone understands what we’re doing and how to do it. The topics and assignments are interesting and fun and could be applied in a lot of different ways. Plus it’s a very relaxed environment where everyone can have fun and learn. I would honestly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn coding because you get to make awesome stuff no matter what level you’re at. o