SWVA CAN CREATE!
Unlock your creativity!!
Welcome to SWVA Can Create, an exciting hands-on workshop designed specifically for elementary and middle school students who are eager to transform their creative ideas into tangible app concepts! In a world increasingly dominated by technology, understanding the basics of app design not only sparks imagination but also sets the foundation for future coding skills.
At SWVA Can Create, we believe that everyone has the potential to innovate, and we provide a platform for young minds to experiment without the daunting complexities of coding. Using user-friendly tools like Keynote, participants will explore the thrilling process of app design. These intuitive applications allow students to sketch their visions, craft interactive prototypes, and elevate their ideas in an engaging, enjoyable manner.
What makes this workshop unique is that it allows students to conceptualize and visualize their app ideas without having to dive into coding right away. It’s a perfect introductory experience that helps demystify technology for young learners. By focusing on visualization and design, we enable participants to articulate their thoughts and share their aspirations confidently.
In addition to app design, students will have the opportunity to dabble in 3D modeling using Autodesk Tinkercad. This powerful yet accessible tool lets young creators build amazing 3D creations, bringing their imaginative designs to life. From developing 3D models of their app interfaces to crafting unique characters or objects that could be featured in their apps, the possibilities are endless.
To top it all off, participants will take pride in seeing their digital creations transition from virtual to physical form through our 3D printing sessions. Watching a 3D model morph into a real-world object provides an unforgettable sense of accomplishment and empowers students to appreciate the value of their innovative thinking.
SWVA Can Create is not just about learning; it is about collaboration, enthusiasm, and harnessing creativity. Students will work together, share ideas, and inspire one another, fostering a supportive community of budding innovators. By the end of the workshop, each participant will leave not only with their app prototypes and 3D printed models but also with newfound skills, confidence, and the spark of creativity necessary to pursue future tech endeavors.
Join us at SWVA Can Create, where the journey from imagination to creation begins! This workshop is more than just an introduction to technology; it’s an exploration of what it means to be a creator in today’s digital landscape. We can’t wait to see the incredible ideas that emerge from the minds of tomorrow's innovators!
SWVA Can Create is designed for elementary and middle school students (approximately ages 6–13) who love to imagine and create. Whether you’ve never written a line of code or you’re already tech-savvy, if you enjoy drawing, storytelling, or playing with apps, this workshop is for you! No prior experience needed – just bring your imagination.
Who can Join?
What Students Will Do/Learn:
Brainstorming App Ideas: Find a problem you want to solve or think of a game or story – we’ll help you shape it into an app concept.
Designing in Keynote: Use Apple Keynote on iPad to draw out screens and buttons for your app. (It’s like making a storyboard for your app!)
Creating an Interactive Prototype: Link your Keynote slides to make a clickable app prototype – you can tap through your app as if it’s real.
Show and Tell: Learn how to present your app prototype to others – you’ll get to share your idea with the group, just like a real app pitch.
Why It's Awesome?
Creative Fun: You get to build something from your imagination – like drawing your own comic but it’s an app!
Confidence: By the end, you’ll feel confident sharing ideas and see that technology is something you can create, not just use.
Teamwork: You’ll work with friends and mentors who can help each other bring ideas to life.
Prep for Coding: You’ll be ready for the next level, which is coding those ideas in Swift. SWVA Can Create gives you a head start so you can join SWVA Can Code later with your app already planned out.