Hello, World: Computer Science Foundations, Robotics & AI Literacy

Bring robots alive! Develop computer science skills, such as programming and problem solving, through hands-on challenges with the Sphero BOLT+ robot. Explore the world of cybersecurity, expand AI literacy skills, and grapple with the ethical considerations of artificial intelligence. You’ll apply programming fundamentals using blocks and JavaScript to bring your robot to life, and you’ll harness the power of Sphero BOLT+ and the Sphero Blueprint Engineering Kit to solve robotics missions.

What You’ll Learn

Learn and apply a wide variety of computational thinking skills
Explore the difference between traditional programming with blocks and text, and machine learning (AI)
Use critical thinking skills to solve robotics challenges individually and as part of a team

Who Should Register

This course is for incoming sixth to eighth graders who are curious about computer programming and computer science, and who want to better understand how to leverage technology in an ever-evolving world.

More Information

This course may be of interest to middle school students who have previously enjoyed the course Innovation Lab: Robotics & Coding.

This in-person course is taught on the UW Seattle campus. You’ll need regular access to a laptop. If you can’t bring one, we have a limited number of laptops for students with demonstrated need. You’ll have the opportunity to request one during registration.

There’s a nonrefundable $50 registration fee each quarter you register. See the FAQs page for details about registration, refunds, waitlists and more.

Details

Jun 29–Jul 10, 2026 1A no class on July 3	Day Mon–Fri	Time 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
	Location UW Seattle	Cost $895
	Instructor Caitlin Chamberlin / Mike Signal	Waitlist

Jul 13–Jul 24, 2026 2A	Day Mon–Fri	Time 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
	Location UW Seattle	Cost $995
	Instructor Mike Signal	Waitlist

Jul 13–Jul 24, 2026 2B	Day Mon–Fri	Time 1 p.m.–4 p.m.
	Location UW Seattle	Cost $995
	Instructor Mike Signal	Register