FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Scroll down to explore our responses to frequently asked questions about our popular LEGO, robotics, and technology summer programs. If you still have a question or would like to talk with us, just give us a call at (650) 638-0500.

General Questions

What is TechKnowHow's teaching philosophy?

TechKnowHow classes are designed so that students can learn technology skills while engaged in interesting hands-on projects. Our goal is to have students learn how to do some amazing things with technology—all in a supportive and fun atmosphere.



What is the camper-teacher ratio?

The camper-teacher ratio for our camps is 10:1.



What types of students are the classes designed for?

If a student has a strong interest in the class content, there is a very strong likelihood that he/she will enjoy the class, regardless of his/her experience with specific technology (computers, LEGO® elements, etc.). We have found that interest, and not prior experience, is the key ingredient in ensuring a meaningful experience in our classes.



Will there be adult supervision throughout the day?

Yes! Our staff supervise the students throughout the day, both in class, as well as during the recess and lunch breaks.



Does each student have their own Computer/LEGO® components/building kit to work with?

For all camps, students receive their own building kits and computers to work on their projects. In the Python and Java camps, students will work on computer projects at their own computer, but will pair up for the supplemental robotics project.



Do students have any time for outdoor recreation?

Yes, we have a 20 minute recess break in the morning and another in the afternoon. During these times, students and staff go outside to eat snacks and participate in different recreation activities. In addition, if the student is staying full day, there is a half-hour lunch recess between classes.



Do you serve lunch or a snack?

No, please have each camper bring his/her own lunch, snacks and beverages.



Is there extended care supervision available?

Yes, the majority of our locations offer morning and afternoon extended care. Please visit the locations pages or check the daily schedule of each camp to determine if extended day hours are available.



Program Questions

What types of computers do students work with?

The students work with Windows-PC laptops, except in select classes where we also use Apple iPad®s.



Do students get to take home their computer work?

Yes, students take home the majority of their computer projects on a USB drive.



Do students get to take home their building projects?

Since we use our LEGO® & K'NEX® elements and electronics supplies in classes throughout the year, students do not take home the projects that they build in class. We can provide a list of affordable suppliers for parts, though, if your son/daughter wants to get pieces/kits used in our classes. Also, students in the camps for ages 5-9 do take home a camp t-shirt and some classes get a mini LEGO® building kit as well!



Who are the instructors?

All of our instructors are individuals who have a great interest and ability in teaching technology to students in an exciting way. Some are current school teachers or are involved in university programs, pursuing teaching credentials or secondary degrees in education or educational technology. Others are college students pursuing degrees in computer science. Many instructors have taught classes with us in previous summers and/or assist in developing curriculum during the school year. Each instructor is trained in teaching specific lessons involving the software and technology products in the courses. In addition, all instructors go through a criminal history background check through the California Department of Justice. To view a sample of instructors, click here.



What about the age ranges...will my child be too young or old compared to the rest of the class?

Our camper age ranges are determined based on our many years of experience as well as project testing with students. If your child falls in the suggested age or grade range and has interest in the topic, there is a strong likelihood that he/she will enjoy the camp. If your child is turning the correct age for a specific camp by September just following the summer, you may register your camper without requesting an age exemption request. Anyone who is too young for the camp and whose birthday is after September would not be a good fit for the camp due to the class content and age of other students. It is best to wait a year and/or enroll in a camp which fits the students' age. Furthermore, since most classes have multiple instructors, we may arrange the seating of students so that the students are grouped by age. In this way, one or more instructors will work with the younger students, while another works with the older ones in the class. The base projects, lessons and software used in a class are the same for all students; the older students' work, on average, may have more details, enhancements, and extras. You can call us to get the current mix of students by age in a specific class.



Are TechKnowHow® camps suitable for girls?

Yes, our camps are designed to be fun and educational for both boys and girls! The number of girls attending our camps has been growing each year, and we find that those enrolled have a great time and enjoy working on the featured projects. If you wish to find out the current mix of students by gender in a specific class, please give us a call. Also, we an all- girl camp called Girls Know Tech, for ages 7-10.



Registration Questions

What types of computers do students work with?

The students work with Windows-PC laptops, except in select classes where we also use Apple iPad®s.



Do students get to take home their computer work?

Yes, students take home the majority of their computer projects on a USB drive.



Do students get to take home their building projects?

Since we use our LEGO® & K'NEX® elements and electronics supplies in classes throughout the year, students do not take home the projects that they build in class. We can provide a list of affordable suppliers for parts, though, if your son/daughter wants to get pieces/kits used in our classes. Also, students in the camps for ages 5-9 do take home a camp t-shirt and some classes get a mini LEGO® building kit as well!



Who are the instructors?

All of our instructors are individuals who have a great interest and ability in teaching technology to students in an exciting way. Some are current school teachers or are involved in university programs, pursuing teaching credentials or secondary degrees in education or educational technology. Others are college students pursuing degrees in computer science. Many instructors have taught classes with us in previous summers and/or assist in developing curriculum during the school year. Each instructor is trained in teaching specific lessons involving the software and technology products in the courses. In addition, all instructors go through a criminal history background check through the California Department of Justice. To view a sample of instructors, click here.



What about the age ranges...will my child be too young or old compared to the rest of the class?

Our camper age ranges are determined based on our many years of experience as well as project testing with students. If your child falls in the suggested age or grade range and has interest in the topic, there is a strong likelihood that he/she will enjoy the camp. If your child is turning the correct age for a specific camp by September just following the summer, you may register your camper without requesting an age exemption request. Anyone who is too young for the camp and whose birthday is after September would not be a good fit for the camp due to the class content and age of other students. It is best to wait a year and/or enroll in a camp which fits the students' age. Furthermore, since most classes have multiple instructors, we may arrange the seating of students so that the students are grouped by age. In this way, one or more instructors will work with the younger students, while another works with the older ones in the class. The base projects, lessons and software used in a class are the same for all students; the older students' work, on average, may have more details, enhancements, and extras. You can call us to get the current mix of students by age in a specific class.



Are TechKnowHow® camps suitable for girls?

Yes, our camps are designed to be fun and educational for both boys and girls! The number of girls attending our camps has been growing each year, and we find that those enrolled have a great time and enjoy working on the featured projects. If you wish to find out the current mix of students by gender in a specific class, please give us a call. Also, we an all- girl camp called Girls Know Tech, for ages 7-10.



Still have a question? We'd be more than happy to talk with you in person! Give us a call at (650) 638-0500.

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