Sci-Tech Discovery Center and the Arts and Technology Institute today announced the launch of TECHNOVATION, a series of technology workshops designed for 5th through 8th graders. Beginning in December, workshops utilizing technology to drive innovation and creative design will be held from 4:45-8:00 pm the first Friday of each month. Topics include robotics, animation, digital imaging and video game design.

“Over the last 15-20 years, a paradigm shift has changed our world and the way we communicate, collaborate and share information. Kids born during this time are fundamentally different in a way they receive, process and use the information. Creating has become the thinking skill required for the real-world problem solving, information processing and new idea formation,” explains Yulia Piller, Founder and CEO of the Arts and Technology Institute. “Our workshops help children combine their knowledge with new skills they will learn and create projects that are relevant to the world around them.”

Each TECHNOVATION workshop costs $40.00 for Sci-Tech Discovery Center members and $50.00 for non-members and includes professional instruction, materials, dinner and drinks. Discounted pricing is available for participants who choose to attend the entire series. All workshops, with the exception of the January one, will be held after hours at Sci-Tech Discovery Center, which is located at 8004 North Dallas Parkway, Frisco, TX inside the Frisco Discovery Center. The January workshop will be held at the Arts and Technology Institute, located at 4681 Ohio Drive #108, Frisco, TX. For more information or to register, visit www.mindstretchingfun.org or call 972.546.3050 x106.

The schedule for the TECHNOVATION series is as follows:

Friday, December 2 Robotics
Friday, January 6 Digital Graphics
Friday, February 3 Animation
Friday, March 2 Game Design

“Sci-Tech is excited to partner with the Arts and Technology Institute to offer dynamic programming for middle school and junior high school students, ” says Erica Yaeger, Sci-Tech Executive Director. “This collaborative relationship with ATI
allows us to expand our offerings while providing local teens a fun, educational way to spend their Friday evenings. ”

Sci-Tech Discovery Center, Inc. was established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, educational organization in 2004 in response to community demand for a cultural and educational destination in Collin County. The Center, which opened permanently in the Frisco Discovery Center in 2010, has a clear mission to provide dynamic, interactive experiences that inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to embrace discovery and innovation through the exploration of math, science and technology. To learn more about Sci-Tech Discovery Center, visit www.mindstretchingfun.org.

The Arts and Technology Institute was established in 2011 as the brainchild of two former Frisco ISD Technology teachers who believe that arts and technology education should not be considered a frill, but a necessity in today’s global information age. Using a variety of multimedia tools, instructors teach children critical skills of digital imaging, writing for digital age and interactive media, video production, robotic engineering in a creative and highly engaged atmosphere.
The training center offers sophisticated learning affording students an opportunity to explore possible career paths. To learn more, visit www.myati.org.