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AI Inside and Out

Summer Camp 2025

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the world around us! But what makes AI so powerful? It all comes down to three ingredients: data, smart AI programs, and fast computer hardware.

In this camp, you’ll learn the basics of each of these three important parts of AI: you will explore how silicon chips are made, and how they work together to make AI as powerful as it is today.  You’ll also explore how modern AI has some challenges, like ethical issues, its impact on society, and sustainability concerns.

The camp will offer hands-on experiences to study what is inside silicon chips, how hardware works to make cutting-edge AI hardware, and you will program and train an AI system with real data. Plus, you’ll run your own AI projects on some of the fastest hardware available! During the week we will also visit a local engineering company that specializes in hardware manufacturing to see real-world applications of what you are learning.

No advanced coding skills needed—just a basic understanding of programming and computers. If you’re curious about AI and how it shapes the future, this camp is for you!

ACTIVITIES

Train Your Own AI Model – Learn how artificial intelligence works by programming and training an AI system with real data, then running it on cutting-edge hardware.
Explore AI Technology – Discover how silicon chips power AI, the role of data and smart programs, and the challenges AI brings, including ethics, societal impact, and sustainability.
Build and Program Electronics – Assemble and code a small, programmable device used in robotics and smart gadgets.
Explore U-M’s Labs – Tour North Campus and visit research labs like the Michigan Center for Materials Characterization (MC)² and J.D. Hanawalt X-Ray MicroAnalysis Laboratory.
Take a Closer Look with Tools –Watch demos of X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
Explore Computer Parts – Open an old desktop, see what’s inside, and learn how computers process information.
Learn Chip Design – Discover how computer chips are made and discuss trends like gaming graphics and AI.
Visit an Engineering Company – See how engineers solve problems with semiconductors.

DATES

Session 1:
June 23 – June 27
Session 2:
July 7 – July 11
Session 3:
July 28 – August 1
Session 4:
August 18 – August 22

FAQS

For More Information or Questions, Please Contact:

Emily Johnson
ejbook@umich.edu
MAVERIC – Project Manager
Michigan Advanced Vision for Education and Research In Integrated Circuits
University of Michigan