Robotics Maker Summer Camp
For most kids, summer is meant for hanging out, family vacations, and just plain goofing off. CTE Teachers Brendan King and Mike Bertram held a Robotics Maker Summer Camp. The five-day workshop provided these students with an opportunity to use their imaginations to design, create, experiment, build and program a robot that actually worked.
Students were taught how to safely use tools such as hot glue guns, saws, box cutters, soldering irons, electric drills and pliers to build their robots. Additionally, they were provided with basic electronics and programming lessons so that they could build their robot’s circuits using wires, LED lights, sensors, motors and servos to animate their creations.
Each day, students planned, designed, built, programmed their robot using computers, electronic components and gobs of craft material. Campers also played fun engineering games and activities designed to promote fun and interaction through creativity and team building. The instructors helped the students learn by encouraging them to tap into creative processes through inquiry and problem-based learning methods.
Students built amazing projects and the students constantly impressed their instructors with their imagination. Each camp culminated with an open house attended by parents, grandparents and siblings.
Designed to generate and develop student interest in STEM learning and programs, the workshops introduced them to real-world skills as taught in Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes. Students interested in exploring the possibility of a career in computer science or robotics now have a clear pathway, starting in the middle schools, later continuing through high school and college. Offering robust STEM and Computer Science classes is one way that CTE is at the forefront of innovation in education in Washington. Walla Walla supports Washington State’s responsibility to prepare all students for success in career, college and life.
