Over 60 seventh graders from Wedgewood and Woodward Park Middle Schools participated in a hands-on robotics workshop at Columbus State Community College on July 15, 2023. The event, titled “Dive Into STEM,” marked its debut in Columbus as part of a collaborative effort between the Robotics Education and Competition (REC) Foundation and Google. Aimed at igniting interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) among young students, the workshop provided an engaging environment for learning and creativity.
Students were grouped into teams of four, each tasked with building a remote-controlled robot. These robots were designed with a drivetrain, four wheels, two motors, and an arm equipped with a claw, showcasing the ingenuity and teamwork of the participants. According to a statement from Columbus City Schools, each team split responsibilities, with one segment focused on constructing the base while the other worked on the robot’s top. The competition concluded with a challenge where the team capable of collecting the most items using their robot’s claws was declared the winner.
Kelly Gunn, an administrative business partner at Google, highlighted the significance of inclusivity in STEM education. “We want to help close that gap within technology and STEM to ensure that all students and all kids are having this opportunity to learn something new,” she stated. This sentiment underscores Google’s ongoing commitment to fostering technological skills among a diverse range of students.
The workshop benefited from volunteer support from both Google and the REC Foundation. However, it was the involvement of high school mentors from the North Union High School competitive robotics team that particularly inspired the middle schoolers. Patrick Price, regional support manager for the REC Foundation, noted the importance of hands-on experiences in workforce development. He remarked, “It’s important for students to participate in these community-building events so they can learn those soft skills our job creators are looking for.”
The event not only provided valuable experience for the young participants but also highlighted the fast-paced evolution of technology, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and adaptation. By engaging in practical activities, students were able to develop critical skills that will serve them well in future academic and career pursuits.
Overall, the “Dive Into STEM” workshop exemplifies how collaborative efforts can effectively inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers. As technology continues to advance, initiatives like this play a vital role in equipping students with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly complex world.
