Robot Building STEM Camp a Success!

Text and Picture by Ahni Georgerian, Marietta High School

Last week Building Bridges to Careers had the pleasure to host the first BB2C STEM Camp. We had 21 students, ranging from 6th to 12th grade, take part in the week-long camp. From robot building to drone flying, those in attendance were able to experience vastly unique fields in STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. 

The students’ week consisted of both educational STEM experiences and fun summer activities. With cruising the Valley Gem, visiting Marietta College’s Recreational Center, playing mini golf at Pioneer Golf, and kayaking at Veto Lake, the students’ days were packed with exciting, colorful events in addition to the educational activities.

Students were granted a truly hands on STEM experience. Throughout the week the students worked on an extensive project of building personalized robots with the help of Makerspace instructors. This process exposed the students to various skills and introduced them to multiple aspects of STEM, including computer-aided-design, laser cutting, 3D printing, and programming circuit boards. Skills in teamwork and design collaboration were vital in order to succeed in the end-of-week robot competition between students’ teams.

Along with the robotics project, there were other educational activities granting a full-scale view of STEM’s influence on our world. On Tuesday the students went on a field trip to Mondo’s Polymer Plant which gave a first hand view of robotics use in industrial settings. Wednesday morning, professional drone photographer Davis Powers came into the Makerspace to display drone technology’s capabilities in both business and scientific fields. These activities widened the lens of the students’ understanding of STEM’s involvement in today’s society.

This camp could not have been executed with such success without the help of all involved. A very warm thank you to the Governor's Office of Appalachia, Buckeye Hills Regional Council, Marietta College, Mondo’s Polymer Plant, Davis Powers, our Makerspace instructors, camp counselors, and all other associates. With their involvement we were able to grant these students a foundation in STEM skills and an introduction to its wondrous role in our world.

We are very pleased with the success of the 2019 BB2C STEM Camp and hope to continue providing students and adults alike these beneficial educational experiences through our organization. For more information into our future endeavors visit our Facebook page or explore our website, there is always something new and exciting to take part in!