Future Ready Robotics Camp a Success
One of Genesis' fun-filled STEM summer camps, Future Ready Robotics Camp, took place recently (July 13th-15th) at St. Louis Catholic School. A total of 33 students (entering into grades 5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th) became robotic engineers as they built drivetrains, plows, hooks, and catapults in preparation for the final challenge on the third day. The camp was designed to teach students about how to build, operate, and compete with their team-built robot in hopes that it would inspire them to join their robotics team at school.
Throughout the three-day camp, students learned about gear ratios, such as driving/driven gears and compound gear reductions. Students were also challenged to complete the "Think, Do, Test" Activity, which encouraged them to use their cognitive, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, and were also challenged to adjust the torque and speed of their robot while keeping careful notes in their Robotics Journal.
“It’s been really inspirational and I’ve just enjoyed seeing the creativity that these young students provide,” said Riley Schebler, a Volunteer for Future Ready Robotics Camp. “I’ve learned a lot, that’s for sure.”
On the last day of camp, students competed in the VEX IQ 2021-2022 “Pitching In” Challenge, where teams worked together to score as many points as possible by manipulating yellow balls into certain areas on the playing field. The First Place winner was Red Group #2, made up of Ruby Brown and Riley Sullivan. Second Place winners were Kaylie Effing, Grant Hartwell, and Grant Streator, representing Blue Group #1. The Third Place winner was Purple Group #2, made up of Dominic Wiley and Elijah Smart.
Genesis would like to extend a huge thank you to our teachers and volunteers who assisted with planning and implementing the camp! Sponsors for this year's camp included the following: Amack's Well, Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, Purdue IN-MaC, Ripley County Court Services JDAI, and the Ripley County Community Foundation. Genesis Pathways to Success, along with local teachers and volunteers, hope to hold this camp again during the summer of 2022.