Robotics Camps & Teacher Workshops at HCC Brandon Focuses on Engaging Girls in STEM

TAMPA, Fla. - June 12, 2013 - PRLog -- Florida Advanced Technological Education (FLATE) Center, the National Science Foundation Center of Excellence in high-tech manufacturing is partnering with Hillsborough Community College (HCC) and the School District of Hillsborough County to offer several robotics camps for middle and high school students this summer. The camps will be held in the student services building at HCC’s Brandon campus, and are designed to introduce middle and high school students to the world of robotics and automation, and to explore its applications in both industrial and personal settings.

During this exciting program, students will learn how to reconfigure LEGO MINDSTORMS Robots and program them to follow specific commands, be part of several robotic team challenges, learn design techniques, and operate 3D printers. The curriculum is a mixture of Lego educational materials that are integrated with Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) subjects, and are conducted in a competitive, problem-based learning environment. Campers also develop a knowledge base of modern manufacturing, robotics, design and programming while adding to team building experiences.

Schedule and list of robotics camps include:

June 17- 21:        Introductory Camp for Middle School (GIRLS ONLY!)

June 21:          Recruiting Girls for STEM Pathways Workshop for Teachers

June 24-28:         Introductory Camp I for Middle School students

July 9-12:        Introductory Camp II for Middle School students

July 15-19:          Intermediate Camp I for Middle School Students

July 22-26:          Intermediate Camp II for Middle School Students

July 29-Aug. 2:    Engineering Camp for High School students

WHAT:          Lego® Mindstorms® Summer Robotics Camps (and)

         Recruiting Girls for STEM Pathways Teacher Workshop

WHERE:          Hillsborough Community College-Brandon.    

The “Recruiting Girls for STEM Pathways” workshop for teachers will focus on curriculum and resources designed to engage girls in STEM. This one day professional development workshop will be held June 21, 2013, and will feature best practices for teachers, recruiters, counselors, educators and anyone interested in promoting STEM careers to girls. Participants will have the opportunity to interact and engage in dialogue with a panel of STEM experts, explore STEM based resources, and engage in the development of strategic STEM based curriculum materials. A $100 stipend will be offered to all participants who attend the workshop, and develop a workable implementation plan.          

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Marilyn Barger, executive director of FLATE, Desh Bagley, camp manager, and Dr. Marie Boyette and Nina Stokes, teacher camp directors will be available for interviews. Opportunity for photo and video coverage will also be available.