WIESBADEN, Germany -- Playing with robots might not sound like a fun summertime activity for most kids, but sparks were flying in the Wiesbaden High School art room as middle school Robo Campers got started on their solar energy-powered cars.
Ninety applicants signed up for the two-week program headed by Frank Pendzich, instructor of engineering and technology. The first week, Aug. 4-8, focused on green technology, while the second week centered on robotics technology. The camp is one piece of The Robo Warriors' push for students to pursue an interest in science, technology, engineering and math, better known as STEM.
The first day began with a team-building exercise to keep a helium stick afloat.
"The most important thing we do here is to get kids to work collectively and make sure no one is standing off to the side," said Pendzich. "Sometimes the quietest ones have the most to contribute."
Students worked in groups of four to construct a solar-powered car from a kit with minimal guidance from Pendzich. At one point, he paused their progress to explain just how solar-powered energy works with his own demonstration. They also learned about wind turbine, fossil fuels, fuel cell and hydrogen energy throughout the week.
"They know carbon is an issue, and we will talk about nuclear energy. It's important for them to realize where energy comes from," he said. "They know [electricity] comes from an electrical outlet, but they don't yet understand the process."
Only 16 percent of American high school seniors are proficient in mathematics and interested in a STEM career, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Among those who do go on to pursue a college major in the STEM fields, only about half choose to work in a related career. The U.S. is ranked 25th in mathematics and 17th in science among industrialized nations.
"Our country needs engineers. I look across these kids and know some will build energy-efficient engines…cure cancer or solve problems we don't even know about yet," added Pendzich. "We work hard to make sure we stay on the cutting edge."
Jared Yarborough, a rising freshman, said he's "always loved robotics."
"I'm not good with planning a project out on paper, but I'm really good with just getting down and building it to see what works," said Yarborough, who hopes to pursue engineering in the military as a career.
Michelle Hollenbeck, an 8th grader, is already an avid engineer but wanted to try building with tools she didn't already have.
"When I don't have schoolwork I like to build things," she added.
Members of the high school's Robo Warriors club were also on hand to help campers navigate construction. The price of the camp not only recruits future club members, but helps them offset the costs of competing in robotics competitions stateside.
Anyone interested in Robo Warriors should contact Frank Pendzich at frank.pendzich@eu.dodea.edu or visit the website at robo.eportalnow.net.
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