FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Although robots haven't wiggled their way in mainstream society just yet, some were busy wiggling their way into the minds of potential future engineers during one of the Fort Rucker Center Library's most popular learning experiences.
Children got the chance to create Wiggle Bots during the library's latest Mad Scientist Workshop Feb. 15, which provided an introduction into engineering that was meant to not only provide a fun activity for family members, but help expand the minds of the installation's youth, said Cameron Hill, center library youth librarian.
Through the activity, Hill said the children learn about engineering concepts through building because they are able to create the robots themselves with the help of a little instruction.
"We provide the materials, but it's up to them on what they wanted their robot to look like or how they want them to move," she said.
Some of the supplies children were able to use to build their robots included gears, wires, battery packs, motors and a host of other materials that they could utilize to customize their creations.
They were provided with an instructional pamphlet, as well as a video to get them started, but ultimately the decision to create was their own, which Hill said was an important part of the process.
"It's just very satisfying (to create something yourself) and it enhances the creativity of the child and their imagination," said the youth librarian.
For Karen Anderson, military spouse, who brought her son, Wyatt, the workshop was a great opportunity for her son to not only take part in a learning activity, but to do so in an environment where he can interact with others, as well.
"Wyatt is home schooled, so this is a good opportunity for him to take part in (science activities) with other kids, and we really enjoy the library," she said. "My daughter is younger, too, so she can enjoy the other books while he's doing this."
Anderson admitted that Wyatt wasn't the only one having fun during the activity, as she enjoyed helping him create during the process.
"I was having fun, too, and I had fun the last time we came, too," she said. "This is really nice because this is a really rural area and we used to go to the children's museum all the time (in Minneapolis-St. Paul) where you have more access to things like this.
"I just think this is really cool and all of this stuff that they have here is really awesome," she said. "We make sure to register every month (for these events.)"
The next Mad Scientist Workshop is scheduled for April 19 and people must register to attend. For more information, call 255-3885.
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