Summer of robotics education at San Jacinto College

Jeannie Peng-Armao -- July 30, 2012

PASADENA, Texas — San Jacinto College is hosting a series of robotics camps this summer with the purpose of increasing interest in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) career fields.

The mathematics department at the Central Campus coordinated two robotics camps for elementary, middle, and high school students this month. RoboS.T.A.R.S. welcomed fifth to seventh-grade students to learn the basics of robots and programming, while also participating in team-building activities essential to the world of competitive robotics. The department followed up with the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics Camp, where campers in eighth to12th grade built and programmed competition-style robots according to FTC materials. FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a nonprofit organization devoted to helping young people discover and develop a passion for STEM. San Jacinto College is now considered a FTC affiliate partner for the southeast region of Texas.

The College's Aerospace Academy hosted the Water Bots camp, designed to provide middle and high school students with hands-on instruction in water robotics. During the weeklong camp, participants were also treated to a tour of the NASA-Johnson Space Center and the Sonny Carter Neutral Buoyancy Lab to see where astronauts train for their missions.

Catch a glimpse of the robotics camps at San Jacinto College:

About San Jacinto College

Surrounded by monuments of history, industries and maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has been serving the citizens of East Harris County, Texas, for more than 50 years. The Achieving the Dream Leader College is committed to the goals and aspirations of a diverse population of 30,000 students in more than 200 degree and certificate options, including university transfer and career preparation. Students also benefit from the College’s job training programs, renowned for meeting the needs of growing industries in the region. San Jacinto College graduates contribute nearly $630 million each year to the Texas workforce. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.

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