The University Center’s LEGO Robotics Camps concluded on Thursday, June 17. For five weeks this summer, the University Center bustled with the activity of 2nd-7th graders engaged in STEM education through LEGO Robotics. Camps included three sessions of WeDo Robotics and one session each of Introductory Robotics, Machines and Mechanisms, and Space Challenge.
Approximately 70 students from Ponca City and surrounding areas attended. Students’ schools included Deer Creek Lamont, First Lutheran, Frontier, Kildare, McCord, Newkirk, and St. Mary’s. Ponca City Public Schools sites represented included Lincoln, Roosevelt, Trout, Union, and Woodlands Elementaries, plus West Middle School. Several homeschooled students attended, and there were even some students from Bartlesville.
In the Lego WeDo camps for grades 2-4, students build motorized LEGO models and use simple programming in problem solving scenarios. The other camps are for grades 5-7. The Level 1 camp is Introductory Robotics and Programing. Students collaborate to learn the basics of computer coding and build a robot that can interpret the code. Students enjoy programming robots to navigate a maze and create a class synchronized dance. The Level 2 camp is Machines and Mechanisms. Students create code and build robots to complete complex tasks including those related to renewable energy. The Space Challenge camp requires students to use problem solving skills to conquer challenges related to space exploration. These challenges include initiating a shuttle launch to Mars and setting up a satellite for communication.
Aiden Feemster, a 7th grader at Newkirk Middle School, enthusiastically participated in three of the camps. He reflected, “I loved all of the camps, but Level 2 (Machines and Mechanisms) was my favorite because of the combination of pneumatics and the process of robotics. It was so hands-on.”
Britany Lawrence has worked at the camps since they began in 2018. “It is cool to get to see the kids discover how things work and figure out different problem solving situations. I also love how the students watch and learn from each other. Some students that were in some of the first camps are now pursuing education and careers in computer science and other STEM-related fields.”
Campers at this week’s LEGO WeDo camp display some of their creations.
The UC LEGO camps originated in 2018 under the leadership of then-CEO, now PCPS Superintendent Adam Leaming. The series of camps continue to be a favorite of area students. Phillips 66 has provided generous grants to provide the necessary resources including materials and personnel. This year the Next 1 Up Foundation partnered with the UC to provide generous scholarships to help offset tuition costs. Camp leaders included Britany Lawrence, Dakota Reames, and Deb Jones.
The University Center takes seriously its role in helping students experience the joys and challenges of STEM. Many will continue their journey through high school, college, and beyond, becoming leaders in STEM-related fields.
In addition to LEGO Robotics for younger students, the University Center at Ponca City partners with accredited colleges and universities to make college programs and degrees accessible in Ponca City and Northern Oklahoma. Their current educational partners are Northern Oklahoma College (NOC) and Northwestern Oklahoma State University (NWOSU). For more information about the University Center, call the UC at 580-718-5600, visit their website at UCPoncaCity.com, follow their Facebook and Instagram pages, or drop by for a visit at 2800 N. 14th Street in Ponca City.
Conner Ellzey creates code for his robot during Space Challenge Camp
